T&A Friendly Happenings

Over-haulin' My Home

2011-07-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

BEFORE (Sometime in 2007)

AFTER (Tonight)

Before this month is through, I have a few home-improvement projects I'm determined to finish:
1. Repaint "kitchen" sideboard (it's white and coffee spilled all over it some time ago)
2. Add 2 shelves to model car display case
3. Fix bathroom door (since we moved in, it's had a gaping and extremely unattractive dent in it)
4. Make new drapes
5. Store bread maker
6. Rearrange storage shed
7. Pot new plants.....

I already got started and can now cross off a few of these items. My place was starting to lose its "cute" factor and was looking way too cluttered. But sometimes I just can't resist the awesome second hand finds I come across. More to come on this subject.

Magical Summerland Show (This Weekend)

2011-06-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

So excited and relieved to finally have my 5 pieces for this show delivered. I'm pretty proud of my drawings (color pencil on mylar).

Magical Summerland at Leanna Lin's Wonderland
Eagle Rock ,CA
June 11th-30th
Opening Reception June 11th (6pm-10pm)

Second Painting of the Year

2011-04-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

I Remember Ice Cream Sundays (The Nancy Drew Series), 2011
Acrylic on Panel
48x48 inches

To date, this is by fair the piece that I've had "in-process" the longest length of time. I built the panel 6 years ago in college. (You know, just trying to take advantage of the wood shop and practically unlimited access to tools.) Started laying down the blue background sometime in 2006 and only laid down the last 50% of all the imagery in early February. My dear friend received it as a gift and did me the awesome favor of photographing it for me. Thanks, Jose!

Latest X-Mas and Girl Scouts Drawing

2011-01-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

This last week was so hectic with me trying to get my art portfolio in order and ready for gallery submission. I'm happy to say that I did it and this drawing is the last drawing I completed in 2010. It's a part of my on-going X-mas and Girl Scouts Series, which pays homage to my childhood nostalgia to want to be a Girl Scout and experience white winters.

X-Mas and Girl Scouts Series (Samoas), 2010
Color Pencil on Mylar
21 x 21 inches

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T19:01:00.001-08:00

Good Bye 2010 and hello 2011! I hope to accomplish a lot more, artistically in the new year.

Is It Too Late For X-Mas?

2010-12-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

I found this on the Dyna Moe blog. Sucks I didn't find it in time for Christmas.

Joy of Collecting #2, 2010 (DETAIL)

2010-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Joy of Collecting #2, 2010

2010-12-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

This is my latest painting. I'm trying to get my portfolio ready for gallery submission and I wanted to add a few more pieces before the year was over. I literally just finished this painting about ten minutes ago.

Joy of Collecting #2, 2010
Acrylic, Acrylic Transfers & Marker on Oilcloth on Panel
48 x 30 inches

Newest Prehistoric Trophies in Gun-Metal Grey

2010-11-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

These puppies...or dinos, will be arriving at Flock Shop this Sunday.

Pendants in are approximately 1-1/2" tall and strung onto a 21" chain.

New Prehistoric Trophies

2010-11-09T11:58:00.001-08:00

Available at Flock Shop...

10/10/10 (It's Said To Be Lucky)

2010-10-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

While going through the Renegade Handmade blog earlier and read their most recent post. It's said to be good luck to write about ten things on today's date, October 10th, 2010. So here goes my post because I could really use some luck right now.

Ten Things I'm Looking To Accomplish By Year's End
1. Find a job that makes my happy and keeps me inspired. Afterall, T&A Friendly is my first passion and if I'm not happy then it's not happy.
2. Design my own tartan for my small cottage industry. If Harrod's and Harley Davidson can have their own plaid, then so should I.
3. Complete my X-Mas and Girls Scouts drawing series. I've been working on this for over a year. My intention was to make ten pieces but I only have two completed so far. The time has come to wrap it up...just like a cookie.
4. Build a shady awning outside my place. I have most of the materials but have just been too lazy to get started. The summer days that were hot were extremely brutal 'cause of the exposure and with the rainy season approaching in a few months, I'd better get going or else I'm going to have an annoying time getting through the front door while heavy drops splatter about.
5. Learn Illustrator. Enough said.
6. Reconfigure my workspace. Yes, the economy is slow. Especially for those of us who are trying to make a living through a crafty business but I'll admit, that's only part of the reason I've been feeling mostly uninspired this year. Most of my dilemma lies in the fact that my workspace has been run over by clutter and really bad feng shui. I want to love sitting at my table again instead of dreading the mess I'm going to surely find there.
7. Layout the plot for a comic book I've been pondering. That's all I want to say in order to avoid spoiling this sure-to-be awesome tale.
8. Clean my walls. Not everything on this list has to be grandiose.
9. Order some new flyers for T&A Friendly. The last order I made got a good response and now I'm out of those and want to think up something new.
10. Re-design the accessories page on my website. I like it. But I also think it can be better.

Frank Stella Lives (Part 2)

2010-09-17T17:35:00.001-07:00

This was my original "Stella" assignment. I have many years of experience with sign painting and masking. I got my start as a freelance sign painter for Sears many moons ago and have always loved using both techniques in my paintings. What was really exciting for me about this project was the chance to get to use pin-striping tape. I was an instant fan!

Frank Stella Lives (Part 1)

2010-09-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

So several weeks ago I got an amazing opportunity to work on a house that's going through an awesome renovation. I was hired to paint 2 Frank Stella inspired motifs throughout the home. This is one of them. The thick gold and black glossy stripes wrap around the high walls on the upstairs staircase, while tapering and meeting at the center corner of the space...

I'll be honest. The scaffolding I had to use to be able to paint the portion over the staircase scared the sh*t out of me. It made me break out in a downpour of sweat every time I had to get on it.

Sneak Peek at Living Plush

2010-08-11T23:56:00.000-07:00

If you're in LA this weekend head down to Chinatown...Flock Shop to be exact! Here's a preview of one of my pieces for their show, Flying Plush. It's my homage to the flying tigers and desert military bases.

Mad Men Season 4, You're Finally Here!

2010-07-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sure most would agree that the premiere last Sunday was awesome. However, I'm a lil bummed that I wasn't able to catch all the beautiful dialogue because my friends started getting rowdy right when really interesting things were being said on the show.

On another note, my sis sent me this picture of a defaced Don Draper. It may have been some bullshit job on some kid's behalf but I think it so appropriate at the same time so my hat goes off this kid.

Crocheted Skull & Lace Necklace

2010-07-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Wow! I came upon this image of this awesome necklace while on Whip Up-the crafty website. Makes me really want to pick up crocheting.

Law and Order: Artistic Intent

2010-07-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

How did I not know about this sooner. If you happen to be in LA later this month, I strongly urge you make your way to this show:

These Are Their Stories
(A Law & Order Art Show)
curated by Brandon Bird

July 24 – 30 at with a reception Wednesday July 28 at 8:00 pm
Gallery Meltdown, 7522 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046.

One of my favorites is also having 2 pieces there-Dyna Moe from Mad Men Illustrated fame. AAAAHHH. I can't wait.

"Yay! A New Couch" CONTINUED...

2010-06-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

So it took almost all weekend but I'm finally finished reupholstering my new couch. I've always dreamt of having a velvet couch-specifically, a pink velvet couch but I knew my husband would never go for that. I think the yearn may have sprouted from spending many hours with my mom as she cleaned the houses of the rich and fabulous in Hollywood and Beverly Hills when I was a young lass. It probably doesn't help that I'm also obsessed with the sleek coolness of the Mad Men set. That's what drove me to pick out this luxe teal velvet. Now, I'll be able to enjoy season four in style.

Do Some Huntin' in Chicago

2010-05-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to be a part of this "hunting" show held at the lovely Renegade Handmade brick and mortar in Chicago. Here are a few images of the Stuft Acquaintances I submitted to the show...

Taxidermy Jewelry...Finally!

2010-05-21T17:48:00.000-07:00

It took me a while, but I finally have been able to bridge the gap between my Stuft Acquaintances and jewelry with a solution that I'm crazy about! Here's a sneak peek at my mounted prehistoric trophies. This is the T-Rex necklace. The pendant is about 2-1/2 inches long and the chain is 22 inches long. They'll be available soon on my website.

Yay! A New Couch

2010-05-11T12:12:00.001-07:00

As I strolled down the aisles of Son-of-a-Vet (a favorite local thrift store) in search of a Mother's Day gift for my mom I came across this awesome love seat. My husband and I bought an inexpensive mini sofa in white canvas at Ikea about 3 years ago and let me tell you, the saying, "You get what you pay for," definitely applied to our little acquisition. I mean, it was only $150. We were a young couple just trying to furnish our home quickly and cheaply. Needless to say, the white color of our couch soon turned into a spotty and dingy beige after having the children in our family visit a few times. I made a slip cover and seat cushion for it and kept it running for about another year and a half. But eventually, the little couch that could had run its course. We'll miss you dearly-mostly because you were our first couch and you were so darn small and cute.

(Here a few images of my old couch. I had a really good one but can't find it. Darn!)

We really needed something that was comfy and with better bones. Due to our tight budget, buying second hand was a great and necessary option.

I honestly really liked the original blue and green floral textile but I had to compromise with my husband. If we were going to buy a second hand sofa then I had to promise to reupholster it in a fabric that he liked. This couch is sooooooo comfortable and sturdy and I hope to hit up the fashion district this weekend in search of an amazing fabric to finally get this puppy's facelift complete. I'll be sure to post an image of the completed love seat.

Two New Owls at Flock Shop

2010-05-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

I know a while back I announced that I no longer had any more of these beautiful floral plaques but I was fortunate enough to have gotten my hands on a few more. Thanks so much to those of you who frequent Flock Shop in Chinatown L.A. You guys seem to really like these guys and that makes me sooooo proud and helps to keep me inspired.

The copper paint on the floral plaque led me to play around with more metallic materials, which led to this little beauty below:

This is my spin on the iconic "owl-and-moon-silhouette" often seen around Halloween.

Thrift Store Necklace RE-DO

2010-05-05T07:32:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist buying this necklace. At only $1.99 I felt it was a steal. But every time I tried it on it just didn't seem to work. I loved the pink "claws" but this piece was just not looking cute when I tried it on.

In the spirit of Spring cleaning, I decided to start purging and donating any and all unused accessories and clothing. When I got to my jewelry box and came across this pink and gold frenzied costume piece, it hit me-I can easily alter this the way I do with my clothes. No problem! Let it be a lesson to you. Don't pass up that cool and unique article with potential. If you have just a few minutes and the right tools, you can end up with something worth while.

TOOLS NEEDED:
-needle nose pliers
-mirror
-small jar/container to store any remaining pieces
-washable dark colored marker

Not all jewelry is created equal so make sure you have a clear idea of what you want your final piece to look like. Just play around with it for a bit or skim through some magazines for inspiration. I opted to turn this necklace into a shorter one with two strands at the bottom and less "claws" cluttering up all of the gold chain. After all, it was the overload of pink and white "danglies" which made this necklace hard to pull off.

After deciding on the final length of the chain, I marked it and with my handy pliers, I cut the chain to size with the wire cutter part of the pliers. Using the pliers, I then reattached this freshly trimmed end to the clasp. Now, I was able to model the shorter necklace in front of the mirror and better assess it for its final adjustments. With the marker, I marked the chain at spots where I wanted to remove any excess "danglies."

Finally, TA-DA! My new-to-me necklace is complete. One more thing, if you're left with any extras just store them in a small container for future use or give them to someone you know who may find some use for them.

My Melody Mich

2010-04-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

Like most ladies, I love Sanrio. I'm especially in love with the character My Melody. I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Hello Kitty convention last November in Culver City, CA. The art show presented that weekend was inspiring. I immediately wanted to make my own homage to My Melody. I'm mainly a painter by trade but I do like to dabble in photographer now and again. After initially planning to paint my piece, I abandoned that idea and opted to make My Melody's iconic rosy bunny ears to use as a prop in some photos. After completing the headdress, I needed to take some test shots. Here's my sister, Michelle, modeling the ears before the big shoot. I needed to make sure that the proportions would work. I love that she happened to be blowing soapy bubbles during the fitting. And here are the final shots from the first shoot.

I want to print these out at 30x40 inches.

New Painting on Oilcloth

2010-03-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Joy of Collecting #1, 2010
Acrylic on Oilcloth
30-1/4" x 30-1/4"

I've always loved painting on wood panel. This material always has a beautiful and natural pattern created by the undulating waves of thin woodgrain. In college, I was fortunate enough to learn how to build my own panels because buying these in any substantial size can get pretty pricey. However, I wanted to give painting on oilcloth a try ( in faux bois birch) because first, I love this stuff and second I would probably have to do less prepping in order to keep the woodgrain showing through my painting.

I'm working on getting my portfolio updated and am so happy with how this piece turned out. It's definitely made the cut and will be included in my portfolio.

Hound & Squab

2010-03-10T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hound & Squab, 2010 (20 x 28 x 12 inches)

This is my hound and squab taxidermy team. The hound's name is Raleigh but unfortunately, I never caught the squab's name. He may have been in the navy though. I'm just judging by the tattoo on his left wing.
I've been dreaming about this piece for so long and I finally had the time to complete it. It was greatly inspired by two things: 1. Was this hound & fowl statue I see almost on a daily basis sitting in the yard of a neighbor and 2. Is the film Fantastic Mr. Fox.

This is my neighbor's statue. I'm so tempted to offer them a price on it.

Girl Scout Cookies

2010-03-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. Girl Scout Cookies are now on sale. So if you see any of these lovely little green lasses make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and support the Girl Scout of America-come on do it 'cause they only come around once a year.

More Home Renovations

2010-03-02T11:19:00.000-08:00

I'm at it again. This toad stool was the last of my ottoman to need a facelift. I love the new color but I hate the deep folds of the vinyl. I have an idea of how to fix this and make a more contoured mushroom cap but it's going to have to wait. Oh well!

Latest Owl

2010-02-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I'd have to look elsewhere for plaques for any new owls for Flock Shop, I came up with one more floral plaque. Here's the latest owl. I just completed him on Wednesday and I'm off to go deliver him to Flock today. Just like all my guys, this one's got a personality that's all his own. I think he's got some abandonment issues because he absolutely refused to leave my place without his little bird pal. Oh well. You can think of it as two for the price of one!

Family Portrait

2010-02-26T12:45:00.001-08:00

Untitled, 2010
Acrylic on Vinyl
24 x 24 inches

Here's another project that had been requested of me some time ago. My aunt spotted a painting of mine my mom claimed and asked if I could "paint something for her in that style." She had a few specifications though: 1. An image of each of her four kids had to be on there, 2. The composition should be made up of things they're all into and 3. It can't be too small.

My Friend, Fonzi

2010-02-26T12:24:00.000-08:00

My friend, Fonzi put in a request to have a doll made of himself. He had a clear idea of what he wanted to see in his doppelganger. Among the few details, he had to wear a snazzy black suit and tie along with black sunglasses and slick hairdo'. Put that all together and here's what he got. Fonzi wasn't too specific about materials so I thought it'd be fun to make the doll's face the exact graphic he uses for his "bar-hopping-partying" persona. The face is acrylic paint on vinyl.

More On My "Green" Efforts

2010-02-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned before that my Stuft Acquaintances are going through a transformation. I want to be more responsible and take a "greener" approach to my taxidermy. I've done this in the past by recycling several materials such as fabric, buttons, etc. But I've always felt that more could be done. After all, these guys are all about conservation and making this world a better place.

The newest step I'm taking came about this past holiday season during a mini-crisis I had when trying to acquire enough plaques to fill my seasonal orders. I made several trips to many places but to no avail. Then, I thought why not mount my guys onto lovely old frames. I've always been a big fan of using old ornate frames & plaques for displaying artwork and mirrors. Thus, why not try 'em on my plush?

I'm still in the process of replenishing all my stores and overhauling my website with images of these new guys. Hope you enjoy my little step-by-step photographic chronology of how these second hand finds go from trash to treasure...

(The rectangular plaque was used for the giraffe above. He's available at Gallery Nucleus. I highly recommend swinging by to greet him in person.)

Try A Woodland Event

2010-02-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

I love having themed parties. They're a great reason to bust out some of my pretty plates and try my hand at festive decorations and dishes. I came across this cute spread for a woodland themed get together. I definitely want to try it for myself and I eagerly encourage you to try your hand at it as well. I think i may use this awesome painting as a starting point for my inspiration.

You'll Be Missed Mr. McQueen

2010-02-18T10:42:00.000-08:00

I dedicate a lot of my "television time" to watching crime TV. Thus, I've completely missed much of the headline stories from this past week. One of them being the recent demise of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. He was one of my absolute favorite designers. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have an insatiable appetite for plaid and that's what first drew me to his work. I love his open embrace of this and all other patterns/prints. His designs were so bold, fresh, uninhibited and yet always tasteful. When making clothes, I usually only do it for myself but before embarking on any new garment, I almost always looked to his designs for inspiration. Here a few of my favorites:

These pieces are so incredible! I had a friend who got married last year and I was determined to make my own version of a McQueen Sarah Jessica Parker, which wore I had admired for years.

This is the source material I used for my version. I tried finding several angles so as to figure out how the tartan was draped.

This is me in my "final fitting" that's why I look so messy. My drapery had to be a bit shorter because I worried that if I had a train, someone would surely step on it and tear my beautiful plaid taffeta.

Alexander McQueen died tragically by taking his own life after being depressed-maybe in most part after the death of his own mother. It's such a sad ending to the life of such an extraordinarily talented individual.

Last of the Floral Plaque Owls

2010-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

I love walking around my neighborhood, hoping to come across any discarded treasures. In September, I found a large headboard that had 8 floral plaques attached to it as adornment. I immediately took it home and took it apart. I used the beautiful plaques for some new bird pieces I had been thinking about.

I don't usually work on birds so I was a little hesitant and worried about how these new guys would fit into my world of Stuft Acquaintances. But I've been so pleased to see that they're popular at Flock Shop in Chinatown L.A. Now, I'm down to my last plaque and here's the final piece.

(This guy will be available at Flock Shop)
Don't worry, I will continue to create these little beauties but they'll just be mounted on a different plaque. Enjoy!

Happy Early Valentine's Day!

2010-02-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

I came across this cute idea for a card. They're snow globe cards! I love snow globes. I decided to make it my own by framing images from one of my favorite artist, Yoshitomo Nara, to use as Valentine's Day cards. Check out the tutorial here so you can try it at home.

Crazy About Rob

2010-02-11T11:34:00.000-08:00

This past Christmas, many of the gifts I gave were handcrafted. However, some took way longer than others and unfortunately, one of them fell through the cracks. I have a friend who LOVES Rob Pattinson and one night while on the web, I came across this cross-stitch pattern of his face. I thought it's be the perfect gift for her. I started embroidering in October and was only half way finished by the time Christmas rolled around. Fortunately, I did have something else on hand that I had always intended to give her. This bought me some time because there was no way I was going to let this little pattern get the best of me. I was determined to finish and now, I'm excited to finally have Rob complete.

Rob's face is now on a comfy little pillow. I'm going to give it to her tonight. However, I hope she can who it's supposed to be. After all my hard work, nobody I've shown it to can tell it's supposed to be R.P. Oh well.

New Painting for Misfits&Tablecloths Series

2010-02-01T14:28:00.001-08:00

I always think it's fun to see a piece in progress...
And here she is complete!

This is my latest painting in an on-going series called, Misfits & Tablecloths. The piece is named Astro Zombies, 2010. It's going to be featured at the Zombie Love show at Nucleus opening this Saturday. It's shaping up to be an incredible night complete with a zombie walk and tacos. YAY!

Zombie Birdhouse complete!

2010-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

I finally finished my piece for the Zombie Love show at Nucleus in February. It's funny but as I was "spackling" on my faux blood onto my massacred flock, I started to get really grossed out.

The branches span out to 45 inches

And here's the culprit of the blood bath...

This guy stands at about 7 inches

He's an unlucky fellow who mutated into a disfigured blue bird zombie who just can't get enough of his tasty former branch-mates.

P.S. It's not pictured but the zombie bird comes in a glass dome for safe keeping.

DIY Bottle Cap Buttons PART 2

2010-01-21T10:56:00.000-08:00

So here's an image of the headboard on which I used my new buttons....

DIY Bottle Cap Buttons

2010-01-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

This is a really great project for anyone whose just had a few friends over and finds their patio scattered with bottle caps...

Tools Needed:
1. bottle caps
2. drill with 1/16" drill bit
3. paint brush
4. rag
5. primer
6. paint (your desired color)

Clean and dry bottle caps. Prime and let dry (wait about one hour). With drill, starting from backside, slowly drill 2 holes that are 1/4" apart. (Bottle caps usually have a waxing coating on this side, which will help your drill bit to not slide across the cap's metallic surface.) Wipe off any flakes. Paint. I recommend at least 3 coats so you have a nice sturdy painted surface.

**Not recommended for use on clothing or anything that may get frequently get washed.**

When I started transforming these little caps, I already had a project in mind for them. I made my sister a tufted headboard and with large buttons being a little expensive, I thought I'd just use these guys instead. I'm supposed to finish it up today and I'll certainly post an image of the headboard. Because clothing is out, here are a few suggestions for using your new buttons:

1. Use as buttons on any tufting projects such as tufting a bar, headboard, or arm on a couch or chair
2. Use as eyes or noses on stuffed animals and for the kiddies' sake-don't forget to use lead free paint
3. Make yourself a nice chunky necklace. Layering a few caps can look like a very nice piece of costume jewelry. It's very in right now.
4. Finally, nail 'em onto the edges or corners of any furniture that may lack some love or interesting detail-just like you would upholstery tacks. If you opt for this idea, you may want to insert some cardboard or wood into the cavity of the cap and hammer the caps on gently to avoid caving/denting in the hollow caps

ENJOY!

Rusty Cage

2010-01-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

This must be the year of the bird because I can't get enough of these guys in my work. I've made a few other bird pieces in the past few months but this is my first attempt at a birdcage. To be honest, I had a bunch of wire hanging around and I just wanted to use it all up. Thank God for my urge to de-clutter...

I found this glitzy charcoal fabric with metallic thread woven throughout it in downtown. Initially, I bought it to make myself a blouse or dress but then I realized that due to its slightly heavy weight, I'd be limited to wearing my new creation only during the colder months. Yet, I'm very happy with how beautiful the soft twinkle of the silver thread in the fabric lends itself to the birdcage form.

Here's a closer look at my little inhabitant. I did name this post after the Soundgarden song, "Rusty Cage." However, unlike Chris Cornell, this guy isn't trying to break free. It's just way too cozy in there.

Book Worms & Bird Brains

2010-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

T&A Friendly is ever-expanding on its line of faux taxidermy. Trust me. I make sure of it! Here's a glimpse into Book Worms & Bird Brains. All these guys are a combination of sweet little birds and scholarly owls (not yet pictured) perched/mounted onto discarded books. (These guys are doing their part for the environment too by repurposing these old works of literature.)

Mylar Bird Illustrations

2010-01-08T10:50:00.000-08:00

I rarely get a chance to draw anything more than just some rough sketches in my sketchbook. Instead of using my color pencil on regular paper, I usually opt for drawing on mylar. I love the smooth surface that the plastic offers and the "fogginess" of frosted mylar is so dreamy and irresistible. Here are some images of some of my recent drawings.

These feathered friends are all 5x7 inches with the mat and are available at Flock Shop or by contacting me directly (at info@tafriendly.com) for only $15. Not bad for a little original.

Another new item in the works

2010-01-05T12:36:00.000-08:00

It seems like, the holiday season always gets my gears turning with new ideas for new items. I love old ornate frames and have been dying to find a way of making one in fabric for some time now. Here's my first attempt.

(Pardon the crappy photo, I only had my phone on me that day.) It measures about 14"x17" and it's center is made from chalkcloth. I want to tailor this idea into another "frame" idea I have. Keep an eye out for it :)

I did some housework

2010-01-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

I had these 2 sad-looking ottoman in my place. My house is tiny with limited seating so buying ottoman to accommodate company is absolutely necessary. These were worn to the bone and one had even started ripping at its seams but their foundation was still in excellent condition. I promised myself that before the new year came, I would reupholster both in some lovely faux bois oilcloth. (Like, I've said before-I can't get enough of this stuff-both oilcloth and faux bois.) Here are images of the heftier ottoman....

Before...

...and after! This guy especially, was beginning to be a real eyesore. I was happy that my sewing machine manned up to the challenge of adding the original cream piping to the oilcloth.

It feels good to start the year & decade off with less things on my to-do list. Here are some cool sites for you to checkout in your own pursuits of oilcloth and faux bois.

Some Treasured Images From This Xmas

2009-12-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

Despite losing Lucky, Christmas this year was one of my favorites. My husband and I had a blast.

We enjoyed some parties (this is Memo in his get-up for a "Shitty Christmas Sweater" party. The thrift stores were cleaned out so I had to act quick and slap this together)...

and getting to spend Christmas Day at Universal Studios Hollywood. Frosted storefronts are a nostalgic wonder we rarely get to behold in Hollywood/LA...

I also tried my hand at making some of the gifts I gave to my loved ones. These plush kokeshi dolls were for my two aunts. I think they're so cool that I may tweak 'em here and there and make them a regular T&A Friendly item. Their beautiful faces are made from oilcloth in a faux bois print onto which I painted their eyes and mouths. I can't enough of that stuff!

Hope you all had a lovely holiday too!

Lucky, Immortalized

2009-12-28T11:49:00.000-08:00

For a while now, I had been wanting to make my brother a small diorama featuring our old pal, Lucky. Lucky frequently entered any and all of our comedic conversations. He was a real character and his favorite treats to enjoy were the Jewish pastries my mom liked bringing home from the Blue Diamond Bakery on Fairfax in West LA. He truly loved sweets.

I had seen these small ceramic animals made by a company named Hagen-Schafer, I believe? They had a few German Shepards but this standing one looked like Lucky the most. This little guy along with some miniature desserts completed an ideal scene representing Lucky's full and eventful life. I'm really happy to say that my brother really liked it.

R.I.P. Lucky

2009-12-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

Today, we got some very sad news when my mom and brother took our family dog to the vet to get a wheezing cough he had for a couple of weeks checked out. Very sadly, the vet only gave Lucky six months even with frequent treatment. He was put down today. It really sucks! We love you and we'll REALLY miss you Lucky! You were the best sewing companion!

I'm trying a new look...

2009-12-14T14:05:00.000-08:00

I dedicate most of my efforts to my guys, the Stuft Acquaintances. I'm always trying to keep them fresh and exciting for all those who enjoy them. A big thing I'm always aware of is of not being wasteful and making any and all attempts to keep T&A Friendly "green." Some of the methods I use are repurposing the materials from old/about-to-be-discarded plush toys, cushions, and garments and incorporating them into any new items. I'm taking this approach a step further by introducing a new option for my mounted guys. You can now find my guys mounted onto found/vintage plaques and frames. Here are some images below:

The designs and craftsmanship of many discarded items always surprises me...

A little love applied to an old frame can go a long way...

Here's an image of one of my new items stemming from a branch (pardon the pun) of my original taxidermy. These are the Flocks of Fowl. I was able to get my hands on 8 of these awesome plaques featuring this beautiful floral carving by picking up a worn headboard someone had thrown out alongside the street. All Flocks of Fowl pieces will incorporate repurposed "plaques."

This is all still very new so for the time being, I will still offer my original Stuft Acquaintances alongside these new greener guys. But if all goes well, I'm hoping that pickings won't be too slim as I wander around my local neighborhood on my frequent walks and as I meander through the shelves and bins at thrift shops and yards sales in hopes of finding a smarter solution to all my "stuft" creations.

Co-Lab Was Awesome

2009-12-14T11:30:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at Co-Lab yesterday at Nucleus. Thank God it didn't rain the way it did all day Saturday. I forgot to pack my camera but luckily, I had my trusty phone on me and was able to take these few pictures of my setup.

I'm trying my hand at a new way of mounting my Stuft Acquaintances. I'm always trying to make my stuff as "green" as possible by using reclaimed materials such as found plaques (like those used on my "Flocks of Fowl") and repurposing the fabric,notions and filler from old cushions/stuffed animals.

My lovely sign was also made from scrap wood I found lying around in both my storage shed and my mom's garage. My sushi paintings below, were also painted onto found food-related surfaces such as platters and cutting boards.

Enough about my stuff. Yesterday was also a great chance for my sister and I to do some holiday shopping. We found some awesome stuff for pictured below...

This is for my grandma. This is perfect for her because she loves jewelry and is devoutly Catholic. It's a win-win sort of gift.

My sis and I got 2 of these birch postcards. One for my brother and one for my husband. I think it's hilarious.

What's that? Felt Club??

2009-12-10T21:43:00.001-08:00

Every week, I like to check the Felt Club website to try to get the low down on what's going on with this fabulous show. I just finished checking and was ecstatic to to see that they've finally changed the comment underneath their banner from "Next Event : November 16, 2008 at the Shrine Auditorium" to "...See you at holiday time 2010."

I CAN"T WAIT!!

Crazy Vuitton Handbag

2009-12-01T15:46:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this image with you all. It's a truly a amazing piece-but is it wrong to have it make me feel sad and a bit creepy at the same time? I still really like it.

Co-Lab Dec. 13th

2009-11-30T13:08:00.000-08:00

I'm vending at this year's Co-Lab at Gallery Nucleus. Stop by and check out all the goodies to consider for "gifting" or keeping this holiday season. I'm working on several new items that'll make an appearance there. Click here for more info.

Xmas 2009

2009-11-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again. I'm wishing for some snow this year. I bought a few small trees after Christmas last year (I got one for only $4.50!) and set up a small pink and lavender forest in my home.

Oilcloth Warehouse Sale This Saturday

2009-11-19T20:35:00.000-08:00

Head out to Highland Park, CA this Saturday between 9am-2pm and you won't be disappointed. Oilcloth International is having one of their bi-annual warehouse sales. I personally am hoping to snag some faux bois first and foremost. I already have a "plushy" plan for it and would love to reupholster two ottomen in my home that are starting to look really sad and worn.

For more info click here.

Plush Workshop!!!

2009-11-12T15:01:00.001-08:00

Hope you can join me for this workshop that I'll be giving in early December. This is a great opportunity for anyone who has "plush aspirations" and wants to learn the basics to get started on his/her own creations. I'm going to be teaching stuff like pattern-making and various techniques in embellishment. Everything learned can totally be moulded into creating anything from really physical pieces to something simpler but just as full of wander! The class will then culminate in everyone making their own sushi cushion modeled after my own plush sushi.

It's going to be a super-fun Sunday afternoon. Please visit either www.tafriendly.com or www.gallerynucleus.com for more information on the event.

New Painting for Misfits Series

2009-11-09T17:15:00.000-08:00

The first show for this series was held in the summer at Flying pigeon in Highland Park and as the date approached, I kicked myself for not being able to complete more pieces. But thankfully, the four paintings I had fit in nicely at F.P. Now that I have more time (finally!) I wanted to add more pieces to this series. In the tradition that I've set for this series named Misfits and Tablecloths, I've also named this new painting after a Misfits song. It's called Green Hell.

If you guys get a chance, stop by Salon on 6 (www.SalonOn6.com) in Downtown LA to take a gander at the complete series in person. I'll have them up for this month's Art Walk which is on Thursday (Nov. 12th).

The piece's info is below:

Amy Ortiz
Green Hell (Misfits and Tablecloths), 2009
Acrylic on Cloth
52 x 55 inches
$700

New Taxidermy

2009-11-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

For a long while now, I've been thinking about which new animal I should introduce into my arsenal of faux taxidermy. After a much needed trip to the Natural History Museum for inspiration. I came to the now obvious conclusion that I should make "bird" Stuft Acquaintances. In December, I want to introduce them properly in an exhibit which will be swamped, or should I say flocked with these new guys. Here's a sneak peek at one of them...

My Tattooed Geese at The Anne Bonny...

2009-10-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Check 'em out. I love this photo. It looks so dreamy and whimsical. My guys look great! I'd like to thank the Old Anne Bonny for their excellent display of a portion of this year's Plush You show in Seattle.

Another Giveaway!

2009-09-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of fun. I'm debuting a new collection of brooches with a giveaway of the most attractive piece pictured above. The brooches were inspired by one of my favorite shows, Mad Men, entitled (of course!) Mad Ware.
Each piece features a small trademark article from one of the fellas from this most intriguing show. This brooch in particle is a tiny drawing on mylar of Harry's glasses framed in a copper frame made from moulded plastic. It measures at about 2 inches. (If you're not familiar with the show, think 1960s, New York powerhouse set in an ultra-stylish ad agency.)

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment below with your e-mail. All entries must be in by November 1st. A winner will be chosen at random by my super cute niece on November 2nd and then notified. As a consolation prize, all who enter and don't win will be eligible to receive free shipping on any orders of Mad Ware placed between November 2nd-December 31st. GOOD LUCK!

Plush You Interview

2009-09-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone. I was granted the great opportunity by Kristen Rask (creator of Plush You) to be interviewed on the Plush You blog site. Check it out here

(I thought I'd post this picture since the interview offers some insight into my working process and here you can see some foxes from back in the day in progress.)

Mad Ware Continued...

2009-09-16T12:21:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist trying on one of the Mad Ware brooches.

Mad Ware

2009-09-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

I'm sure if you have cable, you've mostly allowed your Sunday nights to get consumed by the tantalizing show Mad Men. I love this show so much I've dedicated some time to creating something for T&A Friendly inspired by the show. At first, I was wrestling with several plush possibilities but just couldn't fully resolve any of them. Then, it hit me! Why not make some really awesome brooches. Here's a sneak peek at two of them...

This one's about 2 inches in height and the cigarette drawing itself is about 3/4 of an inch.

This one of Don Draper's hat is about the same size but the drawing is almost an inch in height. I really wanted to wow you all with some tiny color pencil renderings.

Arlo Weiner

2009-09-10T10:35:00.000-07:00

I love this kid! After doing some research for a new line of brooches inspired by the oh-so-cool AMC series, Mad Men, I came across info on This boy, Arlo Weiner, son of the show's creator, Matthew Weiner. Apparently, he's got quite a keen sense of personal style. Yes! This is an outfit he sports in his everyday life. Bravo to you and that top hat Arlo!

P.S. Keep an eye out for the new line and a chance to win one of these custom brooches next week.

Alternative to A Boutonniere

2009-09-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Every year brings new experiences for me and that truly makes me feel great. The one thing I'm tackling on vigorously this year is event planning, which is funny because I never consciously admitted to having any interest in it. It all started with one friend getting married and me offering any help to her that she may need. (Let me just say that that reception was absolutely beautiful.) Then that friend had another friend who needed some help for her nuptials which will take place on October 31st and so that's what I'm currently working on. But in between, I've had a lot of friends celebrate their birthdays here and there I've lent a helping hand...or oven mitt because I've offered to bake something delicious. All in all, it's been so incredibly fun to work with new materials aside from my fabric and paint, but don't get me wrong-I still love my fabric and paint!

For this new wedding, I was inspired to replicate an awesome brooch I had seen made from real taxidermy to be used as the "Halloween" groom's boutonniere. However, my guy is made from a foam bird which I deplumed and then cover in faux feathers which I made from earthy hued fabric that I cut into strips. I even drew lines onto the fabric to give it that extra texture. That little peak that you see on the chain will then be secured to his lapel by a separate pin. I really love it when men aren't afraid to don themselves just as fashionably as their partners on that special day. It shows guts-and taste!

Strawberry House

2009-08-28T08:18:00.000-07:00

This store is so damn darling! It's the Sanrio Strawberry House, which was constructed back in 1984 and located in Tokyo, Japan. Man, the Japanese sure know how to create great architecture.

Crystal Ship

2009-08-27T21:13:00.001-07:00

I saw this chandelier in the now late Domino magazine. I was instantly drawn to it. I really wish I had the space in my humble little home for a new light fixture. Aahhhh...so beautiful

Back to Disneyland...FINALLY

2009-08-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a long two months since both my husband's and my Disneyland annual passes first got blocked out but the black curtain has finally been lifted. We're so ecstatic about finally being able to return to one of our favorite pass times. Yay!

sushi & tattoos @ Flock Shop

2009-08-13T10:49:00.000-07:00

Much of my TV viewing time has been consumed by all these reality tattoo shows on cable. It's all seeped into my brain and now I'm itching to get a new tattoo and the craze has even attacked my paintings.

I found this old kitchenware in my mom's garage and wanted to give them a home but then I thought, I can do one better-I'm going to start painting on them. These guys are available at Flock Shop.

My New Paintings @ Flying Pigeon

2009-07-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Misfits and Tablecloths: new paintings by Amy Ortiz

In the midst of my crazy week, I almost completely forgot that I had not posted any news about the showing of my latest paintings at Flying Pigeon. I'm pretty happy that I was better about setting aside more time for painting this year. In the past, I've let my plush endeavors take up most of my time and energy and I finally said, "No More!" So I hope many of you can find your way to the HIghland Park/L.A. area next Saturday (AUG. 8) for the opening reception of my latest work.

It'll be a great event with many of the neighboring shops showing work from other artists. While, there, you can also checkout the awesome Dutch and Chinese imported bikes that Flying Pigeon has to offer...I really want a Dutch one myself but I'm too short.

Tattooed Geese for Plush You-UPDATE

2009-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

So here's the final photo of my Plush You entry. I think I want to make these a regular part of my "taxidermy" collection.

They're a lovely family of tattooed geese and what's a family without it's very own outcast-complete with snarling grin and glaring teeth!

Plush You! 2009...AGAIN!

2009-07-21T10:06:00.000-07:00

I've been torturing myself a lot lately with what I should submit to this year's Plush You! Should I make a Stuft Acquaintance or something else that's similar to some of my signature pieces or should I venture in a new direction? For those of you who occasionally stop by and read my small rants, this is nothing new. Well about 2 weeks ago, I was at my pinnacle. I told myself, "Self! you've got to make up your mind!" (Then, the individual pep talk went from more motivation to some sort of abusive motivation to reconciliation. I think even my husband was starting to get sick of my Plush You! woes and tribulations.)

So I hit the workshop about 2 weeks ago and immersed myself in the task at hand. What I finally decided on was to stay in the plushy taxidermy route but without a head-mounted-on-plaque approach. I made a family of tattooed geese that are wading through water. I'm still putting some final touches on Momma Goose, but when I'm completely finished, I'll post some much nicer pix...ENJOY!

Saturday Was Fun

2009-07-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

It was great seeing so many people and hearing some compliments firsthand at Funk Rumble. I couldn't believe how hot it was but our tent sure made a huge difference. The crowd seemed to liven=up once the sun set. While setting up, it felt so much time had passed since vending at an outdoor fair. I spent some of the down time analyzing my space and taking notes for improvement....meanwhile, my husband just kicked back.

This Saturday 11am-10pm

2009-07-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

If you're going to be in Chinatown LA, come check it out

There's going to be some really great vendors such as Beautiful Decay, Eon, Old Chola, and myself-T&A Friendly. So be prepared to splurge by treating yourself to some of our awesome goodies. See you there!

www.thefunkrumbleblockparty.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/thefunkrumble
www.myspace.com/funkrumble
www.twitter.com/funkrumble

getting fair-ready

2009-07-03T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have few craft fairs under my belt by now. However, whenever one comes around, I'm consumed by a mixture of anxiety and excited. On the one hand, it's always fun to see people's reaction to one's handy work first hand. On the other, there's an extremely high amount of work involved when getting ready for a selling event. But here's a few things that I've learned along the way to help me prepare and hopefully they'll be useful to anyone out there who joins the craft fair circuit.

1. Give yourself at least 1 month to make all your merchandise
I say "1 month" because you may have to contend with many things unforeseen such as the debut of a new item which ends up flopping during the creation process. But rest assure, because you started working on your both early, you now have the luxury of heading back to the drawing board to work out some of the kinks.

2. Stand out amongst a sea of vendors
I'm sure you all already know that it's very important to make your stand as unique as the work that is being showcased in it. This is an especially poignant fact when selling at a fair where attendees are confronted by rows and rows of 10x10ft tents. But this doesn't have to be a costly matter. One, when purchasing your own tent, opt for a color other than white or a color that best highlights your goods. You can also take an extra step by setting some time aside to paint your logo or cool stripes onto the top of the tent in acrylic or fabric paint. Two, if putting your logo onto the tent isn't for you-make yourself a sign. It doesn't have to be fancy. A sign can be as simple as painting your name onto some scrap wood that's been given some love. Or, if painting just isn't your thing. You can print out your logo and frame it in a good size frame which you can place near the front of your tent.

One more thing, don't plastic picnic table are great for these events because they're big and easy to transport. But always tote along a nice tablecloth to cover 'em in.

3.Be sure your comfortable, well-fed & well-hydrated
Be prepared to spend most of your day at the event and that means you may have a few of your meals while there so the morning of pack a foldable chair/camping bench and cooler with drinks and food for you and any helpers that may come along for the ride. Buying more than one meal can really eat into your profits and run as high as $25 per person for an 8-hour day.

4.Change please!
Make a run to the bank a couple days before to grab plenty of change. Chances are you're going to get enough visitors who will buy $1, $7, or even $15 items with $5, $10, or even $20-dollar bills. I like to travel with $20 in "ones" and $25 in "fives."

*Also, you may want to keep everything priced in whole dollar amounts to avoid having to keep coin change on you-sometimes this just complicates things.

**If you're in a space that offers Wi-fi, open a Paypal account and bring along your labtop in preparation for any fans who want to purchase something but have no cash or a checkbook on them. Hey, it happens.

5.Pricing for all
Pricing-AHHHHHH! I hate it too. For one thing, you want to make some money but not at the cost of practically giving your work away. A wise thing to do is first, have a wide selection of both inexpensive and "finer" items at your station. For you the artist, this can also translate into "inexpensive" meaning objects that didn't take up too much labor/costly materials and "finer" meaning those one-of-a-kind special items like paintings or decadent handmade jewelry. By offering both high and low merchandise, you give everyone who visits an opportunity to walk away with one of your special treats.

Of course, everyone will run into their own experiences but I offer these tid-bits of wisdom to make the venture of selling outdoors all the more pleasant for any of you who possess the will to do so. Happy hunting!

Woes & Whews When Creating For Plush You!

2009-06-23T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to say that I was fortunate enough to have participated in both of last year's Plush You! shows in Seattle and San Francisco and getting invited for a second time this year. But then again, deciding on my entry for this year has had me wracking my poor brain. Should I submit another Stuft Acquaintance, should I submit another T&A plush item, or should I go ball's out and create something new altogether? The latter is what I've been going with recently but it's been such a hard decision to make. Hard economic times mean that it would be wise for me to submit something that would be checkbook-friendly but occasionally my brain doesn't work that way. When I'm working on a show piece, I really want to wow my audience with something new and impressive and to be frank, but that can get a little pricey.

These are the issues that have consumed my thoughts for the past couple of months. I want to create something reminiscent of everything that T&A Friendly stands for which is quality, zaniness and a bit of tack. All this pondering made me start at square one again and I had to revisit some of my original inspirations such as the dreary faux creatures of Liz McGrath,

(www.lizmcgrath.com)
my paintings which are always colorful and chalked full of vintage pop culture,

(Here's another sneek-peak into my series which will open this summer at Flying Pigeon in Highland Park)
and shiny and heavy weight textiles such as glittery vinyl or vinyl with a faux snakeskin texture.

My latest decision for the show hit me like a ton of bricks while waiting in line to get onto Indiana Jones at Disneyland last Tuesday. I want to make a family of tattooed swans...or ducks. I haven't yet decided what species of feathered friend the family will be but they will definitely be featured wading on water-made from vinyl of course! I'm so excited and will post it as the time for Plush You! gets closer.

Playing and Toy Soldiers

2009-06-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago, my husband and I wanted to attempt one of the McGyver Challenges in Readymade Magazine. The challenge was to repurpose and transform an old computer printer. So we got to work and then never even submitted the darn thing. Our idea had miniatures involved and then that inspired something else altogether. We were completely entranced and inspired to build a small diorama featuring whatever we were able to get out hands on. At the 99 Cent store we found a bag of toy soldiers for the project and then put those away...never to complete out miniature project. So sad.

A few weeks ago, I was cleaning out our storage shed and came across the soldiers. I snatched them out and kept them in-sight, certain that they would inspire something new for T&A Friendly. Then, the idea came and her she is-chunky and ornate combs and brooches...

most will be available at Flock Shop (www.flockshopla.com) at most definitely at my booth at the Funk and Rumble Block Party in 3 weeks.

It's Happening Chinatown July 11th

2009-06-15T15:56:00.000-07:00

Don't miss it. The Funk Rumble Block Party in Chinatown LA. Saturday July 11th. The wonderful peeps at Flock Shop are putting this together and yours truly is going to have a booth there so keep an eye out for me and stop by to see some of my new items.
Ciao!

2009-06-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

On Friday, my husband and I went and joined our friends in celebration of a birthday. I was so excited to help in getting the occasion organized. I especially loved how to two items came out. One is the birthday boy's banner which says, "Happy Birthday Jefe," which means "boss" in Spanish. I've been spending a lot of time at Disneyland, eyeing the old-fashioned signs that dangle in the window displays. This birthday gathering was the perfect chance to try my hand at making one of my own. Another first was this cinnamon stencil...

I had already promised the birthday boy a pumpkin cheesecake but when I found out that a special get-together was in order, I thought about how to spruce up the cheesecake "tastefully." Not that I have anything against sprinkles and frosting but decorating a cheesecake with that stuff would ruin a perfect dessert. So I opted for something I had seen in the Martha Stewart aisle at Macy's...except this stencil was customized to this specific occasion. YUM!

More to Coooooooooome

2009-06-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Two buddies just got married and I happily offered all my crafting experience and handiness for their special nuptials. All the work and projects I went throw made the gears start to turn. For a long time I had considered diving head first into the world of accessories. But I knew if I were to do this that it would have to be a permanent addition to the T&A family. Like in fashion, I'd like to make seasonal collections with bi-annual announcements. This is all in the name of good fun and great fashion! Here's a sneak peak at my Summer '09 brooch collection called Schwartzwalde.

The Schwartzwalde is the Black Forest in Germany. The name just oozes brisk air and short grey afternoons to me. Summer can be fun but I always long for colder days when I can adorn my lapels with ornate jewelry.

These are all handmade just like everything else I make and one-of-a-kind, of course. With Love, from T&A Friendly.

Good-Bye Fresh Weather

2009-05-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

I hate the summer. I get heat rashes and am just generally annoyed with all the heat in L.A. I know some people think Southern Californians are so fortunate to have such nice weather year round. But I've always felt a little left out at not being able to really experience a white Christmas. I don't know. I guess that's just me. I hope to move to Canada some day...with or without my husband :)

The Natural History Museum

2009-05-02T16:25:00.000-07:00

This year has been the year of shows for me. I've been working feverishly on many shows. My next project is to expand on the Stuft Acquaintances and the first place I went to was the Natural History Museum. It has 3 great rooms filled with life-size dioramas that feature taxidermy of animals from both North America and Africa.

These halls have this great whimsical aspect to them. For the show, I'm also going to make about 30 books that'll be companions to the show and pieces. The books will feature photos of my inspiration(s) alongside images of the show's pieces. Then I'll cover them in fabric that was also used in pieces for the show. I guess you can think of them as little mementos.

I hope to have this show open in either September or November. I think November might be better...

Upcoming Show (Aug. 2009)

2009-04-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

flyingpigeon-la.com
Hey Y'all
A friend recently took my husband and me out to this awesome bike shop in Highland Park. The shop is Flying Pigeon. (Check 'em out by clicking above.) The arsenal is oh-so stylish and it's also a gallery. I talked to the super nice owner and hopefully I will get a show together of my latest series of paintings up and going there to open in August. Here's a sneak-peek of one of my paintings below

A Must-See-Movie

2009-04-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Any Joy Division fans out there? Then you must have heard of Control, which is largely based on the book, Touching In A Distance, written by JD's late lead singer, Ian Curtis' widow, Deborah Curtis. When I first heard about the film, I was so excited and kept an eye out for it every time I passed a Leammle's Theatre. But stupid me never made time for it and missed it. Now, I'm determined to buy myself the dvd.

I've seen a lot of clips from the movie so far and it's already one of my favorites. I love that it was shot in Black and White. This just seems to add to the tone of the tragic love story. Sam Riley is really good as Ian.

Here's something else, I learned that all the actors portraying Joy Division actually performed the music themselves-not bad, guys!

BOYCOTT OILILY

2009-04-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

This really sucks! I've been in situations too where someone is ripping me off. It's not a nice feeling! Read more.

Another New Kit

2009-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here's another addition to my "kit" series. Keep an eye out for these lovely feathers made from tulle. They're super easy (you'll complete 'em in 3 quick steps) and oh-so stylish. Pin one or a bunch on your favorite jacket, in your hair, on a hat or whatever! The possibilities are endless.

I've seen so many feather items around lately and I guess my frequent trips to Disneyland don't help avoid this. I just had to jump on the band wagon. So I decided to merge my love for stiff tulle and these whimsical adornments into something for you all.

The great part is each pack brings enough to make 4 in an assortment of colors and retails for only $5. How can you resist. That's cheaper than most other accessories. Have fun...

Shrimp GIVEAWAY!

2009-04-17T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone! I'm here with the first ever T&A Friendly giveaway. You could win "Ida," the shrimp who always, for some reason, has this stern look on her face. Below are the details:

You've seen my Stuft Acquaintances, those lovable "plushy taxidermy." I make a great variety of them and now it's your turn to help me come up with a new beast. The best suggestion wins "Ida," the Shrimp! E-mail your entry to info@tafreindly.com and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 15th

Here's a list of what I already make to help you get started:
1. worms
2. beavers
3. bunnies
4. unicorns
5. deer
6. rams
7. boars
8. giraffes
9. llamas
10. ostriches
11. shrimp
12. rhinos
13. yeti
14. elephants
15. foxes

Another Make-It-Yourself

2009-04-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here's another one of my new kits. Spruce up your outfit with this adorable fried egg purse. The kit includes all the fabric you'll need already cut down to the pattern and thorough, yet easy instructions. Looking spiffy sure is getting affordable with a little help from T&A Friendly.

Make-It-Yourself

2009-04-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been wracking my brain about what new and inexpensive item to make. As time goes on. I'm ever more intrigued by accessories and with making them my way-with a "T&A" twist. So here we go with a super-cool "Robin Hood" hat. For her birthday, I made one for my sister and was so jazzed about it that I thought, hey why not make these for T&A Friendly?

But now, I want you to join in the fun and try your hand at crafting. So I'm making these available as a kit. This kit is so easy and affordable and come in a variety of heavy-weight textiles. I'm a true believer in the "handmade" and think that anyone is capable at doing/making so. Now, let's get sewing!

Finding Some Inspiration

2009-04-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Like many of you "creatives" out there. I find inspiration in the tiniest and most obscure places. I always think back to my honeymoon in Solvang during the Christmas season, for example. Being a new bride definitely put me in a whimsical state-of-mind. Around every corner, I found something new to photograph to use as a future design reference. A couple of years later, I'm still looking at these photos and seeing new ideas.

I wish I could create my own little village dedicated to all the silly things I like. It would be a magical place. Where mostly everything would not be to human scale. Things would either be miniature or gigantic. I also think every resident would be required to own and ride a bike. These bikes would have to be painted in a style dedicated to a "regional"/ethnic style. I would definitely have a bike painted in a Scandinavian style. Then, my husband would have to have his bike painted with Mexican designs. I think I'd like for him to have something that resembled the embroidery from Oaxaca.

My family would open up many little shops in the neighborhood and the only major chain-store allowed within a ten-mile radius would be Target. I'm guilty of not being able to get along without going to Target regularly because they inspire me too. We would own a bakery, ice cream parlor, and embroidery shop. The embroidery shop would have to be run by Memo, my husband and he'd bring a lot of interesting ideas to the table. All the shops' employees would also have uniforms in some shade of pink and it'd snow all year round! Yes, that's the town I would love to live in. However, something deep down inside tells me he might now go quietly with this idea. So I may have to just make myself a new husband. Preferably, one that doesn't talk back.

Don't Forget...

2009-04-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

Lock, Coif & Barrel: Where Salon Culture and Plush Collide. The due date is quickly approaching. Here's a quick rundown for everyone. Take anything you like (or dislike) about beauty salons and make that idea into a great work of plush. When I say "plush" I mean it in the loosest sense. It can be anything from crochet to embroidery to whatever! If your plush is mounted, that's cool too.

The show will be held in Downtown L.A. in the historic district at Salon on 6 and open on December 10th, during Art Walk.

I have some great talents lined up so far like El Ponk! (www.elponk.com) who will be designing a fabulous retro-inspired poster for the show and Questions Etc. (www.questionetc.blogspot.com) who will be trying her hand at plush for the show. And then of course, there's your truly who will be presently something completely new. I love my Stuft Acquaintances but I'm working on an expanded version of them for the show-so excited! This is sure to be a wonderful experience for any "soft" artist.

All Grafuck All The Time

2009-04-06T19:51:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to gather my pieces into one posing for your convenience

This is Jungle Chest...

and here's Golden Rod...

Last, but certainly not least is Plaid Lips.

Oh Canada!

2009-04-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

I saw this and couldn't help myself. I had to have it. I found it at a local thrift shop and I thought to myself, "What a beautiful dish towel. I'm going to frame it." And then I did. I have an infinite love for Canada and all things Canadian. I love cold weather and picturesque landscapes filled with tall trees. Aaahhhh...

This may not be Canadian, but the trays at Clifton's Cafeteria in Downtown L.A. tugged at my "wilderness" hearts strings too.

Final Entry for GRAFUCK Completed

2009-04-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

www.gallerynucleus.com
YES! So I finally completed my third and final piece for Grafuck, which will open this Saturday-so don't miss it! They are humungous boobs and I named them, Jungle Chest. These puppies took up almost ten pounds of filler before I was through. An "OMG" is certainly in order. They ended up too soft to resist the temptation of cuddling up with them.

New Item

2009-04-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have this obsession with band-aids. They're just so cool to look at for some reason and I can't help myself when it comes to finding inspiration in these small beige strips. The latest fruition from my compact muse are these patches. Check 'em out! If you get a tear or snag on a much-loved article of clothing, don't throw it out. Instead, patch up the garment's boo-boo. Being a fashion victim never looked so cool.

These will be available at Renegade Handmade (Chicago, IL) and on my website-www.tafriendly.com, of course.

My Moose

2009-03-30T01:21:00.001-07:00

This was my first "moose" attempt. I made him a few months ago but was only able to finally take a picture of him last week. His name is Hansel. I love him..

R.I.P. Lil' Headband

2009-03-22T00:24:00.000-07:00

I was so jazzed when I found this great shiny black plastic headband with a bow moulded on it at Forever 21 a while ago. Well, I guess after much love and wearing it every chance I got, it finally gave out and broke on me-"Oh. No!"

I couldn't bring myself to throw the pieces away 'cause I knew that there just had to be a way to salvage my plastic beloved. The bits sat around for weeks in my medicine cabinet. Enough was enough and I had to make a decision. Was I going to try to glue the pieces back together and revive a headband or would I come up with something entirely new? My favorite element of the late hair accessory was the bow itself so I decided to try making myself a necklace out of it. But I was nervous about cutting the plastic because it maybe brittle. But I bit the bullet and just grabbed some wire cutters and cut the "band" ends away so that all that was left was just the bow. Surprisingly enough, the cutters snipped the plastic very neatly and Viola! Here's my new necklace. What do you think?

I'm Julius Caesar Today!

2009-03-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, I found this hair comb in either my mom or grandma's stuff and although at the time I couldn't think of how I would don it, I really liked it. Thus, I kept it. When I move din with my husband, I packed it away in a bag I never use and misplaced it. Then last week, I started organizing our storage shed and came across it. I instantly snatched it up and brought it into the house to be kept where my other hair accessories are kept in order to ensure that it gets used soon.

Well, today was finally the day that I wore something that accommodated the golden leaf nicely...and I just wanted to share it with you. Unfortunately, I didn't even get to go out and show the world my awesome leaf because my husband had to spend the day at home getting over a heavy night of drinking-DRATS! But I did look lovely while watching TV.

Pretty Filth2

2009-03-19T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hey so here's another piece for Grafuk-the penis! I'm naming this one, Golden Rod. That's my lovely husband posing with my new plush creation. I think he was a little uncomfortable holding it.