mamazshanna

My first craft fair: Craftin' Carnival

2011-09-10T13:14:00.003-06:00

Hello, it's me! If I can get all my bizniz together by tomorrow, I'll be at the Craftin' Carnival. Visit us at Work Brite : 4120 Brighton Blvd from 10 - 6. I'll have some affordable prints. Good people! Also, here's my Special Purpose for things I do and did.

2011-06-15T16:35:00.005-06:00

I've been posting on my tumblr Special Purpose. It's a bit easier. Follow me here or there. Thanks, Z.

2011-04-29T12:01:00.004-06:00

Here are the finished pieces. After a few tries, my epoxy is turning out pretty smooth. Smooth, but there are still bubbles on the 4x7's. We'll call that a happy accident. Next time, I'll let the first seal coat sit for an hour or so. As always, speed kills.

It's been a while since I sat alone, listening to music until the wee hours of the morning. These little pieces gave something back to me that I haven't had for a very long time. Sure, I had to wake up at 8 in the morning to nanny, but it all worked out. Next ups: pouring Kayla @beesters portrait, making some more magnets and the "photoshoot" for Paul's portrait. I'd like to finish that mother before the end of summer.

Gretta's Anniversary Gift

2011-04-14T04:21:00.005-06:00

A cropped view of Gretta's portrait. This woman and her husband live off the coast in Australia. Saturday is their 7th anniversary. If only I could deliver it by hand.

If you need one, follow this link.

Wine Portrait for Katie

2011-04-13T19:41:00.003-06:00

This portrait is for Katie's friend. Here is my original etsy listing so you can see the changes... Poof! Blondes!

Amanda Has A Cat

2011-04-08T01:36:00.002-06:00

Well, now I can say I know how to draw a cat and a Badger. For Amanda, thank you for your patience. Your token to catwomandome is on it's way.

Little David Has Three Girls

2011-03-16T02:00:00.003-06:00

Ava, Emerson & Harper Ballew, 2011. Love you, Cousin Zshanna.

He's Draining Me

2011-03-16T00:48:00.006-06:00

Today, I colored a print with my new aqua Aquarelle.
Back in the land of milk and honey, I drew this bust of a woman, avec son petit punk, who fills like a bag. She was inked for my last show. This idea is from around the time I began to feel mi preciouso fetus kick from the inside. Back when I needed a burrito every few hours to stay sane. Then, this afternoon, having my friend and her newborn over, it all came whooshing back to me. Such work! Such love! Love my girls.
Let us empathize.

F is for Freedom!

2011-03-15T22:08:00.003-06:00

Starting to list the projects I've worked on! Here's a little "F" made for Freedom's Frird birfday. Might be, I'm a wee bit attention-deficited hyperactively-disordered for this stuff. Motivated by necessity, I will make my way through the alphabet.

It is time to eat ok

2011-02-26T03:58:00.005-07:00

I made this for Miles and his obsession with ahbah beeyo, nandy and happy to yous. I like that there are no commas.

Pigeonia

2011-02-23T14:33:00.003-07:00

I'm documenting a great detail of my life, but for the most part, I've kept the Majesty of Pigeons experience to myself. Until now. Drive by and you will see our roof, it's pigeons, our plastic owl, our chicken wire crown that tops our home... You might see me in the front yard howling, hurling wood chips at the bastards, spraying them with the "jet" setting of my garden hose, cursing lto myself. It seems one of the clan died of natural pigeon causes yesteday. Whilst working away, I heard a thump and thought "dead pigeon?" looked to the window and poof "dead pigeon!" I did not take a photo of this. It landed on the neighbors property. Which brings me to a useful link: What to do with your dead pigeon ... http://bit.ly/h50sj9

I Give You The Business

2011-02-15T13:54:00.009-07:00

Ahhh, the hustle of an independent designer. I've spent so many years of my life in Denver unemployed, or loosely employed, or employed in a position that has no future, or looking for employment. I had a little sister sister that passed away in 2003, followed by stint with no nothin' to report to. I made time to draw everyday. For a good couple years, in the land before blogs, I committed myself to a drawing a day (or more) and this served as my school, my job, and my goal, putting one foot in front of the other. Putting perfection aside and letting me be bad, gave me freedom to finish 4. I'm working on my fifth.

One day, I hope to better represent what I have in my thoughts. The goal as an artist to get each idea down is a job in itself... nevermind the demands of my children, my house.
On a good day, my work comes across as cute or pretty or subtle. I like being in my sketchbook, where I'm comfortable. For now, painting takes too long. I am on a search for a new medium.

Good Ol' Jessica Jones.

2010-12-22T13:21:00.003-07:00

I finished Jessica's order including a portrait for her mother, her brother who just had a baby girl, her father and step-father. Also included was a lovely magnet set of twelve and a framed golden girls portrait. After the holidays, I'm putting my shop on hold and my two final portraits on priority.

Todo for Life.

2010-12-22T03:45:00.004-07:00

There was a time in childhood where I actually thought... "hmm, maybe I could be a cop". This is not possible. However there are things I would like to get to, one way or another, before I die. I want:

to learn the right way to cut hair.
to be a make-up artist.
to be a set designer.
to be an oil painter.
to build a treehouse.
a make-over.
to learn the drums.
to find a new city.

to be continued...

Bieber Plus Kyra!

2010-12-06T19:55:00.012-07:00

For those of you who are unaware of the devotion I have to my family of angels, take a look at this fine case of photoshoppin'.

Kyra wants a poster of Monsieur Bieber for x-mas. A little $2 poster.

Such a thing, on the wall... I couldn't look at it everyday. So, I promised to make her something better. I made this. We've decided to add a Bieber to a photo of every girl she knows. We've joined powers to form Bieberplus. That's Bieber + you, or her or him. Forever. Jeez. We are good.

Erasing Beans

2010-12-03T13:12:00.004-07:00

Writing a sensible listing takes a little concentration. My boy's recent fanatical love for throwing milk has kept me distracted from all sorts of promises. So, this is a scan of my sketch. She is a piece I haven't posted yet. There are many. Ahh, I live for drawing hands and hair. I heart the inks and little gigs that force you to tighten up.

Noodles

2010-12-03T12:49:00.005-07:00

After dinner, I take plain leftover noodles, stick'em in a cupcake pan then stick that pan in the freezer. After a few minutes, they're stiff and ready to transfer to a freezer bag. Miles will eat almost anything with a noodle. This is a lifesaver.

Leftovers.

2010-12-03T10:46:00.007-07:00

I made a nerdy, little cord cozy out of leftover pantsuit material and a vintage zipper. I got off on the wrong foot with my first row of stitching, but for 10 minutes work, it's not so bad. I also made a shower curtain from this material my boyfriend had stuffed away. Since I'm rich with patches, I ironed some patches all over it to cover up a tear or two. Then, I grommeted the holes and voila. This is my third shower curtain. My last one was made with the pant suit material. My time with this material has come full circle. *Don't ask about the formatting here... I'm STILL trying to figure out the best way to post from my phone.

Ps and Thankyous.

2010-11-29T01:25:00.002-07:00

This is how our Thanksgiving table looked before we messed it up with all that fine eating we did. Our friends are good. We love them.

Pouring a CFA or Portrait

2010-11-22T10:34:00.006-07:00

I'm sharing my coating process.

These pieces, Sammich and Dark Days, were made for a Mr. Thompson in San Francisco. I had trouble with the coat, probably because I was taking hundred pictures during the process.

Note #1: Don't multi-task. In fact, don't do two at a time.

After printing the images onto vellum and cutting them to fit the frame I color the back of the images with a watercolor pencil, which tends to have a nice fade when it is placed on top of the first layer of epoxy. In these images, I used rubber cement to adhere the drawing to the frame. I've learned this is not the best solution because of the air bubble that results under the image. I recommend pouring a thin layer of the mixed Envirotex Lite onto the surface, letting that harden for a bit, say 20 minutes or so. Lay your drawing into that and press the bubbles out as you go. Let that sit for another while.

To pour a CFA you will need a lighter, a torch, two clean, disposable cups and a stick for stirring. Simultaneously pour the two bottles into your cup, making sure they are in positively equal amounts. Stir for two minutes, scraping the sides and bottom with your stir stick. Pour that into a second container and stir more to make sure it is properly mixed. After the mixing you pour a layer onto your drawing. Get the epoxy to cover the entire surface evenly. Make sure your table is level because the epoxy will move around and level itself over the next few minutes.

When you come back you will see bubbles. You want to pop these bubble with hot air. If you are working on a very tiny piece your breath is strong enough to do this. On larger pieces you get to use a torch.

Light your torch, keep it on a low setting and lightly sweep the fire across the surface being careful around the edges of the frame. It seems that every piece I send out has a burn mark or two. Be careful not to over-do this part.

This is your last chance to pour a smooth piece. You must pay attention to any falling dust that will end up stuck in the surface. In this time you must take your epoxy stirring stick and drop a little epoxy onto the dust, drowning it out until you see the surface is clear of dust, bubbles, etc.

Quickly, carefully cover your piece with a shoebox. I like to do another dust check in 5 minutes. After that, leave it alone for 24 hours. If in 24 hours, you come back to your piece and it's sticky or tacky, then your mix was imbalanced. Another coat will fix this.

Making Max for 10 bucks

2010-11-12T17:01:00.005-07:00

So far all my son's costumes have been black and white. For his 3rd Halloween, Miles was Max from Where the Wild Things Are. I found a little lamb costume at the thrift store and made the hat out of furbric and pipe cleaners with my sewing machine. The claws are felt with fur sewn on top of a ring of elastic. The tail goes through a hole back of the costume and ties around the waist. I made his crown from gold spray paint and cardboard, his staph from a chopstick, a rubber ball and a bead. I've gone through bags of glue sticks this week. Cute. Good. Goodbye Halloween.

Matryoshka

2010-09-01T12:18:00.002-06:00

Here is a Clutter print of my personal nesting doll available at my Etsy...

Guest Bath Print

2010-08-18T12:51:00.002-06:00

Finished! A reprint, hand-colored and ready for the buyer... Now, if only I could suddenly sprout wings and a pouch to deliver it.

New Work.

2010-08-17T01:55:00.006-06:00

Finally.

Let Your Haters Be Your Motivators!

2010-08-16T16:28:00.002-06:00

Clutter Print for Wicked Stepmothers Kyra Like The by mamazshanna

My Dream.

2010-08-11T12:49:00.009-06:00

I drew her one morning, err afternoon, after waking up from the most soothing dream I've ever had in my life. A playskool airplane flew through the clouds... a little symphony played on top of the little plastic plane.

"To see an airplane in your dream, indicates that you will overcome your obstacles and rise to a new level of prominence and status. You may experience a higher consciousness, new-found freedom and greater awareness. Perhaps you need to gain a better perspective or wider view on something. If the airplane is taking off, then it suggests that an idea or plan is about to "take off" and be put into action. It may also represent you need to get away and escape from your daily life."

Now, this is a hell of a lot better than the waitressing / crumbly teeth nightmares I'm used to. I'm also, quite proud of the light on her stripes.

Sidenote: This photo is also test of my flickr account. How am I supposed to make this useful? Don't I already have at least three places to post the ol' facebucket? Is my phone supposed to upload to flicker? It does not.

The Horror.

2010-08-09T12:46:00.003-06:00

Knowing my love for a woman to draw, a dear friend of mine gave me a book of horror. This is what I got out of it.

My First Show...

2010-08-09T12:42:00.003-06:00

If anyone purchase a print from me for this show... I will be delighted to replace the print with a better quality, longer lasting copy... for my own peace of mine.

My First Show

2010-08-09T12:41:00.002-06:00

Dawn

2010-08-09T12:17:00.006-06:00

This little lady is a sculpture from my very first show back in 2003 or 2004. A friend of mine was attending a show on Sante Fe at a now defunct studio called Suckerpunch. He called to tell me how silly it was that I hadn't shown my art yet... I concurred. If it weren't for him putting the fire under my butt I would have never scanned my soon to be stolen sketchbooks and I may have never recovered from their loss. I mean it.

My Punk

2010-08-04T21:24:00.003-06:00

Here is more art. A preliminary of my baby elephant...

I'm in the process of cleaning all my prints for my show, which by the end of the week will hopefully total twenty. I'm a bit stressed about the printing process... being on a budget, and all. To be honest, they look lovely right from the little printer (guess that's the beauty of working with ink) but I want them to be spectacular. As I learn about other artists and their printing processes, it leaves me feeling that there's a long road ahead and that my next step in life is learning the art of printmaking. For now, it looks like I'm printing the lines then watercoloring each drawing for saturday's show. Patience is a virtue.

Solid.

2010-08-04T09:56:00.000-06:00

The small Mary and diamond was a gift.

Shmogo.

2010-08-04T09:19:00.005-06:00

Instead of focusing on rest or artwork I did a logo for a band for what turned out to be absolutely nothing. Sigh. Yes, I'm bitter. It's my bitterness... you can't have it. Freelance isn't free, people.

Go To Your Chimney.

2010-08-03T13:41:00.007-06:00

Goya still sleeps in his pen. This pen is in our fireplace.

As much as I would love to have a little spot for my dog that wasn't a cell, you never know when his little wizzer is gonna strike. No amount of trust changes the fact that once or twice a year, he writes a letter to us in pee.
For instance, two days after Kyra left for Texas, he filled the front pocket of her backpack with a pint of urine; when I was pregnant, he pee'd a sonnet into's Chuckie's side of the bed; he pee'd on Shaina's new couch and pillow. As I'm writing this I'm realizing the isolation of these incidences and thinking maybe I should just trust my pug. The peeing seems to be out of love. After all, the little pug appears to be on my side. He hasn't pee'd on my or Miles' anything... yet.

Homely.

2010-08-03T12:10:00.007-06:00

One of the many blessed heads floating about our house, this little guy was done by Chuckie. He guards my sewing kit from gradeschoolers.Now that I'm kinda writing again, I realize how inefficient blogger can be. This doesn't look like much of a complicated post but damn if I can't get this photo to align on the left while keeping the text below.

Thank you.

2010-08-02T01:03:00.004-06:00

Here, I'll Show You...

2010-08-02T00:41:00.004-06:00

I write to alert you, my fifteen precious followers, friends and family that there are only fourteen short days left 'til Clutter, my second solo show with the Fabric Labat Modlivin on east Colfax Avenue.

My show celebrates the light at the end of the tunnel of a sincere case of cabin fever. It's a tribute to our accessories, the details we keep on our shelves, in our windows and on our dashboards that keep us company. Doing dishes I tend to drift... I imagine these objects have better things to do with their time as well. My show is how I imagine them. They, who stare me down as I go about my motherly business, wishing my family well and welcoming our arrival home.

As a child, I dug. I loved a good basement or cupboard to dig through and my grandparent's held my attention for the entirety of my childhood. I made a clubhouse on top of an armoir once... we'd fish out abandoned He-Men and treasure that fell behind it. A case of sentimental attachment as serious as the one I have requires balance. Some time too much is just that, too much. Ahh... there you go, have it now, here I am and here are some photos that inspired the drawings for my upcoming show.

TFL Pop-Up Store Located in the Mod Livin' Loft.

5327 East Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado.

Backed up.

2010-06-07T14:53:00.012-06:00

I've got too much crap to do! So much, in fact, that it's never gonna get done unless I attack it like a kill list. Imagine my satisfaction, and yours, when it's completed. I'm fascinated by the power of list-making.

Etsy : City Folk Art
Pauls wall : start sketch
Print : for hope
Cloud : for Edie
Digital Paint : Noche
Digital Paint : Goya
Mobile : for Michele
Baby Name Art : for Miles, Avi, Lucille (Chloe)
Baby Chairs : paint
Patio Table : paint
Soap : scale blender fat lye scent
Detroit Tshirts : print vinyl for screens
Window : House that jack built
Portfolio : Resurrection

Attached is a darling photo of a order I completed for newlywed couple Jen and Jason. It's a little personalized CFA I made for a girl from elementary school. Facebook is a wonderland.

Back Soon : Redesign!

2010-05-26T10:08:00.006-06:00

I am taking a break from the pressures of not keeping up with my blog. Nevermind.

Just as I type this, I realized I've got something to share. Here is a sketch for a newlywed gift. Now, doesn't that couple look like they were made for each other. No, they are not toast, they are a PB&J. Do you like how I added the freedom of flight with the union of marriage? This may be the opposite of what I or anyone thinks of holy matrimony, but it is something to hope for. I've named it, As we float by, loving each other, the cows will sit and stare with wonder.
Which reminds me. If of my Etsy friends are reading this, make today the day to update your Google Analytics. I followed this Storque article yesterday and it helped me figure out why I haven't had a sale since they changed the way the google shopping market sees, or doesn't see, our listings.

Peace Offering

2010-03-05T12:46:00.003-07:00

I had an etsy screw up. Chuckie mailed off a bolt sans postage. So, covering my etsy ass has cost me several hours. All over a $10 toy that has yet to be returned to me. Sigh. Last night, I started construction on its replacement with the face to be attached shortly. As a sort of peace offering with my customer, I made her a magnetic felt toast with pink jam and toof. Chuckie's 'help' has given this world such a toast.

Honey

2010-02-24T03:00:00.001-07:00

This is for Andrea. She drives all the way to my house from her house on the mountain to cut my dry-ass head of hair while my child sleeps. A good friend deserves a good flier.

Etsy Sales

2010-02-24T02:13:00.007-07:00

I've been selling a lot on and off Etsy. Imagine, there is a woman out there who's using my little koala as a way to tell her man she's pregnant. I have a bolt in South Africa, in the United Kingdom, in Kansas! First person to send me an appreciation photo gets a free gift.

This weekend, during Janet and Zac's wedding, I got to walk through their apartment and was honored to see my City Folk Art upon the walls of such a respectable team. It's always been hard for me to let go of work. Paintings are difficult to say goodbye to. Selling prints seems like the only natural way to go, thus cutting out the separation anxiety entirely. That reminds me, after my next sale, it's officially time to remove the rest of my animals from etsy. I'm keeping what's left.

I sold this Tuffo bolt. Little did I know, it lost an eye and some of it's "structural integrity" in storage. I'm remaking it, stronger, and looking for a better felt. Putting so much time into a teensy creature makes me want to make it last forever. I will post the finale.

Snow. Man.

2010-02-24T02:09:00.007-07:00

Hello invisible family. This is what you're missing. My snow-covered captives and our relentless winter. I'll be home in May, dammit. Isn't anyone gonna bloody visit? Enough, already.

Stepmom & Mom

2010-02-20T12:06:00.011-07:00

Being a parent is hard, being a step-parent is even harder.
It's February and we're coming up on the 3rd Anniversary of The Parent of the Century losing custody of her kids. It's been three years of dressing, feeding, loving and teaching a Kyra. There are no words to describe how very lucky I feel to not know the BM. I would feel sorry for her, if she weren't such a hack.

Phone Painter Collection: Test

2010-02-13T12:10:00.007-07:00

These are drawings from my phone painting program. They remind me of odosketch .

Thrift Store Fiasco

2010-02-05T11:27:00.012-07:00

Oh, boy! I am a thriftin' fool.
My friend Shaina, my son and I went to the aptly named Mile High Thrift Store yesterday. No, I did not find my digital scale, immersion blender or buy any supplies for soap baking but, I did find a steel table for or saw, wooden nesting blocks, a Fisher Price shape bucket thing, a Hello Kitty neck pillow and a big brother to my recently retired teapot. All for $24!
What started out smooth turned to poop. Literally. Miles pee'd first and pooped twenty minutes later. Without any hope of a decent bathroom to change him in, I resorted to the passenger seat of my Volvo. This and the fact that MHTS is a cash-only establishment, tacked an additional 45 minutes to our journey's completion, which made us a wicked half-hour late to pick up Kyra from Shakespeare. I won't go into how bad I feel.
In spite of all the chicks and geese in the road, our trip a success.
I admire Shaina's bloody thirst for cardigans. We make a great team. She is a patient, mellow angel in my life. Next time I'll get a sitter. I regret not buying the houndstooth fabric.

Trippin'

2010-02-02T12:52:00.007-07:00

My 15 month old son Miles flew down the stairs.
So far, he fell off our bed 5 or 6 times, off Kyra's bed once, he's pulled the highchair on himself, cut his face with a wagon, lots of finger pinches and falling back from letting go of things he's grabbing. This is our first and last trip down the stairs. What an awful noise. What a miserable bruise.
One second, your son is sitting on your lap as you pee... where you can keep an eye on him, safe from all the typical bathroom, household dangers, the next he is head-first down five hard basement steps, left with a knotted reminder in his forehead, striped with the pattern of the step's texture.
Go ahead, carry me off to your meanest prison! Unless, of course, the memory of it will serve as punishment enough.

Old Sketches, Time

2010-01-25T23:49:00.002-07:00

Oh sweet, negative space. My dear eraser, my pencils, I miss thee.

Old Studio, Boy

2010-01-25T23:47:00.005-07:00

A wonderful thrift store find, my favorite picture book, The Family of Children, got me to draw for a year straight.

Old Sketches, Down

2010-01-25T23:47:00.004-07:00

Eleventh and Emerson made me draw this. Why do girls spend so much of their 20s, their life, worried about the opposite sex? If I had a time machine, I'd go back to invest in myself.

Old Studio, Much

2010-01-25T23:46:00.004-07:00

Years ago, I had a lovely, spooky studio with an ever-present, ever-overdue Mucha book. This drawing was inspired by both. My friend Hayes swore the old school was haunted.

The janitor ghost never showed itself to me, but the memory of working alone 'til morning, with the rest of the building completely dark gives me the heebie jeebies. I painted with loud music to protect me and the door remained locked. When it was time to go home, I sprinted down the steps, to my car in a wimpy burst. They tore our studio down a year later and a parking lot is standing where it lived. One day, I hope to upgrade to a creepy treehouse or funky attic.

Old Sketches, Sit Back

2010-01-25T23:45:00.005-07:00

I suspect that I drew this sitting across from my friend, David. Later sessions will give birth to endless possible tanning salon names and a failed Cornucopia Jones action hero.

Oh, Tiny Days

2010-01-25T23:39:00.005-07:00

Sweet babies. I'm cleaning out my photobucket. The great thing about taking a million pictures is finding one you never knew you took. I love that little guy.

Renzo: Proofreader Extraordinaire

2009-12-22T03:45:00.002-07:00

Me and Chuckie made these for Renzo's birthday. Isn't it cute that there is no date mentioned on the flier? It is not.

Old Sketches, Spades

2009-12-15T12:45:00.007-07:00

I made a print of this drawing for my brother, who buys all his classy poker art off Ebay. It's probably in his silverware drawer or laundry room. Maybe it's still on top of my mom's refridgerator where it can be appreciated by all the dust and cereal boxes, with all the other prints I made special for them.

Old Sketches, I'm Behind

2009-12-15T02:37:00.008-07:00

On an awful day, an awful bastard broke into my car and stole a basket that contained my first sketchbooks, all my eggs. I'm going to dig through what pages I've salvaged and post them. Hopefully this will motivate the part of me that used to draw. It will.

Who Likes To Rock The Party?

2009-12-14T12:39:00.004-07:00

She likes to rock the party. This photo of my Baba Marija and I was taken after the infamous 8 Day Baba-sitting of 2006. On this memorable visit, she informed me of her plans to live through 'til next Thanksgiving. "Yes, I think I'll be alive.." she whispered. It's been four years since. I hope to have her around another four. Hang in there Bob, I'll be home soon. If only I could cook up a Baba for Miles. I suppose the parts of me that are turning out to be just like her will have to do for now.

Cheep Cheep

2009-12-14T12:37:00.002-07:00

This is one of my first felt animals, a small bird with a large heart. This baby girl calls it Cheep Cheep.

2009-12-14T12:27:00.001-07:00

All I Want For Christmas (Under $30)

2009-12-10T12:31:00.008-07:00

1: My Fabric Shaver died last week. You may already know of my well-spoken love for this machine but only a few have learned of it's untimely demise. 8 years with this machine was not enough.

2: I admit it. I think of a Slap Chop too much. Mostly, everytime I make a salad and during the prep of my famous one-handed dinners. Though, I'm a skeptic, on more and more occasions this seems like the answer to my immediate, cookin' dinner-all-alone problems.

3. Salad Spinner! I hand-dry lettuce. How lame. I have a irrational fear of spending $25 on a salad spinner and still can't believe these things cost so much.

4. I'm sooo cold. So cold, I want a trapper hat.

5. Any versatile Jacket or Blazer. Hmmm...

I Dream Of Lotion

2009-12-01T11:52:00.003-07:00

The semi-arid state of Colorado makes me feel like a raisin. Therefore, I am saving up for some La Mer. It will be delirious. I'll leave Neiman Marcus with the tiniest $100 jar of cream, people will laugh and their wicked laughs will turn into gasps when they witness the moisture.

La Mer - Creme de la Mer - Neiman Marcus

A Bolt Goes Up

2009-11-25T02:02:00.003-07:00

My pink Baby Bolt "Wiz" was just shipped off to England. Meanwhile, her clone is being made and shipped to Gemma at Child Style Magazine. I am so excited. I am so swamped. The guilt of not writing a blog entry since my son's 1st birthday has overwhelmed my need to complete tattoos, magnets, portraits and creatures, not to mention the logos, photos and company blurb. Phuh! Shut up! Bed first. The list tomorrow.

Hi Ho Hiatus.

2009-11-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

The Black & White of Cupcake Prep

2009-10-22T15:04:00.007-06:00

This cupcake-making is serious business. I am actually on pins and needles, nervously getting my two recipes together for the man's double birthday.

One set of apple spice cupcakes and another strawberry with vanilla. My mind creates a too complicated web of how the flavor of the cake will coincide with the flavor of the decorations and toppings. Not to mention the perfect little liners are somewhere fartin' around in Canada. Much to far to order at this point.

Things to remember: the little guy is just gonna destroy it. Also, this is supposed to be fun. Well, the skeleton-themed party is kickin my butt. I hope what started out simple will stay simple. My sweet baby Miles is number One. Next year, pinata!

Talkin 'Bout Coraline

2009-10-16T02:40:00.002-06:00

So far, I bought the blue wig, which needs a serious trim and styling.
All that's left is to make one of these outfits for to make Kyra
Coraline. I love stars all over the place so, I'm thinking the starred
sweater outfit would have the most impact for halloween. We can do
glow in the dark stars, spray paint some boots blue and poof... cross
it off the list.

Spooky, Little Girl

2009-10-14T00:45:00.005-06:00

This is a warm-up for my little detroit painting. Makes me miss the odopod. Makes me want to download photoshop brushes, which makes me want to learn how to make my own. In this sketch, a spastic, coughing, mini zshanna's personal space is being invaded by Newport 100's.

Best Served Cold

2009-10-09T01:44:00.004-06:00

We have another mouse. Since, I've never set a trap before I have to go to bed without. Sweet lord. Make my pug a mouse killer.

To Do

2009-10-08T13:51:00.012-06:00

October is my favorite month to do anything. So, I'm sharing my todo list with you. I haven't had much time to write, so, I'm just gonna have to hope this interests you. As a bonus, enjoy this picture sequence of my lover feeding then throwing a pea at my son's face. You can see a green blur rolling across his table in the final, most brutal shot.

1. Sweet Monkey Mobile for Michele Kelly by October 30th - make 5 small felt monkeys this week.
2. Tiny Goat Companion for Lisa Williams - to take to Vietnam.
3. Album Cover for Alan Worcester (from Mt. Calvary Elementary) - Awesome!
4. Business Cards for Dawn Medina.
5. Miles B-day invitation... today.
6. Cupcake Truck business plan by Feb.
7. Karate Chop USBANK in the taint/switch to a credit union.
8. Make more magnets/themes - Facts of Life, Blood, eyeballs, pugs...
9. Make new etsy & blog banner
10. Make Halloween costume for Lauren, Kyra, Miles, Chuckie, Myself & Shaina.
11. Plan Miles Black & White skeleton Birthday.
12. Make Rorchach pillows before party.
13. Order Soap Making Ingredients/Decide on name, print labels - Baba Soap Company, Na Baba Soap Company, Baba Doll Soaps... can't decide.
14. Learn more about letterpress.
15. Fix a permanent idea list to the wall next to my bed.

Zombie Boob of Doom

2009-10-01T13:39:00.010-06:00

Sometimes I forget to report the big news. Inflammations and infections draw in the sickest of mothers... so, one would think that my boob swelling up to the size of a loaf of bread would be blog-worthy. Alas, I forgot to tell you. Has anyone heard of mastitis?

August 30th, the night of Jessica Smith's birthday party, I went out and had 4 beers. The next day I woke, commented on how GREAT I truly felt and 15 minutes later, I was on the floor, teeth chattering, with the chills. A full-blown infection had come over me. Chuckie was looking at me with the oh-please-look that he saves for moments when I'm in the most pain; moments such as during labor, child-birth, flus and other ailments. Under the covers by now and terrified by the quickness with which the feeling of death was coming over me, we called the nurse line and she said I needed a hot bath and antibiotics. Why do we get the sickest on the weekend? I had to live with my large, swollen boob for a full 48 hours before anything would make it better. Not to mention, the boob is connected to the chest and thereby connected to the arms, so no lifting of any sort was impossible. It hurt to move my fingers, it killed me to walk. Chuck had to take 2 days off work and clean everything I normally do. Needless to say he was not a happy camper 3 days in. It's only a little funny that I had to get infected to get any rest around here.

Post-Partum Post

2009-09-29T13:52:00.004-06:00

Don't let this somewhat decent picture of me fool you. My hair is crap and I look old.

After carrying a fetus for 9 months, giving birth, raising a baby up to 11 months, we're looking at a close total of 2 years of body shuffling and it's effects are showing through my crappy hair. Here I thought it would get better with time.
The mente is actually showing some improvement, but so far as the rest of my whole head goes, it's only gotten worse. Puffy, wrinkled, tired, dry, ruddy, buh... you name it. After I write, I'm committing myself to a total water-drinking rampage. I know... poor baby, skinny, thirsty girl, right? Well, I need fat or I'm a goner this winter. Also, is it possible to gain wrist weight? I would like some of this, as I'm seven pounds lighter than when I got pregnant and simply tired of feeling like Gollum all the time.
A more uplifting, confident post will follow after a much needed, much deserved shower.

Almost One

2009-09-29T10:41:00.002-06:00

My sweet child is growing like a madman. The closets are stuffed with clothes he never had a chance to wear, things he's grown out of. In a month, Miles will be one. When I think back to what was going on in our lives a year ago, working, being big, terrified and anxious, this is much better. He still hasn't met his grandma Dawn or his uncle Alex. What suckers! Look at how great he is.

Teething Hell

2009-09-23T22:59:00.007-06:00

He sleeps no longer. It's 11 pm and he's babbling at my feet. When will this stop? He's fed, changed, bathed, fed, changed and fed again. By now, he's overstimulated, overtired, you name it. What is it about this age? It must be teething. Just as soon as you think you get a good rhythm going a couple molars push up to ruin the party. Poor guy.. it is so hard to stay patient after a long day with no time alone. Tomorrow, I will find the baby Oragel I somehow managed to lose and start his bath, book, feeding routine at 6:30. He's over-tired and in pain and I feel like a jerk.

The Hot Dog Cart / Trailer - Profit Calculator

2009-09-15T10:20:00.002-06:00

The Hot Dog Cart / Trailer - Profit Calculator

If Hotdogs are $1.25 a piece it would take 22 days straight to make a profit. But after that it would be all profit, with the exception of a few fees during the years. You can sell cupcakes for more, $3 a piece, cookies for $2. The sweets are faster profit but perhaps more hassle. Let's see... be right back.

Speaking Of Sweet Dreams

2009-09-15T03:41:00.005-06:00

I need investors! I need time! Cupcake trucks are really popular in hip places... like San Francisco and such. This is my dream. Why didn't I ever do it? I can call it the "fast cookie" or "the infamous cookie" or "cupcakes a gogo" or "mighty muffins." I want to decorate it and fill it with my sweets so bad. Please, imaginary pocket books, give me what I want.

Cupcakes Take The Cake: Cupcake truck in Bay Area: Sweet Ride

2009-09-15T03:31:00.001-06:00

Cupcakes Take The Cake: Cupcake truck in Bay Area: Sweet Ride

This is my dream! Except, with cookies. I need a motivated friend.

Is This Thing On?

2009-09-15T03:04:00.006-06:00

Does anyone remember when I used to draw? I do.

Oh, hard times... when will ye end? Can't I have 40 hours a week to do what the good lord wills me to do?

I haven't got much of an urge to go out like I used to, but the urge to wander is stronger than ever. Before, I could spend half the day just getting to a spot to sit. When I got to it, I would draw. I love my son. Sometimes, it's easier to forget a little bit of who I was, in order to live with who I am. I have accepted that some parts are paused, and feel blessed that the others are growing fast. I must do something for myself soon and resist the urge to cut my own hair.

PS: Paying rent is crappy. Mice are crappy. I want a bag of cash.

Ghost of Christmas Past

2009-09-14T14:03:00.005-06:00

Today, I dedicate my blog entry to my friend Michele Kelly, who bought me this lint eradicator 9 years ago when she was Michele Caldwell. I have lovingly photographed the machine, all taped up with it's tummy filled. After all these years, it's only on it's third round of C batteries and I still use it on everything (and everyone). If, God forbid, it ever stops working, I shall get it dipped in bronze.

I Love My Vacuum / Son

2009-09-09T02:37:00.008-06:00

It's very important that I tell you how much I love my vacuum.

For starters, I feel like an utter failure when Miles eats hair, so I do it at least once a day. Overnight, it has become a large part of my day, everything rides on the satisfaction it gives me. Mind you, I have not had a carpet to vacuum for 6 or 7 years. So, I researched the bare floor vacuums, bought an awful one, returned it and later ended up with this gem. It was free, 'cause Aunt Violet loves me. I recommend this little Dirt Devil. It works great and only costs about $40 bucks. I have attached a photo of the person I am vacuuming for. His face just swells with gratitude.

Christmas In August

2009-09-09T02:36:00.008-06:00

I made this card and pendants for Jessica.

The first is a string of firecrackers, cause she is a string of firecrackers and the second is a wee child dancing to Love Cats. Next on the list, make something for grandma Sharon. Heck, I leave a message on her answering machine and she squeals with delight. She'll lay an egg if I actually get around to making AND sending her something.

...Not To Blog

2009-09-09T01:49:00.007-06:00

While pregnant, I was warned to enjoy my sleep, and get plenty while it was possible. Future mothers, I cannot stress this enough. This situation would be ideal with an endless supply of money lying around, a constant flow of patience. As it is, I am a tense ball of wiry, hungry nerves and it seems the only patience I can muster is for my son and, completely out of nowhere, my dog. There will be none left for the parking lots, or for my boyfriend. Will I ever truly give up the F word? Is it possible to putter through life without it?

So, eight days has passed without a posting. I have made many things instead. I made a parking ticket today, instead of a blog. I cleaned 1400 files today, instead of a blog. I paid a bill, instead of a blog. I made a sundae, instead of a blog. I drew a picture of a girl from high school, instead of a blog. I walked to the park, instead of a blog. I've probably breast fed my son fifty times since my last posting... instead of a blog.
I've also stenciled a luchador on a onesie, finally, and made fairy slippers from scratch.
This week I have three City Folk Art pieces due. One is for Lesley Hiltz in Michigan and the other two are for Drew Bixby of Denver. I'll document my process as I go, for, it could interest someone.
For now, it's two in the morning and mama has yet to take her shower for the day. Somedays, it's better to save them for bedtime.

Jessica Is A Firecracker

2009-08-29T03:42:00.003-06:00

Trying to come up with a present for my Jessica, googling the word firecracker turns out to be the most gruesome thing I could have done before bed time. I have been known to hit the image search button with my eyes covered. I forgot this time and found a hand blown to pieces.. It's like the cirque du soleil. it's all amazing, people flying anywhere, everywhere and for a moment you forget that it is possible to fall. Then someone bounces off there butt, the crown gasps, he gets back up and the flying continues. That little guy falling reminds you that what they are doing is next to impossible to do without getting hurt and suddenly every flying body is more special to you. Everyone's life is hanging by a thread, and you can't take your eyes off of it.
This firecracker photo is like that. Motherhood is like that too. I see a sick child in a commercial and I rush to check that my sleeping baby is still breathing. Any movie where a child dies makes my entire body weeps with emotion. This takes me by surprise.
Let this firecracker be a lesson to you. We can fall. It's amazing how often we don't.

Idiocracy

2009-08-28T12:32:00.013-06:00

The project I'm continuing requires me to remember little stories. I am forced to think of my past experiences and I come up with nothing. Unless of course, you are interviewing me for a job or something then, inappropriately, stories are all I can think to talk about.
As far as small talk goes, I am rusty. My easy, bartender speed of banter is suffering and my recall too. What memory I had before my son arrived is gone. The days of actually having a photographic recollection of where I left my keys are gone. The pleasure I felt to try and then actually succeed in remembering where I put something small is no more. Your birthday: gone.

A mother's memory suffers when estrogen levels that run enormously high during pregnancy drop after birth. It can take anywhere from weeks to 6 months to see this effect in the mother.

*Other symptoms of low estrogen in a new mother are sadness, hopelessness, fatigue or exhaustion, poor concentration, confusion, a fear of harming the newborn or yourself, mood swings characterized by exaggerated highs and/or lows, diminished libido (sex drive), feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, uncontrolled crying and with no known cause, over-concern/over-attentiveness for the newborn and/or a lack of interest for the newborn, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, resentment, memory loss, feelings of isolation.

I have two very rabid pet peeves. The first is being made to feel stupid or flaky when I have always prided the contents and abilities of my brain. The second is feeling uncared for and unappreciated.
I have had some of these symptoms and now I know there is a reason for this feeling. This is all normal. I can go on with my day and stop feeling like there is something wrong with me.
New father's should be legally forced to absorb and sympathize with such information. I will warn my son.

A link for the care of new, suffering mothers.

*Information referenced New York Presbyterian Hospital Website.

Soap & Smells

2009-08-28T11:16:00.002-06:00

Hand Soap & Refill Set from Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day

I have a few soaps. The one in the bathroom, Dove Cool Moisture, is awful. Even with my hands down at my side, it's lingering smell gives me a headache. Maybe it's my super-human mom nose but I can't take it and I don't have to because the handsoap in my kitchen is so nice that I make the trip. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day in Lemon Verbena. I have wanted to buy something from her line for a while now but it never goes on sale. I bought it anyway. Only five bucks and it's great. Plus, it's thick, long-lasting, so it makes it worth it and I just saw online that they offer a refill. Phew. I can finally sleep at night.

Sock It To Me

2009-08-26T14:29:00.002-06:00

Monster-Munch Meat Monster And Plushy Pencil!: Speaking of Sock and Glove, It was brought to my attention that Monster Munch is making plushies out of Pepper's Ashi Dashi socks! How beautiful. I wish I had more time to get to some ideas, that is, before all the good ones are taken.

A Good Black Man

2009-08-26T03:33:00.006-06:00

What crafty nonsense shall I accomplish with my pug? Today, postcards, mugs... tomorrow, the world. I really don't know what to make in his likeness. I am not the one who purchases such a thing. Focus groups are welcome. What should I do with your black pug? How will I convey their speech impediments?

Sock & Glove All Over The Place

2009-08-22T23:46:00.004-06:00

I want this for christmas in September! To hell with my responsibilities! I'm making a sockie-glove animal as we speak.

I made a turn in my local, favorite Michael's Craft Store and bumped into this little wonder. A magical book called Sock & Glove; filled with beautiful, easy little patterns to make into monkeys and punks out of your castaway socks and gloves. God bless organized people! My life is filled with mismatches.

Section 8 & Soap Making

2009-08-21T17:07:00.006-06:00

I know nothing about Section 8 so maybe making soap will have to do. Then I shall need no assistance from a living soul. Everyday, I waver between going solo and sticking around. The sane person would have flown from this back in 2006, when my only real problem in comparison was a mild case of poverty and a daily overdose of freedom. I love Miles and Kyra. If I could change one thing, I probably wouldn't. Maybe I'd have just gotten a maid instead of drinking all that beer.

Hot Diggity!

2009-08-20T23:17:00.002-06:00

City Folk Art pieces - Personalized Family Portrait / Story / Memory by mamazshanna on Etsy

I made a listing today! Amidst the Red Pepper Chicken Sandwich making and Miles, who doesn't feel like eating anymore, I actually found a moment to photograph and list one of my pieces. Soon to follow are fresh CFA ideas. For now, I am offering to make a portrait of a family or a memory for you. You don't need a perfect photograph for me. Just something for me to go off of. Perhaps a link to your facebook...

Free mamazshanna marble magnet surprise with each order!

Help me help you!

Finally a Photo

2009-08-17T18:29:00.005-06:00

These are photos of my missing painting. What an ass! Spend my precious time painting one thing and can you believe these are the only photos I have? Last known whereabouts: The Fabric Lab on Colfax. It's probably in some dark crevice somewhere, being over-looked, forgotten, lonely... shaking. I hope she turns up. Let this be a lesson to us all! Never hang a show on an empty stomach.

Garden Update

2009-08-17T17:50:00.008-06:00

I have a lot of plates to balance. I'm doing a poor job of idea keeping. Where is my tiny notebook anyway? This reminds me, there are postings I never followed up on. I never told you about the fate of my seedlings...

The weather was rainy from spring through half of the summer. My seedlings hated every minute of it. Whatever I was supposed to do to the soil, I did not do. It got compacted and I didn't get a single tomato until august. I picked and ate one determined little jalepeno. No strawberries, no peppers, maybe two asparagus beans, some bitty cucumbers.. and a crappy ton of tomatillos. It's October and I just pulled the last of the tomatoes off the plant. They are ripening in a brown paper bag in my kitchen. Sigh.

Next year: Soil! Soil! Soil! Organic matter matters! And no more seedlings, I will purchase my plants and plant them in threes. I will put the strawberry in it's own box. I see the error of my ways and will make up for it next year.

City Folk Art Close Ups

2009-08-16T14:37:00.008-06:00

There is a little bubbling in this batch. It was a big deal to me but no one seemed to mind. This batch I must seal the frames before I lay down the drawing and epoxy. They will be perfect!

Oh, they are made to order and happily-priced at:
$25 for smalls / $40 for mediums.

City Folk Art For Sale

2009-08-16T14:31:00.006-06:00

The Flus, Grand Larceny

2009-08-15T14:24:00.005-06:00

The Nun & Jamboxes are nowhere to be found. I can't even find a photo of my missing painting. Did it ever exist? Then, Miserable Miles kicked my ass for two days with a fever of 102˚ and two nights of no sleep. The second night I had to sleep on the floor with him in the living room, breast-feeding every twenty minutes or so, with him in my lap, working on the computer with my right hand, 'til 6 am. I finished my work in time and Wednesday went smoother until I went out to my car the next afternoon. Someone busted my window out for an ipod that could be bought for $40!

Now I gotta go to the salvage yard, get a window, install it, hope my door doesn't get screwed up in the process. Then I get to take my money and buy Nathan Campanella another ipod. Crap. I forever hate thieves. I would have given them the ipod, just don't touch my little volvo. There was a baby seat in the back, for god's sake. Nothing happened today. Nothing at all. It was great.

Fuckyeahanimalswithcasts

2009-08-06T13:41:00.005-06:00

Would you get a load of this? Fuckyeahanimalswithcasts! Could there be anything better than a ferret with a cast? Perhaps a kangaroo will do the trick...

Hooray For Accomplishments

2009-08-05T00:25:00.007-06:00

A night without sleep and one babysitter later... this is what I came up with for the Denver Art Museum Untitled #23 "Old School" + The Fabric Lab presents Style Wars.

The night was lovely, Miles chased lights and Evan fell on his head. I like being responsible for ONE THING. I'll post a better pic and more from the night when I get more RAM. My buhputer is being most sluggish. Also, I forgot to post our boards from the Skatedeck show at The Plastic Chapel. I'll do that too.

I swear to you, Mr. Invisible, I'll do it.

Another Show!

2009-07-28T00:54:00.002-06:00

THE FABRIC LAB :: EVENTS
Dear Lord! I've got a work of art to pop out and it's been so long since I've painted a thing. The theme is "Old School." Why do I have soo many ideas when I agree to participate and go blank the week before? I must come up with a medium much simpler than paint. Something I can go to with a baby in the room. I shall update.

I'm Gonna Knock Over This Beer Truck

2009-07-23T11:22:00.009-06:00

As I fed my son a brunch of apples, squash and stars, a man caught my eye.
Each day a new truck pulls up to the corner store and fills it with bottles of wine, liquor, cases of beer and bags of ice. I stared lovingly as the truck driver flung the side-door up and loaded his dolly. It was at that moment that we locked eyes and I felt as if he could read my mind. I turned away, ashamed by my inspiration to steal beer.
I wondered, "Do they have tracking devices on every keg?" "He just leaves the thing open and goes inside, he'd never suspect a thing," I rationalized, sure he would never miss a case and never suspect a woman pushing a baby in a stroller
I saw this in a movie the other night, only it was cartons of cigarettes and it was the sixties. The only real drawback is the chance that I may have to run a little. I still wanna do it. I still might. Though, I will need an accomplice.

Baby Signin

2009-07-22T14:59:00.001-06:00

I am learning American Sign Language for my little Miles. I firgure
that I can start with these signs, and as I learn more, I can teach
him more. I really should have been learning this when I was pregnant.
How could I sleep on such a thing? This is such a better option than pulling my hair out, running around, cursing and banging on my head.
Oh... my head.

Kiddo - Baby Bolt - Felt Lightning by mamazshanna on Etsy

2009-07-20T18:10:00.002-06:00

Kiddo - Baby Bolt - Felt Lightning by mamazshanna on Etsy
Here is a lightning bolt. I am liking the color behind the black of the eye to accentuate his sleepiness. I hope you like him too. On another note, would anyone like a utility belt as much as I would? I am in the process of building a prototype for the service industry. As a cocktail waitress and bartender I hated wearing aprons that only had one of two large pockets and dwarfed my legs in the process. I shall post more as this develops.

Another Listing.

2009-07-18T16:16:00.003-06:00

Hooray for the Recently listed function on etsy. What a rush! Oh well, more bolts are on the way.