RTT- Random Halloween Thoughts

Monster Mash Shadow Puppet Set by orangemoontoys.etsy.com

I know it's Random Tuesday but I've got Halloween on the brain.

Brains by angelofodd.etsy.com

So between rambling here are some goodies I've unearthed. Click on any image for more info.

Handsome Devil by WinonaCookie.etsy.com

When I was a kid Halloween was my absolute favorite holiday. Not for the sweets (though I certainly devoured more than my share) but for the projects & spooky stuff.

Click Button for some fun projects

Plus it was the one time of year my morbid tendencies were socially acceptable.

Youngblood I by Canace.etsy.com

I've always loved making things & I would start prepping for Halloween when school started each September. My mom was really crafty & we'd make tons of decorations. I used to spend hours coming up with new ideas each year.

Bat Queen Altered Art Paper Doll Kit by IndigoChyld.etsy.com

Life really was much simpler then. I remember being so proud of my giant black squid made out of hefty bags & tinfoil.

Watery Grave 1682 by AzureGrackle.etsy.com

Or how much fun it was to hide behind the woodpile at twilight with a sheet covered umbrella. When my little sister would come outside to get the kindling, I'd make spooky noises while opening & closing the umbrella, making my "Ghost" flutter.

167 Original Monster Art by Harry of 365monsters.etsy.com

Poor kid - I used to scare the willies out of her every chance I got. ( She tells me it is my fault she can't watch scary movies even now)

Blue Widow by rustymermaiddolls.etsy.com

Think she'll forgive me if I sent her one of these cool cards from The Mental Kavity?

Jack O' Lantern Stalks His Prey In The Night by MassacreMike

Doubt It!

I'm The Evil Twin Pendant Necklace by UrsulaandOlive.etsy.com

Hmmm.... I have no idea why the italics won't turn off. Oh well. For some truly random treats today, click the purple button & visit The Un Mom, High Priestess of Tuesday Chaos.

Random Tuesday Time Machine

Since it's Random Tuesday let's fire up the time machine - click on links for more info

On Oct 6 in :

105 BC - Battle of Arausio: The Cimbri defeat the Roman army of Gnaeus Mallius Maximus.

- Oops! Too far back, lets try again -

1783 - Benjamin Hanks patents self-winding clock

1849 George Westinghouse is born

1866 - first train robbery in USA

1887 Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris is born
"I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies." - Le Corbusier

1889 The Moulin Rouge opened

At the Moulin Rouge by Toulouse-Lautrec

1889 - Thomas Edison shows his 1st motion picture - starts at 2:25 on the video below

1927 - The Era of the talkies arrived via Al Jolson & "The Jazz Singer" - Check out this VitaPhone promo for the show - it has some great footage of people at the movie's opening & the announcer is classic

Eh, what? Dang, work beckons. Topic Change before I go

You have probably heard by now that yesterday the FTC ruled bloggers must disclose their freebies when promoting/reviewing items.

For the record, when I've hosted a random drawing for the .coms Uprinting, Digital Room & Online Poster Printing, I have received a gift of the same type of item that is prize.

I do NOT receive anything from others mentioned in this blog, including featured artists. I post Thursday Giveaways, artist features & Saturday Studio tours because (1) I love making some random winner's day, (2) I love learning about & promoting artists (3) and I'm nosy and really get a kick out of the behind the scenes tours.

By The Way:

If you want to enter the latest Uprinting sponsored giveaway (1 custom printed vinyl banner) CLICK HERE for details

To enter random drawing for Cara Walz's Gazelle print CLICK HERE

Well, I've gotta run. For more Random bits click the button above & see what The Un-Mom is up to this week. Ever wonder what Storm Troopers do with their down time? She's got the answer to that & more....

RTT - mmm..mmmm...linkaliscious!

Missed you last Tuesday

Sadly my time machine is still busted so we must move on....

It's time to flush all those random thoughts so grab a button & play along!

Another tag done - 1 more to go

Giving proper credit: The silhouette is based on one from publicdomainpictures.net. The hooded figure is adapted from thesiNister stock image Hood.

I think it was Joy to the blog who introduced me to unnecessaryquotes.com. If so, thanks Joy! This is my new favorite pick me up

Have you tried whizzball? Not nearly as dirty as it sounds & highly addictive. I've about 50 puzzles my 5yr old made this weekend clogging my email box...

Pampering Beki is giving away a piece of her handmade jewelry on Friday to 1 lucky winner

Tom Banwell is up to something peculiar this week. He's designing gas masks for animals...

"hippo Vajen-Bader 'smoke protector' inspired mask" by Tom Banwell

.....verrrrrryyy peculiar......

And thanks, Tom, for last week's introduction to Radio-Guy:, Steve Erenberg. Anyone into steampunk, gadgets & odd stuff MUST check out this guy .

I think I've mentioned curiomira before but this blog is well worth mentioning again!

A shout out to Totus Mel's Wunderkammer for pointing the way to Goths in Hot Weather - not a keeper for me, but worth a chuckle

In time for Halloween, a seriously cool Beaded Spider Tutorial over at Room3Designs

Beaded Spider by Tiffany at Room3Designs

If you can't be bothered to make one, you can buy a finished spider at Room3designs' etsy shop.


Captain D. turns grilled cheese into eye-candy in this guest post.

And what's a Tuesday without zombies? I think these guys from Barbara Moustafa are craving some of that grilled cheese right now......

Reminds me - time for lunch! Be sure to visit The Un Mom & show us your random today.

P.S. There is still time to enter 3 random drawings happening here this week:

To enter the 1st, just leave any comment on my blog before noon (EST) on 9/10.
1 piece customized jewelry from Etsy seller Jewelry By Solange

For the next 2 leave a comment stating how you would use each prize if you win.
500 custom business cards to 2 winners - ends 9/10

&

A 24" square custom wall sticker to 2 winners - ends 9/13

Shoot that RTT all the way to the moon!

Welcome back to Random Thoughts Tuesday!

Grab a button & play along - it's a great excuse to siphon off some of that chatter in your head

Slacker that I am, I missed Musical Monday

From my Man, I really need to wake up today mix (best when played too loud)

Anyone remember The Steven Banks Show? Funny Man. Now & then I've wondered whatever happened to him. Didn't realize he's been writing for Nickelodeon all this time. Just read today that he's collaborated with Pilobolus (<- warning there's some tasteful skin at this link, don't want to offend anyone. Ooh that sounds sooo woosie...) on their newest "shadow work", Do*id. Sounds very cool & a far cry from the howling dog & bunny shadow-casting I learned at summer camp a million years ago. CLICK HERE sample of their commercial work from 2007

I'm sure you've heard by now that today is the 40th anniversary of the 1st man on the moon. The NY Times Science Times section is devoted to it today. The article on the non-believers is fascinating. Can you tell I read the paper instead of working this morning ? Shh...don't tell

I need more coffee

I remember reading a Ray Bradbury short story 25+ years ago where some astronauts (one may have been named Hitchcock) accidentally see the dark side of the moon ( or some planet -I don't recall) & it is full of scaffolding. Turns out the whole thing was fake. Can't remember the title to save my life - anyone? anyone?

Remember all those great Twilight Zone episodes when misc. astronauts got totally messed with? Those were awesome.

Tom Banwell continues to rock my world with this tentacle tutorial !

I am totally digging these blogs lately: propnomicon , Sandra Evertson, Us & Them

And of course The Un Mom, Grand Poobah of RTT.

OH, and what would you do with 250 custom stickers from Uprinting.com? Leave your answer in the comments to be entered in Thursday's random drawing. For sponsor's disclaimers & details CLICK HERE

RTT hit & run

I have grown to love Tuesdays since discovering Random Tuesday Thoughts!

Today I'm in a rush so I'm snagging some of my bookmarked sites to share. If you have a few minutes, give a click or 2:

Giant scrap metal dinosaurs & other cool sculptures by John Lopez

Watched the 1954 Disnified 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea last night. Oh man, I loved that movie as a kid! James Mason was the perfect Nemo but what is with the Kirk Douglas musical numbers?! You can hear 1 HERE. Over the years, I seem to have forgotten the MST3k worthy bits. And I'd swear that giant squid was much much bigger when I was 8 yrs old!!

www.olly.ch is a must for Nautilus fans! Check out this amazing home theater by Olly Klassen. He's also got some great WIP shots of the room coming together on his site.

Brass Goggles, a fun place to lose track of time, featured Mr Klassen's site last week.

Another great site somebody mentioned on one of my arty haunts (can't remember who -sorry) is mixed-media-artist.com. Fab mix of art & techniques. You've gotta love an artist who is "Emptying landfills, one project at a time!"

Flying-pig has some really cute "paper animation kits". These are paper mechanical toys that you can download & print for free

Also there's This To That "Because people have a need to glue things to other things"

I almost forgot the online art magazine, Blanket. Seriously Rocks! And I'm not just saying that cuz my Sinister Gentleman is on pg 22 of the current issue.

A Sinister Gentleman

This issue the theme is Portraits & he's included in the Re_Action section (where readers submit work in response to upcoming themes). Unlike some online mags it is not free (costs $2). But if you're into art, Blanket is always a good read & full of amazing eye candy.

Oops, running overtime...I do babble, don't I ? For more random-fun go see what the Keely The Un Mom & Queen of Chaos is up to this week. Tell her the zombies sent you.

I almost forgot, just leave a comment before noon (EST) Thursday 7/9 to be entered in this week's random drawing. More info on giveaway & this week's prize ( a customizable art-box) can be found here

RTT- Just a wee bit-o-random today

Getting a head start on my Random Tuesday Thoughts. I have a hunch that once the day's madness begins, I may not make it back here. Just 1 of those week's already

Spent the weekend building a ginormous outdoor playset - holy $h*+! Rediscovered some muscles I forgot I had. Too tired to work on art in the p.m. so cramming to meet some deadlines. (Just fun stuff tho - no paying gigs)

I joined an art book-group for Twilight over at ZNE. While not thrilled with the series, I do love me some vampires & there are some great images throughout the book. It looks like we'll be reading & then making art for each chapter. Fun stuff. I think there'll be some public pics up Wednesday. Will post a link then. In the meantime here's a sneaky peak of my illo's inking phase:

Inspired by Oblivion Stock over at DeviantArt.

Oh, if you're more into Buffy than Edward, this is priceless. The Un Mom graciously shared it recently

Also up this week is a mechanical toy I've finished in my head but had no time to make. I keep dumbing it down for speed of assembly. If I don't watch out, it will be a painted rock by the time I'm done.

Found out about this Diary project over at Ewian's blog. Check it out - still some openings left but deadline is looming. Just click on the box above.

I absolutely love Ewian's artwork. She has such a vibrant & distinctive style. A very sweet person too - always ready with a kind comment plus she sent me this fabulous field guide:

Hey, had to sneak those zombies in here somewhere - it is Tuesday after all ;D

Ewian also has a great art supplies giveaway going on right so, so hop on over & check it out!

Dang, gotta hit the hay. Tuesday snuck up on me when I wasn't looking. If you're looking for more chaotic goodness, pop on over to the Admiral of Anarchy (ok ok I'll admit I'm stretching on that one), The Un Mom. There is always something wacky going on over there any day of the week!

Man this post keeps running on. But I almost forgot to mention a reminder that there is no random drawing this Thursday. Check back on the 9th to see who wins one of my art boxes, customized with their choice of image & text. Click HERE for details and a photo of a similar piece. To enter the giveaway just leave a comment on this blog before noon (EST) on July 9th.

RTT - Random Tortured, ehem, Tuesday Thoughts

That's silly, honey. People just don't get smaller.
-Louise to her husband, Scott in The Incredible Shrinking Man

Morning all. Sitting outside with a cup of java before it gets too hot today. Sounds great (& it is). BUT it is only happening because there is a giant spider the size of my hand (no exaggeration!) loose the studio & now I'm too chicken to go in there! I think I saw this movie way too many times as a kid

I was posting for the Melange Fly challenge around midnight & heard a crinkly sound behind me, turned around and Big Bertha was scuttling towards me across a Michael's bag that was on the floor! Don't call PETA on me, but I bashed it with a rolled up copy of Artists' Cafe. A good thick mag, it didn't even phase the critter. Tho my screams woke DH, he only mumbled something about Serves me right for my studio being a mess & when am I coming to bed. Yeah right. Make fun of the arachnophobe.

So, I did the only sensible thing...Used the laptop in the kitchen and continued jumping at every little noise in the house. Too twitchy to sleep I wandered around the house like a zombie. (Knew I could squeeze a zombie or 2 in here somewhere) Finally broke down & guzzled some nyquil (So not P.C. - do not try this at home, kiddies). Then went to the kid's room (furthest from the studio), shut myself in & jammed stuffed animals in space under the door. Eternally grateful for the new bunkbed, I climbed in with my book light & The City of Z. Nothing like a good read on a long long night. Especialy a read that includes scary critters rustling in the jungle & possibly eating civilized explorers. Actually, the Nyquil & adrenaline crash kicked in just as Percy Fawcett was boarding the boat.

So where's the random? Being guarded by THE BIG HAIRY SPIDER!

But while you're here, check this out:

Utrecht Art Supplies Juried Competition is taking entries until Sept 1.

Moonlight Journey has a free collage sheet to download HERE. If you lean towards the ethereal & gothic, take a look around the site & links. Both Becky & Lynn create some fab ACEOs & other mixed media art.

The iprintfromhome Tuesday Tweet Treat is a free 11 x 14 print of your work. This offer is only good until midnight tonight (EST). Click Here for details

And finally...drum roll please... I found this on Nut & Bee last week and it had RTT all over it! Nothing says I love you quite like this:

created by City the NZ Cupcake Queen

Don't forget to pop over to the Un-Mom & see what Keely is up to today: looks like Jane Austin knockoffs, wacky dreams & drinking wine before your dr. visit...All good stuff. While you are there grab a button & play along!

Before you go, remember to leave a comment here to enter the newest Thursday Giveaway. This week's random winner gets Alisa Burke's book Canvas Remix. Just make sure you do it before noon (EST) on Thursday (6/11). Click HERE for book & random drawing details.

RTT is great...but can you dance to it?

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance. ~Japanese Proverb

I sooo love Random Tuesday. It's the bebop of blogging. Welcome to the jam session! Grab a button & play along

After 60 years clarinetist Stanley Drucker is retiring from the NY Philharmonic. He will have played in over 10,200 concerts. I caught this story in the shower this morning. He talked about backstage poker games in the 40s & other cool stuff. Learn a bit about Stanley at NPR.

Check out this vivacious gal from ArtFreebies

But she should be wearing this!!


Or anything else from BoringSidney

Take a minute & check out this fab etsy shop (great photos too)

The Lituus is back! WooHoo! Ok, so you can't see the mild sarcasm. Actually this is very cool.

I nicked the photo from Physorg.com. There's also an article & slide show on the recreation of this extinct musical instrument .

Last Wednesday's Melange challenge prompt was Dance. To play along, just CLICK HERE & link to your dance themed art.While you are there, visit the other lively pieces .

I was fussing with a collage for the challenge, but The Muse & I both wanted to lead. After stepping on each others toes, she elbowed me in the ribs & we went our separate ways. In the meantime here's an ACEO I made a while back.

She looks kind of unpleasant so I've decided she's really a Gorgon. Her sisters are here too.

These pieces are in layers & the top layer is a gold frosted paper.

They're all a little "off" - that metallic paper is a bear to photograph. It is kinda cool in hand though. Hold it one way you see the image. Tilt it a bit & all you see is the frosty gold & text.

Popped over to godchecker.com (great site by the way) & tossed Medusa into the search. I'd forgotten that she was once a lovely lady before a jealous Athena got a hold of her. Apparently her sisters, Stheno & Euryale, are super nasty AND immortal. Don't want to be running into them down some dark alley.

Somebody else who scares me a little, but in a good way, Is Keely The Un Mom. She's sort of the conductor (or is it high priestess?) of the Random Tuesday Thoughts orchestra. And the only person I (really don't) know who is taking on ninjas, chocolate cake, and dead mice all at once today.

Before you go, leave a comment! How much do I love hearing from you? Sooo much that your impulsive thought gets you 1 Entry into this Thursday's random Giveaway drawing. Actually, 2 since I'm drawing for an extra prize this week. For details & prize info CLICK HERE

Almost Random But Not Quite - RTT

After a weekend of play & no internet EEK! I'm catching up with some of my favorite blogs today. Since it's Random Tuesday Thoughts, figured I'd share a few:

I'm crazy about all the prints in the etsy shop, This Year's Girl. Visit January Wish & find out how you can win a print of Sparrow:


Special Thanks to Cephalopod Tea Party for pointing out the cool site Pouple Pulps. The gallery rocks & the links will keep me busy for a while!

Run, don't walk, to Vintage Paperbacks & Digests !

Anybody remember Doc Savage? Now don't make me feel old, people, just nod your head politely .....

If like me you are lusting after Little Robot's prints & toys, pop over to indiefixx & download a free Lindsey Carr piece while you read the interview. I may have mentioned this 1 before - memory's starting to go. Again, just nod your head at the crazy lady & maybe she wont bite

For you eloquent types, the insanely creative Tom Banwell is running a steampunk writing competition. If you're no wordsmith, go check out his blog & Etsy shop anyway. C'mon, take a few minutes ... it is well worth it, I promise!

Tom, Totus Mel and many other fabulous Etsy Steam Team members will be selling their wares at Maker Faire 2009 later this month. If you're in the Bay Area I am sooo jealous, make sure to mark your calendar!

Speaking of all things Steamy, I am totally digging this poster from ArtFreebies

One last note (again): Don't forget to enter this Thursday's Giveaway. Just leave a comment & you're in! For more details on this random drawing & prize read HERE

Now, Grab a button & go get random! Be sure to visit The Un Mom, high priestess of the cult of chaos, and see what wackiness is happening over there today

Random Tuesday Thoughts - yet again

Welcome back to another round of RTT!

Have a read, grab a button

& play along!

In a bit of a rush tonight so I'll just toss a few at'cha:

Why is it that I remember dead artists' birthdays but forget about my nieces & nephews?

Happy Birthday, Rosetti!!

Little Dude acted in a commercial today. By "acting" I mean danced around like a total spaz! He had a blast. Got to frolic with 2 older girls on a white set in beach gear (He's 5 & they're around 10). I guess they may be adding some beach background later? I dunno. One of the ad people for a local chain of sports pubs "discovered" him. My child is a conceited little ham ( I mean this is the best possible way) and may have found his calling. The best part was when the kids were told to laugh & he let out these wild whoops. The director told him "that's great- very Jack The Ripper....now LOOK AT THE CAMERA!"

My sister always had the acting bug & DH used to be a movie extra. I'll blame it on them. I was always the weird kid hiding in the corner with my nose in a book.

Dang! Gotta get the little guy to bed. We're reading from the Andrew Lost books each night. Highly recommended for inquisitive little minds. Silly science & full of words like "poop" and bad elephant jokes, regardless of subject.

Remember this one: What is grey, has 4 legs & a trunk? A mouse on vacation! ba-da-dum

If you haven't left a comment recently, please do. All comments placed before noon (EST) Thursday May 14 will be entered in a random drawing to win a piece of framed original art. To see details & prize, click HERE.

I just peeked at my dashboard & saw that Annette of Nut & Bee just posted the coolest little piece, Tempura House

I'll totally admit that I'm biased. I own a dozen of her prints & she has kindly loaned me her awesome octopus for my blog banner. That admission aside, run,don't walk , over to her website or etsy shop for the cutest "ooh" inducing selection of little critters

You can find at least one more little critter over at the Un-Mom today ("ooh" or "ick" ...you decide). There's also new neighbors and other wacky entertainment.....go check it out!