My apologies...

I've not had the chance to post much lately except for Treasury Pretties as our upcoming show looms heavy and near! I've been working like a fiend trying to get ready for it and have also been filling some custom orders outside of Etsy.

Also....and YAY! I've been featured in 2 more treasuries this week...THANK YOU!
Please check out these pretty things:
The first is "What IT Do?" by takeiteasy and it features my Joss Paper Candles:

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The next treasury feature is by Mikiep and is called "To the Heart of Artists"
It features one of my favourite pieces "Hiroko Bound Geisha Sculpture"

Please support these fine artists... Happy Day!

xxx
Raven

Under My Umbrella...

Just a few pretty Umbrellas from Etsy Artists for you to ENJOY!

Hope yer having a great week so far...I've been so busy filling orders and preparing for our October 2007 show. You can email or convo me to be added to our guest list.
I hope to have more time to write soon!

xxx
Raven

Amy is Out, Sienna is In... *titter titter*

Looks like Vogue got wind of Amy's drug problems and nixed her from the September cover as previously announced. Too bad...mabie there's a chance she'll be back again. Good thing they always shoot an extra cover just in case of a dilemma.

Now they've got "It" girl Sienna Miller.
Honestly, I've never quite gotten the fuss over her...could someone please explain it?

I've been hearing comments over the heavy eyebrows shown on the cover though...takes me back to the early 90's.
Even GoFugYourself has mentioned them in their "Fug the Cover: Sienna Miller" Blog
Seems like they don't quite like the cover a t'all.

Oh well...I'm still plugging through the issue, which is SO heavy this time, my mail lady parked her mail van outside the house and brought it to the door personally. haha

Have a great Wednesday, Pretties!
xxx
Raven

I Think We Should See Other People...and other things you should know

It's true,...sorry, ummmm, but it's over. You've been a pleasure, but even good things must sometimes come to an end...

Unfortunately there's a bit of a loverly spat going on in this treasury by KarmaRox that I'm featured in...but it still ROCKS! It features one of my "Dolly Says..." cards "I Think We Should See Other People".

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I've recently posted some other "Dolly Says..." cards and I can customize these cards to say anything you'd like. These are some of the sayings you can choose from if you can't think of your own or Dolly just happens to be saying your sentiments exactly:




*Lets Get Naked
*Lets Play Tonsil Hockey
*You Rock My World
*Lets Makeout
*Lets Boogie
*Kiss My Grits
*I Wanna Rock
*Kiss Me There...No There
*Youre Cute
*Lets Get Tipsy
*Bitch
*You Suck
*I've Been a Bad Girl
*I Think We Should See Other People
*Hi
Getting it off your chest could never be easier...and Dolly can be naughty or nice! Just tell me what you'd like her to say. Click here or on the right side of this blog for my shop.

xxx
Raven

Pretty Things Spotlight: JENNIFER MORRIS

When I saw Jennifer's work for the first time, all I could say was "WOW, WOW WOW!"
Each decorative bead she makes of polymer clay is as beautiful and stunning as a jewel!

Jennifer makes each bead free-form, without the use of molds.
She mixes 24kgold leaf and sometimes fine silver leaf into the clay and then each dot, loop, swirl is placed on one at a time.
She then carves and shapes each piece, adds vintage Swarovski rhinestones, 14kgoldfill, 14kgold wire or sterling silver wire to its final beauty.


"I think it goes without saying that since I put so much time and love into my work I feel that I should use the best materials with the clay."


Visit Jennifer's shop Jennifer Morris Beads to check out all of her Pretties. I just know you'll be blown away too!

Have a great Monday!
xxx
Raven

Two Hollywood Faves...

Driving thru Hollywood, you can't help but notice this LA hot spot. There is ALWAYS a line, no matter what time of the day or nite. I especially enjoyed the guy in the circus striped shirt chatting away the line on his celly. KUDOS, Pinks... L.A. Loves You!

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I was on my way to one of my favourite L.A. haunts on Melrose called "Necromance". The website doesn't even do the shop justice.



Necromance [recently separated into 2 locations just doors from each other], specialises in Natural History prints, Preserved Sea Life, Mounted Insects & Butterflies, Beads [bones, horns, teeth, etc...], Botany, Human & Animal Bones, Medical Instruments....and plenty of wunderment in Formaldehyde. Dark & Lovely. I don't think I've ever walked out of there without spending Money.

xxx
Raven

Just as I had suspected...

Sometimes you just KNOW when something is so beautiful...

The treasury "I Like It" by Munieca that I had previously stated was worthy of FrontPage Etsy Status has, in fact, made front page.
[Mabie Admin is reading my blog.] hee hee

The reason for my joy is obvious...It's my first time on Front Page [!] since I joined Etsy a month ago in July.
YAY!!
THANK YOU THANKYOUTHANKYOU!


...and then, P*O*O*F...Just like that, it's gone again...

xxx
Raven

Two Wunderful Treasuries featuring Dirty Pretty Things!!

I'm in 2 new treasuries on Etsy right now...and I've always gotta give props to anyone who features my things. YAY!

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The first "ETSYPALOOZA" by Adorness. They've made a fun game of it where each treasury item stands for one of their fave band or singer. The winner who guesses them all gets one of their pretties as a prize. How fun!

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The other sweet treasury is by Munieca from Argentina! It's called "I Like It" She's got lots of sweet treats worthy of a spot on Etsy's front page!

Also be sure to check out both of these shops for some well-crafted beautiful finds. Support the Handmade Arts!

xxx
Raven

Become a Part of Dirty Pretty Things to Ponder

Thanks so very much for your interest in being a part of Dirty Pretty Things to Ponder... We Love You!

There are several ways in which you can be a part of Dirty Pretty Things to Ponder...

Artist Features: A weekly Sunday feature.
High exposure week long feature devoted entirely to YOU and your art/craft with give-a-way. We accept submissions based on the following criteria:
★ You have products that mesh with the look and vibe of Dirty Pretty Things
★ You have clear, magazine/catalogue quality pictures. I do sometimes Photoshop images, but rarely have the time.
★ You can answer interview questions. Note: We try to, but don't always use all of the questions we send to you.
★ You agree to give us permission to pull pix and additional information from your shop, blog, flickr, myspace, etc...
★ You can supply and ship an item for our feature give-a-way. We do this so that our readers check out your shop and experience what you do. We also hope that you'll make sales from the additional traffic. If you'd like to conduct your give-a-way in a certain manner, please feel free to let us know.
★ You can find links to all past Artist Spotlight Features listed down on the right hand side of the blog.
★ Email inquiries to eyecandy58@yahoo.com or convo RavenX on Etsy


Big Give Features: A soon-to-be quarterly feature.
High exposure mini week long features of 5-10 artists with give-a-ways. Artists are separately featured and each has their own give-a-way. We accept submissions based on the following criteria:
★ You have products that mesh with the look and vibe of Dirty Pretty Things
★ You have not been able to secure a spot for an Artist Spotlight Feature
★ You have pictures that may or may not be magazine/catalogue quality. I sometimes Photoshop images, but rarely have time.
★ You can answer interview questions. Note: We try to, but don't always use all of the questions we send to you.
★ You agree to give us permission to pull pix and additional information from your shop or blog, etc...
★ You can supply and ship an item for our feature give-a-way. We do this so that our readers check out your shop and experience what you do. We also hope that you'll make sales from the additional traffic. If you'd like to conduct your give-a-way in a certain manner, please feel free to let us know.
★ You can find links to all past Big Give Artist Features listed down on the right hand side of the blog.
★ Email inquiries to eyecandy58@yahoo.com or convo RavenX on Etsy


Sponsor a Give-a-Way: A random feature.
High exposure mini week long feature of your shop with give-a-way, no interview. We accept submissions based on the following criteria:
★ You have products that mesh with the look and vibe of Dirty Pretty Things
★ You want quick exposure for your shop
★ You agree to give us permission to pull pix and additional information from your shop or blog, etc...
★ You can supply and ship an item for this give-a-way. We do this so that our readers check out your shop and experience what you do. We also hope that you'll make sales from the additional traffic. If you'd like to conduct your give-a-way in a certain manner, please feel free to let us know.
★ Email inquiries to eyecandy58@yahoo.com or convo RavenX on Etsy


Be a guest contributor: A random feature.
A quick way to get featured. Write a rant, rave, tutorial, give tips/advice, critique celebs, fashion, trends...whatever you'd like! Your post will include a short bio, photo and a link to your shop and blog at the end. No give-a-way, no interview. We accept submissions based on the following criteria:
★ Your feature meshes with the vibe of Dirty Pretty Things
★ You want quick exposure for your shop
★ You can guest contribute as often as you'd like
★ You are a decent writer and agree to let us proof, approve and post your submission
★ You agree to include a lot of photos with your submission
★ You agree to give us permission to pull pix and additional information from your shop or blog, etc...
★ Email inquiries to eyecandy58@yahoo.com or convo RavenX on Etsy


Become a Sponsor of Dirty Pretty Things:
SUPER High exposure. A quick way to get featured and expand your shop/blog presence. Reasonable rates. Only shop or blog links to related material {ie, Etsy, Dawanda, art, crafts, fashion, home, gossip, etc...} will be approved. Your shop or blog link will be attached to a square photo on the side of the Dirty Pretty Things blog for all to see & click on. Great way to be seen during features of other artists. Reasonable fees. We accept submissions based on the following criteria:
★ You want quick exposure for your shop
★ You agree to have a nice, clear picture of magazine/catalogue quality. * * STATIC IMAGES ONLY! * *
★ Any fees due are paid in full. Payment due upfront via PayPal.
★ If you don't have an ad, I can create one for you.

★ Go HERE for more info, email inquiries to eyecandy58@yahoo.com or convo RavenX on Etsy

Advertise through Project Wonderful:
A quick way to get featured, based on what you'd like to pay. Your shop or blog link will be attached to a photo placed thru Project Wonderful onto the side of the Dirty Pretty Things blog, alongside other advertisers who may or may not be artists. Great way to be seen during features of other artists. Fees apply through Project Wonderful.
★ Smaller Images
★ You bid against other potential advertisers, so fee may change
★ Ad placement not guaranteed
★ Go HERE for more info

What's the Buzz?

I was recently very pleased to find out [by Tami, the sweetest client of mine], that some of my items are being featured on a site called StyleHive by the beautiful Aunt Bee. Sweet!You should really check it out! Looks like Aunt Bee gets quite a BUZZZZZZ...and she has soooo many of her favourite goodies listed for you to check out.

I've also just started my own "Hive" under DirtyPrettyThings. There I'll be listing all the things I love and just have to have!! ...and it's free to join in!

xxx
Raven

Hot and bothered...

So, the past couple have days have been so FULL I can barely think straight! ...Not to mention that it's been about 100 degrees (!) in LA for the past several days and we don't have air conditioning in the new house that we're renovating....YET! Phew!

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Yesterday we spent some time looking at storefronts. Mike and I have been thinking for some time about opening a store....
When I lived in NYC, I researched stores in the East Village as I wanted to open a store there, ...but soon after, decided instead to move to L.A.. In hindsight, it was the best move ever because only 2 months after I moved, the events on 9/11 occurred many many businesses there suffered and/or went under.
Anyway, this was my favourite of the ones we saw yesterday:
Sweet store front, huh? ...with the roll up garage doors and modern feel. I have great ideas for this one! It used to be a restaurant... We could have a store and cafe! So many visions going thru my head!
Only thing is that the rent per month is more than our mortgage!
haha...What can I say...? I have expensive taste!
Needless to say, we're gonna keep looking.

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My other projects have been keeping me busy. I used to sell so many of the bookmarks that I've posted on Etsy recently that I've decided to make more with other beads.
I was excited to find these beads today as I'm very picky about the ones I use. They have to be glass and they have to be GORGEOUS or I won't touch them.
These faceted glass beads remind me of the circus for some reason with all the colours. Fun, huh?
**sigh**
Now, back to work...
xxx
Raven

Mikie P. is coming to Dirty Pretty Things!!

Ok, so you know how men don't like to do most things for themselves, right? haha

Well, my husband, Mike, set up his shop on Etsy and has no interest in trying to get himself out there to do any sort of marketing, so he's decided to join Dirty Pretty Things and let me do it for him.

My Etsy shop will show his graphic images and any other goodies he creates.

His fine art photography can be seen on his website www.mikiep.com and at our twice-yearly art shows, of course.
There you can see some of his stunning black and white photography.
Such as "Demon Flowers" [used for our wedding invites]

or "Oscar"
If you'd like to be added to our mailing list for upcoming shows, art opening receptions and occasional goodies, please convo me on Etsy or visit me on MySpace to let me know. Our next show in Downtown L.A. is October 6th & 7th.

xxx
Raven

I'm just in a PANIC!

Yes, I've been panicking over whether or not I'd have the Amy Winehouse painting done for Hannah's birthday today...and No, unfortunately, I don't. Boo!
So, my husband and I decided to make up for it by taking her and a friend to lunch and shopping on Melrose Avenue in L.A. one day. She'll probably be ecstatic when we finally give her the news.

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This sweet lil' Kewpie card is what we'll be giving to her...and I'll be posting it and others on Etsy today and over the next several days.
Happy Friday to all!
xxx
Raven

My Little French Maid

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I wanted to do a quick pop-in to show you one of the absolute cutest pix I've seen recently: Miss Kylie Minogue. I've had this pic of her in my desktop Fave Pix for about a week now meaning to post it.
I'm just looooving this look!...She can be such a little minx sometimes. We love her so!

xxx
Raven

{{Dark & Lovely}}

For your viewing pleasure & delight, I give you my new treasury full of all things Dark & Lovely.
It features my wunderfully weird spider silhouette along with some other dark artful treats. Please stop by and leave a comment, be it good or naughty.
There are some sweet finds on this one...some I must have myself. I hope you enjoy!
xxx
Raven

Now I've Heard it All...

Ok, ok,...I like her music as much as the next person. Well, most of it. I bought the album because of "Rehab" and "I'm No Good," but mabie I have to listen to it more to get into her other work.
But, then I saw THIS...

Amy Winehouse to be on the September Cover of Vogue
There are rumors that Anna Wintour, the editor of Vogue magazine, wants to have Amy Winehouse on the cover of Vogue's September issue (the highest-selling issue of the year).A mag insider tells us: "An order from Anna Wintour is like a royal command and the order was 'get me Amy'.
Anna loved Amy's album so much that she just had to have her. But at the end of the day, it's not just about the music, it's about her rawness, her kooky style and her outspokenness.
She's very much a one-off - but incredibly talented with it." [SoUrcE]

Word has it that the shoot is being done by Bruce Weber.
This has got to be a "must see"!
Go, Amy...ride it while it's HOT!

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On the art side, I've been working on a painting of Amy like I did of Gwen Stefani. I started it waaay before all this hub bub. I just can't get into it for some reason, ...but all the little girls in my neighbourhood [who have started to do their makeup a la Amy] are dying to see it. I'll post it if I ever do finish it...hopefully before the September issue of Vogue is out.

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On a side note, here's a quirky little place to put yer treats...The Amy Winehouse hair plate by Miss TrixieDelicious.

She also has other celebs to choose from like Sid & Nancy or The White Stripes [my personal fave] --or you can personalise yer own with images or words. Cheeky!

xxx
Raven

SideShow Freaks

Come One, Come All...Check out my first Treasury on Etsy entitled "Dirty Pretty Things - Sideshow Freaks"

Be sure to check it out for all the weird wunderful things I love...{and please remember to leave a comment when you do check it!}
HOORAY HOORAY!!

xxx
Raven

Gwennie Gwen Gwen

Gwen is such an inspiration. I'm so glad that she went out on her own musically many years back. :)

I saw this pic of Gwen Stefani and her son Kingston yesterday and it reminded me of one of the paintings I did of her:
"The Sweet Escape".
You can find it in my store Dirty Pretty Things.



I've just started another Gwen piece as well inspired by "4 in the Morning"...so check back or contact me for that!

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...And, below, some other sweet Gwennie Gwen finds:

1 } This is a Killer Tote great for every day featuring Gwen by Unique Commodities



2 } The Gwen Stefani Goddess Dress by VenniCaprice
It's just so cute! ...Check out her stuff and wish her a "Happy Birthday" as well!