Sunday, January 11, 2009

Tribute to Mundogominola

Repost...

Artist, friend, and Etsy seller Claudia Moya aka Mundogominola recently passed away from a rare heart condition. She was a young and talented illustrator living in Madrid, Spain. According to Claudia's final wishes, her friend Kristina aka Krize is finishing sending out Claudia's sold artwork. Etsy asked Kristina to share this tribute she wrote about her dear friend and I am sharing it with all of you as a repost.

Claudia truly was a talented artist and we at Dirty Pretty Things are very sad to learn of her passing. We are touched by this tribute...May peace be with her family and friends at this time.


Claudia Moya (Mundogominola)

(“Mundogominola” – translation “The World of Gummies”)

Her world was beautiful and colorful like a Gummies Store. This was a world of dreams, treasures, happiness, and smiles.

She shared this unique, sweet world with everybody. It was created by a girl who lived in her cozy little apartment in Madrid with her cat named Wish, lots of books, dim lighting and colored pencils. This is how Claudia Moya’s world was and still is.

She was a beautiful girl with a fragile heart and little hands that made magic. It radiates from her geisha's, young ladies with red cheeks and long necks, charming princesses and jewelry like little treasures. A girl who couldn’t sleep at night, who instead dreamed during the day. The one who wanted to be a cat, and left an impression on everyone she met. She was a simple and unique person; a girl whose desire was to make the world a more beautiful place with her illustrations. And she did it, taking advantage of every single minute as if she knew there weren’t many left. Loving, drawing, sharing, and always smiling. She used to say, “I wouldn’t want to be there when the laughs are over.” And the laughs went with her.

She will always be in the hearts of those who loved her. It is a misfortune for those who never had the chance to meet her personally. Claudia's characters will remain within the books and bookshelves inside the walls of many houses in far away countries, in the inspirations of other artists, in her cozy blog, her smiles in photographs, the magic on her jewelry and her image in our memories.

Her magical world remains without her, and will always be here for everyone: the smiling ones, the sad ones, the dreamers, and those who forgot how to dream, just like Claudia, who used to open her heart without fear or hesitation. The same heart that stopped beating one day this winter.

Her Etsy store was her little refuge, a place where she could show all the pretty things she made, where she could find people like her. People who, even without knowing each others faces, could share so many important things in their work. A place to teach, find and create. A place to lose and find ones self.
I am pretty sure she keeps smiling now from a cloud, with colored pencils in one hand, a sketch in the other, and a little bag of gominolas.

Be happy forever, Claudia. Thank you for MundoGominola and everything that you never kept from sharing with us.



Saturday, January 10, 2009

A Ginger Treat...


I've been feeling a bit under the weather since attending a business meeting yesterday. Of course, that's what I get for venturing out into a world full of people.



Mike and I are at home so often that we pretty much pretend the only worlds that exist are our Art and Internet worlds...and that's fine with us.


Nonetheless, after being around other people I always tend to feel under the weather, {cooties galore out there, you know...} so I've been really into Ginger Tea lately, especially when the Airborne doesn't seem to work. Fresh Ginger Root tea is a great remedy for the common cold, a sore throat, indigestion, etc...

Ginger Root Tea
Ingredients
* 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger root {you don't have to peel it, but rinse it off before chopping}
* 3 cups water
* Honey to taste

Directions
In a small saucepan, combine the ginger root and water, bring to a boil and simmer for ten minutes. Taste. If it tastes too weak, continue simmering; if it tastes too strong for you, add more water. Strain and sweeten with honey or raw sugar.



Friday, January 9, 2009

Freaky Friday...Paris is a "Crafty" Bitch

Sigh...


Unfortunately, this is not a joke.


In her on-going mission to take over the world, Paris Hilton will unveil her new line of craft kits called "Paris Hilton, the Creative Collection" at the upcoming Craft & Hobby Association 2009 Winter Convention & Trade Show in Anaheim later this month.


The collection is touted as "a multi-faceted line of fashion crafting kits" for scrapbooking, jewelry making and fabric embellishment."


And, never one to miss an opportunity to pose, Paris will be signing autographs and taking photos with anyone toting a camera on Sunday, January 25th {at approx. 2.30-3.30 pm if yer really that interested}.



Thursday, January 8, 2009

Madonna for Louis Vuitton

Just like old times, Madonna is flaunting it in a new ad campaign for Louis Vuitton...and, of course, causing quite a stir for once again using her crotch to garner public attention.


The campaign shot by Steven Meisel {who also shot Madonna's infamous "Sex" coffee table photo book} takes the very Parisian theme of Marc Jacobs’ hit spring Vuitton collection, with a smoky French bistro setting and sepia-toned images.



“As cliché as they are, I love all these French references,” the designer said, even though the images were shot at the restaurant Figaro here in Los Angeles.



The six-photo series, features the 50-year-old singer as a Marlene Deitrich-ish world-weary vamp {although some are saying 'tramp'} striking what some see as questionable poses.

...Uh, it's Madonna,
people...You surely should be used to her attention-hungry antics by now! And, in today's sex-obsessed world, these shots would get a "G" rating...Ok, mabie PG-13.


The designer admired the singer’s energy and
ability to recline with arched back or put her leg straight up in the air.


“She’s so sure of herself as an icon and as a woman.” Jacobs said. “What fascinates me the most about her is her never-ending energy, and the idea of becoming and changing. She’s an artist who’s unafraid to use her voice.”


The campaign debuts in February and March fashion magazines. The first visuals will spotlight slouchy bags in monogram canvas and monogram-embossed leather, along with ethnic-inspired sandals, bangles and sexy ready-to-wear.


Madonna does smolder in these shots ...and, thanks to modern technology, she also looks like she did 20 years ago.






Wednesday, January 7, 2009

It's a New Year...Look Your Best!

Or Not...

Here are some celebs who haven't started off the new year looking their best:


Katie Holmes...
WHO has been dressing this woman lately?
Stirrup tights, shorts and heels didn't even look good in the 80's.



Vanessa Hudgens...
Usually she's so cute, but here she looks... Ick.


Madonna...
I wonder if she lost her British accent in the divorce as well?


Kylie Minogue...
Kylie, Mrs. Roper called. She wants her moo moo back.


Jennifer Love Hewitt...
One pint of Cherry Garcia away from fattening up again.


And, never one to let us down...

Courtney Love



Tuesday, January 6, 2009

January Focus: AWARENESS

Awareness

In order to change any facet of our life, we first must become aware. Aware of our frustrations, unhappiness and disappointments. Aware of our desire to be more joyful, at peace and passionate. In order to see our lives "as is" and face the fears that have been stopping us, we must become aware. When we become aware, we can choose to change any area of our life.
When awareness transcends what we already know, we must be willing to think everything we thought was "right" may now be "wrong." With increased awareness, our heart and head are able to work together to bring us to a new fearless state of being. Without awareness, any shift or change would be called an accident, pure chance rather than a conscious choice. When we are aware, we can choose again, and again and again. Without awareness, we are at the whim of our moods. When we are aware, life becomes simple and simply ours.

excerpt by Rhonda Britten, Fearless Year

Monday, January 5, 2009

White is Right...

I love my treasury "Winter White" with its hints of colour and touches of darkness here and there.

...White is just right in this Winter wonderland.

Winter White...click to enlarge

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Bajofondo FREE for 3...

As my first New Year's treat for you, I am offering free music video downloads of "Pa Bailar" by Latin artists BAJOFONDO to 3 lucky people!


Bajofondo is a South American music band consisting of eight musicians from Argentina and Uruguay. The band, which refers to itself as a "collective of composers, singers and artists" is part of an evolving tango genre which is known as "Electrotango" or "Tango Fusion", which brought tango back into the mainstream.

If you use one of the iTunes codes below, please LEAVE A COMMENT on which number you've taken as a courtesy to others. Codes expire: January 9th, 2009

1} Code # KN6TM39KNA6E
2} Code # MJ33TYYEMPK6
3} Code # P9M477AAX374

ENJOY!


xxx
Raven


Sunday, January 4, 2009

Carnies...

Full of colour and all the mysteries of carny life, this is one of the best treasuries I've seen in a very long time...

Carnies...

"Carnies..." Treasury by LittlePapoose features my creepy little Ventriloquist Dummy Original Art.


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

In the Buff...


This super cute treasury by Elle a Belle entitled "In the Buff" includes my LET'S GET NAKED greeting card, guaranteed to get you some action...or at least a smile.











In the Buff...click to enlarge

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Elle a Belle creates some gorgeous jewelry confections you'll wanna check out...

click to enlarge


Friday, December 19, 2008

Mushroomland...

Oh to live in the land of mushrooms and the little people! Well, now we can thanks to this fabulous treasury "Mushroomland" created by Yalipaz. It features quaint mushroom treasures, including my handmade mushrooms, that are sure to delight.

Mushroomlandclick to enlarge

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Yalipaz herself creates whimsical art guaranteed to make you smile. Do stop by her shop to check out these goodies and more! {below}

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Girls Girls Girls...and an Englishman


I've not been around much...the holidays have kept me buzzing, inundated with filling orders and keeping a watchful eye on the elves to make sure they are getting all of my orders filled in time.


Whilst I am running hither and tither, I thought you might enjoy some eyecandy...a
la this sweet little treasury full of girls, which includes my print "Worship" {right}, available now as a limited edition print in the shop.





Girls Girls Girls

click to enlarge

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"Girls Girls Girls" was curated by EnglishmaninPS, a fine chap and artist living in Palm Springs, CA with his lovely wife and child.

Some things to note about this Englishman and ponder before you peruse his art:
1} He feels uncomfortable high fiving and would much rather shake hands.
2} He doesn't like cheese, much to his wife's disappointment.
and
3} He can put a whole mars bars {the American "Milky Way" candy bar} in his mouth sideways.

How dandy!
...Now, do go and check out his work!


click to enlarge

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Fairy Tales...




Here's a sweet little treasury full of magical little things for YOU!







"Fairy Tales" was created by fellow Etsian MemoryCollector and it features my cute little mushrooms {see right} that are perfect for use in your very own wunderland. Enjoy!


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And, if yer looking for handmade jewelry, knitted goods and housewares, look no further! Lindsey of MemoryCollector has just the thing for you! Here are just some of her goodies!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Look, Love, Shop...Sea Babe Jewelry

Inspired by the ocean and the beautiful North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, Kristin and Dave created Sea Babe Jewelry, a line of gorgeous handcrafted artisan jewelry. I'm especially loving the rough diamond and silver ring. It would make unbelievably sweet gift for someone special...especially you!



Free nationwide shipping on all fine silver rings and bracelets.
Free gift with every purchase.
Special requests and custom orders available for all items. Check out their selection of beautiful made to order pieces.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Look, Love, Shop...Illustrations by Mikiep

Mikiep does ultra-amazing illustrations that will remind you of your little super hero / heroine or will take you back to when YOU thought you were Wonder Woman or Super Man. So cute!

Illustrations by Mikiep


Etsy
SHOP MIKIEP!
mikiep


★ ★ Illustrations by Mikiep Holiday Specials ★ ★
{NOW thru Dec. 1st}

FREE mini print now thru January 1st on any purchase of $10.00 or more.
--AND--
SUPER SPECIAL!! ★
BOGO: Buy one illustration print and get one of equal or lesser value FREE! [Max. 2 free prints per customer, please.]

...and Mikiep LOVES to do custom pieces..., so if you'd like a special piece, please CONVO HIM to inquire.

Happy Shopping!

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Look, Love, Shop...Dirty Pretty Things

It's time for Holiday Specials! So, from now until the New Year, I will be featuring a new Etsy store and their specials {see below}. Look, Love, Shop...!

{ Dirty Pretty Things }

Dirty Pretty Things
Buy Dirty Pretty Things
RavenX

Dirty Pretty Things Holiday Specials
{NOW thru Dec. 1st}

FREE GIFT now thru January 1st on any purchase {see shop for details}

1} Buy 4 soy candles and get 1 FREE!
2} Buy 2 travel size soy candles and get 1 FREE!
3} Buy 1 full sized print and get 1 FREE mini print
4} Buy any 2 magnet sets, Get 1 FREE
5} Buy any 2 greeting cards, Get 1 FREE
6} Take 10% off any original art piece


Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dressed Up for the Holidays...


This sweet little treasury "Dressed Up for the Holidays" by Maclancy not only features my Dress Form original art piece, it also made FRONT PAGE on Etsy {see below}!





{ { Dressed Up for the Holidays } }

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Here's the shot from the front page...



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You can purchase any piece from my "Sewing Room" series, as a full set or individually. The "Sewing Room" Series features silhouettes of all of those things we designers and crafters can absolutely NOT live without!

Oh, and there is also a 10% off special on my original art for the Thanksgiving Holiday {plus a FREE GIFT with purchase}!


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And, here are some sweet treats from MACLANCY... Be sure to check out her shoppe full of fine art vintage photographs.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Freaky Friday...Clueless in Washington

Alaska Governor and failed Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin appeared on local television this week to pardon a turkey from slaughter and ironically proceed to do an interview whilst another poor turkey is slaughtered by a worker in the background.
Supposedly advised about what was going on behind her, Palin told the reporter “no worries” and the interview continued.
Scenes in the interview include the worker behind Palin looking back and smiling into the camera while slicing a turkey’s neck, draining its blood and twisting its head off.

MSNBC has a mostly safe for viewing copy of the video with the nasties blurred out, but you get the idea...

Suffice it to say, Sarah Palin will never ever get my vote!




Saturday, November 15, 2008

Did Somebody Say Diet...??

Unfortunately I haven't had much time to post lately. With the holidays coming up and all the shows we are doing, we have {thankfully} been inundated with orders.

But, here is something we found so very funny...we absolutely could not stop laughing at his cute little face and that chubby body when he finally does get "stuck" in the box.
...Enjoy!


Thursday, November 6, 2008

CAPTIVE...


What a wunderful Art Show we had this past weekend

Now that I'm a bit less stressed about getting things ready for the show & I'm actually sleeping again, I can continue to blog on goodies, fashion and gossip.


"Captive" {right} is just one of my four new paintings SOLD at my show.

"CAPTIVE"

by Patricia Lucas
Acrylics, Paper & Ink on Panel


Prints are available for sale. Lots of new goodies, including new soy candle scents, travel sized soy candles, a new line of greeting cards, new magnet sets and new art to show off, most of which will be available on Etsy soon! Most of my magnet sets sell out at the shows, but this time, I tripled the quantity of my limited edition prints, so now you will be able to buy them online as well.

If you saw something at the show that you haven't yet seen posted in my shoppe, please convo me HERE. ...and THANK YOU to all of you who came out to show your support. It really means a lot.