Saturday, January 31, 2009

Some of the silly ads I get to work on.

This is just part of the ad that I clipped, in honor of the beloved upcoming holiday, Valentine's day. When my boss sent me this ad, I was quickly reading it on my phone and was thinking. . . "Is this for real?" I had to laugh sitting where I was all by myself. I did a quick illo of a voodoo doll and thought I'd post. I imagine anyone having the feeling of having their heart ripped out would probably have this in mind and it is as advertised, "not getting the law involved". I encourage you though, don't do it!!! Bad juju!

I haven't been blogging as much as I would like, since I've been so busy. Hopefully I can wrap my projects up that I am working on soon and get back to it. I miss illustrating just for the purpose of fun!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Inspire me Thursday: Peeling Paint

I had posted this image before, but I think it's perfect for the theme! This is a random piece of pottery I found blistering on a rock, exploring the island Garrafon in Mexico. And it was an absolutely blistering hot day!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Photo Friday: Iconic

One of the most recognizable icons of the United States, Lady Liberty.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Guess what today is?

My blog is one year old today. It has been so much fun blogging, sharing my artwork and participating in all of the blog challenges out there, not to mention the all of the wonderful people I have gotten to know this past year. Happy birthday blog!

Two of my favorite creatives join forces to make a movie out of my favorite children's book!!!

Wow, am I dreaming? I have always been so inspired by these two guys. The phenomenal writer, Neil Gaiman, and the director from the amazing short stop animation "Nightmare Before Christmas", Henry Selick, team up to create a movie from the novel "Coraline". I am so excited to see this! Below is the official trailer. I remember hearing about this being in production, but now I got a little glimpse. AND it's in 3D! Giddy!!!

Monday, January 12, 2009

IF: Contained

So last year my New Year's resolution was to become a more productive artist and hone my illustration skills upon starting this blog. I've contained my wild little Muse in a cage in my studio, and have been working away. It's great to develop a little self discipline. Let's see how much I can accomplish in 2009 compared to last year!

Did you eat the last pretzel?!!!

My Hubby and I spent most of this Holiday season break loungin' around drinking beer and watching movie marathons in our PJ's. I know I know. . .

So that's what I have been spending most of my time doing. I must say that we needed the quality time together, because I'm usually in my studio and he's downstairs in his "man-hole" or admiring his new car and tinkering in the garage. So. . . usually when drinking and watching movies we get the urge to munch on some "snackie-cakes" as we call it. Hubby says one night, "OOOH, you know what would be good? Soft Pretzels!!!" We had all of the ingredients except for yeast. So upon getting out of the house and going to the grocery store, I picked some up.

Saturday night we spent the evening in our PJ's again drinking beer, watching movies and making pretzels! I must say it was lots of fun, rolling our "dough snakes" and laughing at each other. And they turned out so amazing!!! I felt like Mrs. Diana Evans cooking up a storm in the kitchen! And the whole house carried the intoxicating smell of fresh baked bread, yummy!

Ok, so here are directions for making "Soft Buttery Pretzels".

4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1 teaspoon white sugar
1 1/4 cups warm water (110 degrees F/ 45 degrees C)
5 cups all-purpose flour (I'd do slightly less, it's easier to knead the dough and form pretzels)
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups hot water
1/4 cup sea salt
butter or butter flavored cooking spray

Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and 1 teaspoon sugar in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix together flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center; add the oil and yeast mixture. Mix and form into a dough. If the mixture is dry, add one or two tablespoons of water. Knead the dough until smooth, about 7 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 C). In a large bowl, dissolve baking soda in hot water.

4. When risen, turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and twist into a pretzel. Once all of the dough is shaped, dip each pretzel into the baking soda solution and place on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with sea salt.

5. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes or until browned.

6. Dip into melted butter, or add your favorite topping, or better yet, both!

(I lightly sprayed mine with butter flavored cooking spray and enjoyed with dijon mustard. Cinnamon and sugar is good too!)

Saturday, January 10, 2009

Look what I got for Christmas!

My thoughtful Husband bought me Deborah Mori's Gratitude print. I remember casually mentioning to him that I liked this and he remembered!
This print reminds me daily to be grateful for the family, friends and loved ones surrounding me and how lucky I am to have them in my life. That includes my blogger friends as well!

Deborah, I am proud to display your beautiful artwork in my home and will treasure it always.