Etsy Treasury!

I was really happy today to find that TheTerriersClub had included my print of good ole Dexter in her treasury.

Here's a link to all the awesome goodness she put together. She called it A Terrier's Nightmare! Personally I think the boston burgler and the cat burgler are my faves!

Several prints are available in my etsy store here : betty blue and locally in Dallas at Dolly Python.

Comments appreciated, as always!

Whadda ya makin' now?

I make stuff.
Jewelry. Art. Furniture. Toys. Puppets. Costumes.
It's what I do, and if I do say so myself; I'm pretty good at it.
And now, I'm embarking on a whole new project.
Making a movie. A documentary, to be exact.
I'm hoping to raise funds through Kickstarter. You can read more about this and follow my progress here: the-history-of-the-lyons-carnival-club.
It's a little ambitious, taking on this project without any training or money. If you would like to help, all donations, EVEN A SINGLE DOLLAR, will help.
Today I built this shoulder rig for my camera.

The materials cost just under $14.00. I hope to make the most of every cent. I have a few modifications still, like some hand grips and weights, but so far, so good.
And if you're thinking of donating, or already have-THANKS!

New Earrings!!

Lots of new earrings getting stocked today!  A couple of old faves, and many new ones.

All earrings under $15 and free USA shipping

My Greatest Beading Achievement So Far...But Not For Long

I made this beaded bracelet handbag about 10 years ago. It was my first attempt (go big or go home) at peyote stitch. It's actually my only attempt at peyote stitch. I'm a big fan of square stitch, mostly because it looks like you did it on a loom. I also like the fact that you pass through each bead 3 times, so it is stronger than peyote stitch. Back to the bag, it took forever, I would work my butt off on it, for 8 hours; and I would accomplish 4 rows. Not exactly a project that fits with my attraction with  immediate gratification.

 It was also one of my first posts to craftster. Shortly afterwards, I had a computer crash and lost the ability to access my profile. I finally gained access a few weeks ago, and was incredibly surprised to find this bag had made the Best of 2008 list. I'm even more proud of it now! I haven't worked with seed beads for some time, but I think that it will make a resurgence in my life soon.

THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP or HOW FACEBOOK SAVED MY DOG'S LIFE

Happy Holidays everyone!
It's been pretty crazy around here. One of my dogs, Dexter (he's the guy in my profile pic), managed to poison himself with a whole bottle of aspirin. There was also the stress of being unemployed, and no immediate means to take on this debt.
I asked my friends on facebook for help with an emergency vet who would work a payment plan with me. I was led to someplace (biting my tongue) that asked how much I could pay today? I had $30 on me, and they said the only thing they could do for $30 was PUT HIM DOWN. Needless to say that was an unacceptable answer, and reached out on fb again. I was led to Metro Paws and my friends called ahead, so not only were they expecting me, they knew I had no money. That put all the focus back on Dexter! His prognosis was poor. Dr. Robson did not have high hopes and honestly he couldn't stand up, and it was freaking me out! I had to leave him overnight and hope for him to show some sign of progress in the morning. Back to facebook, where I asked my friends to think good thoughts for him; to pray, chant, light candles, do whatever they do for some universal healing. I had many comments and responses. I also noticed that my friends were reposting, offering to loan me money, give me some work (I freelance) and front me the cash. I even saw that a friend was selling his fridge to help raise money. It made me feel so loved and supported, I wanted to channel all that positive energy to Dexter. The vet called me late in the night with some encouraging words, but also reminded me that we were not out of the woods. Updated my friends, asked again to keep up the good thoughts, it was working, and I would see him in the morning. The morning phone call brought good news!


 He was standing up, and wagging his little nub!!! I don't think I can accurately describe how great I felt at that moment. I went to the vet, where they made me comfortable, and invited me to stay as long as I wanted. They gave me a stool to sit at by his cage, and I held him and petted him for about 45 minutes.



I had spent the previous night doing Dexter related artwork, and printed a thank you piece for the clinic. When I left, it was hopeful that I could come back and get him at the end of the day. Making my payment arrangements, I found that someone had come to the vet the day before and paid $20 towards my bill! I thanked the anonymous donor on facebook, also giving everyone the good news.

Then came an overwhelming rally of unexpected support. People started posting links to my artwork and jewelry, telling my story of the help I needed. I started selling a few items. I had an offer to sell my prints at the coolest store in town! That afternoon, I was able to pick him up, and when I got there, my bill had been reduced considerably!!
Much like the Kmart layaway angels, I had my very own group of layaway angels!!!
I'm still riding on a cloud of relief and joy.

9x12 block prints

This week I will have new block prints of Dexter and some Thank You cards I have printed for sale here: bettyblue

Of course, all proceeds will benefit his ongoing treatment. (There is still a possibility of liver and kidney damage). 

I'm still printing, and after it's dry, I'll start listing. Dallas folks, they will be available locally at Dolly Python. (Thanks Gretchen!)

I'm incredibly thankful for the support of friends, near and far. If you have a need for thanking anyone, please consider one of my hand printed cards. Dexter and I will be eternally grateful!

Thank You cards. In white and ivory.

This week has been a true testament to the power of friendship. It has brought me to tears MANY times over the last few days.

Inside message and back or envelope

To those who helped (I know who most of you are!), you have my UNDYING FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY!!


I also have HUGE THANKS to Dr. Robson and all of the Metro Paws staff!!


Stay tuned, I love you all!............Karen

Dexter and Dulli wish you Happy Holidays!

I would also like to add, there has been interest in how I print my suminagashi papers. Soon as this project is complete, I'll make more WITH A TUTORIAL!!!

Friday's Giveaway

Friday's Giveaway is handmade chain maille, a continuous 28" strand that can be worn multiple ways. It's made from light red and silver anodized aluminum. Enter on my facebook page PunkRock-Paper-Scissors and comment under the pic of this necklace.

Thanks and good luck!

Reduction Print

This is the first time I have tried cutting a reduction print. If you are not familiar with this process, it is a form of lino-cut or wood block printing. The main difference in just cutting a block and then printing it, is you cut, print, then cut some more off the same block and print again and so on. I also like to print my lino-cuts on papers that I have previously made, so the paper itself is unique, therefore subsequent prints will be unique. This technique did not work well for me, this time out; it may have been due to my original color choices. I tried to create a brown stained, sepia looking paper. The blue ink I used for the first pass looked terrible, so I printed with gold on white papers. Basically, all I cut out for the first pass will end up being the highlight (paper showing through) on this print. Sorry I don't have a pic of the gold pass by itself.

After you print a sufficient number of papers with the first pass, you wash the block and continue cutting. At this point, I cut a more significant part of the design out. Printing the second color covers up some of the first color and provided the shadows,

As you can see, my original color choices did not work well, I'm glad I had the forethought to print a different color on the first pass. In this method, there is NO GOING BACK.

Also, I do not have a press, so my prints are hand rubbed, and leads to somewhat uneven results. Not exactly a tutorial, but I hope this gives you a better idea of how I created this print.

RIP Jay.