CAN I PLAY WITH YOUR...?

My latest card arrived in the shoppe today!

click image to purchase...

Part of my 'Cutie' series of cards, it features Monkey on the front with a question mark above his head.
❤ Front: "Can I play with your..."
❤ Inside: BANANA

It worked for me when I gave it to the hubs this morning, so I'm 99.9% sure it'll get you some too. If not, then you're doing something totally wrong and I probably can't help you at all. :)

Give...and get...a little love today!


NOTE: if card says SOLD OUT, convo me to get your own as I do have more in stock.

What's UP with...?

I've not posted some of these pix yet since I've just been inundated with orders and such. But, here are some of our favourite celebs wearing things that left a lot of us wondering "What's up with...?"

Lady Gaga

Her hair surely isn't my taste as it's a bit Minnie Mouse, but it's cute for her. I DO like her PVC outfit, but... What's UP with letting the track marks from her hair weave show {right}??? NOT a good look for anyone. Ick.

Audrina Patridge

What's UP with the cheap polyester looking jumpsuit that looks like you pulled it out of the 70s bin at the thrift store?

Maggie Siff

What's UP with wearing that same frumpy dumpy ugly cupcake dress yet again?

Mischa Barton

What's UP with this entire shot? The dress and the 'model pose on the toilet' look just isn't flattering.

Anne Hathaway

What's UP with the ugly ostrich dress? Didn't you learn anything about fashion from your role in "The Devil Wears Prada'?

Jennifer Esposito

What's UP with the visible shoulder pads? Even in the 80's it wasn't OK to let them show under white lace...and it still isn't a good look now, even if the label does say Balmain.

Tyra Banks

What's UP with her face in this shot?...Did she have work done or is it just a bad shot? She looks Madame Tussaud wax museum weird and is totally STUFFED into that dress.

Lisa Rinna

Attention Whore Alert: I never got Ms. Rinna and her big fake lips or boobs. I never even understood why she is a "celebrity". I suppose if yer an older lady with lots of money, you might as well spend it on trying to preserve yourself. But...

What's UP with your crotch revealing dress? One blow of the wind and POOF your nasties are on display for all the world to see...and trust me, not many want to see yours...pending Playboy shoot or not. Put some clothes on, please!

Are YOU an ATTENTION WHORE like Lisa Rinna?? Go HERE to find out...but be sure to come back and let us know! :)


Disclaimer to all the nutjobs who don't "get it"...This post is meant to be in fun. Please don't take any of the comments personally. Anyone who leaves their home in a bad outfit is subject to someone somewhere poking a little fashion faux pas finger at them.

PICK ONE for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so be sure to have a token of love on hand to give to your Sweetie. Here, some top picks:

... Love Tokens ...

click to enlarge...

Please support the Etsy artists featured:
top row, left to right...
1} Love is...You & Me Greeting Card by Dirty Pretty Things
2} Kiss Me Print by Holli
3} SuperHero Sweethearts Print by Mikiep

bottom row, left to right...
4} Sharing a Heart by DanitaShop
5} Love Token by PamelaSusan
6} Lonely Heart Happy Felt Pin by Stitcher Scribbler

Dress You Up in My Love...

...Thought I'd take a jaunt around Etsy for a look-see on some sweet things to wear for the big night of impending Love ❤.
Here, some of my favourites...

... Dress You Up In My L❤ve ...

click to enlarge...

Please support the Etsy artists featured:
top row, left to right...
1} Love Ring by Anne Kiel
2} Vintage 70s Sheer Floral Dress by NodtoMod Vintage
3} Necklace by Poetic Designs

bottom row, left to right...
4} Tuscan Swirl Handpainted Heels by Craftastrophe
5} The Super Power Top by Peoples Couture
6} Flowers & Vines Luxury Clutch by LaVita Lola

The Lemonade Award

I've have been awarded 'The Lemonade Award'.

But, quite frankly, I don't know HOW on Earth I was chosen as this award is given to bloggers with positive attitudes, the ability to look on the bright side, you know...those who turn life's lemons into lemonade, hence the name, 'The Lemonade Award'.

Yes, I am positive to some extent, but I also bust on people {mostly celebrities} A LOT on this blog and quite frankly I’m not always so nice. I’m a ‘tell it like it is’ sort of girl and has gotten me into trouble from time to time, but c'est la vie.

I'd like to accept this award and thank all those peeps who read my blog on a daily. I'd also like to thank all the designers, artists and celebrities who give me fodder to talk about when I'm not pimping my own work...Mwah!

✿

Anyway, here are the guidelines that go along with getting this Award, since everything these days comes with a catch:
1. Put the lemonade logo on your blog. {see above }
2. Nominate 10 blogs which show great attitude or gratitude. {Honestly, 10 seemed like a lot, so I'll only be nominating 5...see below. }
3. Link your nominees with your post. {done }
4. Let your nominees know they’ve also received the award by leaving a comment on their blog. 5. Link this post to the person who gave you the award...and give them some promo love. {That would be Miss Hot Rocks herself...see below. }

✿

I know that my nominees will just love me for this...So, with the necessary business stuffs out of the way, let's move on to the Awards Ceremony. I hereby nominate the following for The Lemonade Award:
1. Oh Mandie!
2. Tizzalicious
3. Pendientuda
4. Misses Kwitty
5. SugarBerry

✿

And, here are some pretties by Hot Rocks Glass Jewels:

You'll definitely wanna check out her shoppe for unique designs using artisan lampwork beads, genuine Venetian glass beads, dichroic glass, semi precious stones and sparkling Swarovski crystals...both new styles as well as delicious rare vintage crystals.

Photo Box...

CLICK!

Captured images abound in this sweet treasury entitled 'Photo Box' by Mikiep. Among some of Etsy's best, it features the print of my painting entitled 'Captive' {center}. Go here to purchase this limited edition print.

[[ Photo Box ]]

click to enlarge...

★ ★★ ★

And, check out some of my favourites from Mikiep's shoppe. All of his wunderful and imaginative illustrations are available in 2 sizes...YAY!

click to enlarge...

Artist Spotlight...ShimmerMeBlue

UPDATE:

CAROLYN is the lucky winner of the beautiful chandelier earrings by ShimmerMeBlue...CONGRATULATIONS!
...a special THANK YOU to everyone who entered!

xxx
Raven

❤ ❤ ❤

"When the deepest part of you becomes engaged in what you are doing, when what you do serves both yourself and others, when you do not tire within, but seek the sweet satisfaction of your life and your work, you are doing what you were meant to be doing." - Unknown

One of my favourite quotes {above} reminds me of this week's featured artist. Melissa of ShimmerMeBlue is a self taught jewelry artist. She says it all thanks to the internet and YouTube.
Fairly new to Etsy, Melissa has been designing jewelry for about 5 months now...and absolutely loves what she does! It's so great that she's found something she enjoys doing, what more could anyone ask for!

Spotlight...ShimmerMeBlue

❤ Tell us a bit about yourself…
My name is Melissa and I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My boyfriend {of 10 years} and I have two sons together, ages 7 and 9.

❤ What inspires you?
My family inspires me the most. They make me want to do the best that I can to succeed at what I enjoy.
As far as my ideas, they are completely random. Usually when I'm lying in bed trying to fall asleeep is when my mind wanders! I have to admit…I've come up with some of my best ideas while half asleep.

❤ Apart from creating things, what do you do for fun?
I love to camp! I wish we had warm weather year round here so I could go more often! Most of the time, I just hang out and play with the kids or hang out with some friends or shop. I also play WoW, and it can get pretty addicting!

❤ What has been your most memorable moment selling your art?
Probably my 1st few sales. My mom took about 10 pairs of earrings to work with her, and sold almost all of them that day! I was so excited! I liked my things of course, but I had no idea anyone else would love them enough to buy them!

❤ Any advice for fellow artists...
Don't give up. It can be very hard to make money right away off the start. You may only make a little here and there. But if you do something that you enjoy and love, it will be worth it in the end!

❤ If you could be any character who would it be and why?
Hmm, I have to say She-Ra. She was my hero when I was a little kid. It's just sad that no one even knows about her anymore, right along with He-Man!

❤ Where have you traveled or where would you like to travel?
I haven't traveled very far yet. I really want to take a trip to Florida. We've been talking about it for about 3 years now, and just haven't gone yet.

❤ Tell us your future plans for your business...
I do have a lot of big plans for the future, but that will all take A LOT of time, effort and money. My near future goals are to do craft shows/fairs as soon as I can make enough jewelry and get enough displays to do so.

❤ Anything else you'd like to add about yourself or your work, etc….
I have been doing all kinds of 'crafty' things since I was very young. I guess it's just kind of like a second nature to me. Creating jewelry has been one of the most fun and most rewarding so far! Check out ShimmerMeBlue here too!

❤ SHOPPE: ShimmerMeBlue
❤ BLOG: ShimmerMeBlueDesigns
❤ TWITTER

✿ ❤ ✿

This Give-a-way is now closed. Winner has confirmed...

Melissa of ShimmerMeBlue graciously gave away a pair of her best selling chandelier heart earrings handcrafted with Swarovski crystals.

Be sure to check out her store.

Most Important Details... This contest closed at noon on Sunday,February 1st, 2009 PST.

Thank you for entering, my Pretties!

The Outlines of Life

Yet another stunning treasury...this one by Tissage, entitled "The Outlines of Life" and full of cameos and silhouettes. ✿ It includes my original hand painted silhouette art "Lita and the Birdcage"...

The Outlines of Life...



✿ ✿ ✿

...and below, some great hats by Tissage. Be sure to check out her shoppe for more handmade hats, bags, scarves & jewelry.

Special Delivery: Share the Love...

How SWEET is this...?

This Valentine's Day, Etsy is sharing the love and teaming up with CityMeals-on-Wheels to bring handmade greeting cards, nutritious meals and companionship to thousands of homebound elderly New Yorkers, with a project called 'SPECIAL DELIVERY'.

Be involved. Make your own Valentine's Day card and send it in to Etsy so that you can be included and also share the love. Of course if you don't have time to make your own card, you can also send vintage or bought cards as well. Oh and remember to attach a sweet message to your cards too!

Go here for the mailing address, more info and to read a few other important guidelines.

The deadline for Etsy to receive the cards is Monday, February 2, 2009, so don't delay!

illustration by Mikiep

An Evening of Art...

★ ★ Come out this Saturday, January 24th to meet me and Mikiep! ★ ★

You can see our original art at the Fine Art Show & Sale happening tomorrow at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery at Barnsdall Art Park!

See all of the art HERE and the flyer below for details...

click to enlarge...

We hope to see you there!

Front Page Feature: The Sewing Room

This is literally "Sew Fantastic!"
A treasury curated by AFabricQueen, which includes my original art pieces "The Sewing Room", made the front page on Etsy today!

Sew Fantastic!


And, a close up...I know...Shameless. :)

click to enlarge pix...

FIRST LOOK: McQ - Alexander McQueen for Target

Ooooh, I've been looking forward to this...just as so many of you have been! Alexander McQueen's "McQ" line for Target hits stores on March 1st..., but the look book pics are out!

McQueen delivered a quasi-decent line-up for Target, but honestly I was expecting more originality since he's one of my very favourite avant-garde designers.

He tells WWD:

“Apart from the East and West Coasts, my company doesn’t have any visibility in the U.S.,” he said. “I always liked the idea of people in the Midwest wearing my clothes. The idea of this upstart from London going where people haven’t heard of me, I think that was interesting to me. I think it’s quite adventurous of Target.”

The collection looks very generic-junior with its leggings, slim leg jeans and tees, but is obviously a great way for him - and Target - to make a quick buck in these dismal economic times. I've picked out some of my favourites, but was not 100% impressed by the collection overall, so don't take my word for it — make yer own decision.

Of course, I'll still be throwing punches to grab my size in the pieces I do like before the rest of my bitches snatch them up... hee hee.

McQ for Target...

click pix to enlarge...

for more McQ...

Would YOU...

...go out like this?

This is Chase Masterson, an uhhhh actress.
I feel so badly that SOMEONE didn't have the heart to tell her how badly she looks in this get up.
But, then again, mabie SHE likes the way her body looks. I mean, she's dressing up her muffin top with a rhinestone chain and drawing attention to her sagging cleavage with what looks like a bandana and a large brooch.
Well, at least she looks happy. Unfortunately, my zen moment for today ended upon discovering this photo.

click to enlarge pic...

Zen Moment...

I've been under a lot of stress lately, so I needed a zen moment. I hope you find these stunning images as relaxing as I do...

click to enlarge...

Props to the artists...
1. Soto Zen Kannon (close), 2. The Faeries' Zen Garden, 3. This is Zen, 4. THE GEISHA, 5. zen, 6. Zen, 7. Red, rouge, rojo!!!, 8. Zen Garden, 9. Can You Feel the Zen?, 10. Sekizan-zen-in statue 01, 11. zen, 12. zen garden.

Stylish Inaugural Gowns of the Years...

In honour of today being Inauguration Day here in the United States, I thought it might be fun to take a look back at several of the more stylish fashion choices our first ladies have chosen for Inauguration Day...Unfortunately, there aren't many.

"Lady Bird" Johnson was a ray of sunshine at hubby Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 inauguration in a bright yellow silk gown by John Moore.

Jacqueline Kennedy was a fashion plate from the beginning..., stepping out with John F. Kennedy in a white gown and cape she designed herself, with the help of Bergdorf Goodman's Ethan Frankau in 1961.

Nancy Reagan ushered in a new era of glamour with her embroidered lace inaugural gown by James Galanos along with husband, former actor, Ronald Reagan in 1981.

✿ ✿ ✿

The Inauguration...

I was most ecstatic to discover that Michelle Obama chose to wear a dress by one of my favourite designers

of all time, Isabel Toledo during her husband's swearing in ceremony.

Left, Toledo's exquisite coat and dress made of Swiss wool lace, backed with netting and lined in French silk.

"It's great. We're so happy." said Toledo today upon learning that Obama had chosen her dress to wear to the swearing in ceremony. Toledo, who has been making clothes in New York for 25 years. "I wanted to pick a very optimistic color, that had sunshine. I wanted her to feel charmed, and in that way would charm everybody."

✿ ✿ ✿

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord..."

✿ ✿ ✿

The Inaugural Ball...

"How good does my wife look?" President Barack Obama asked the crowd at tonight's Neighborhood Ball.

Michelle Obama, wearing a one-shouldered ivory gown in silk chiffon with crystal rhinestones by designer Jason Wu, waves to the crowd.

Illustration Friday...

One of my goals for this New Year is to paint again on a regular basis -- and to also finish the creative pieces I start in order to stay on schedule while completing new work for my shows and my store.

Another goal is to participate weekly in Illustration Friday, which is why I've re-worked my piece "Captive" {you can see the original here} and added a sweet Faux Boix texture to it. The theme for this week's illustration is pale.

"CAPTIVE"

by Patricia Lucas
Acrylics, Paper & Ink on Panel

❤ Limited edition giclee prints of "Captive" are now available for sale in Limited Edition of 25.
‡ Get your print here.

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