Happy Thanksgiving! (hahaha, I slept late. )

Hiatus

Hello all. As you can probably tell, I haven't been very good at keeping up with posting here. I feel like it'd be rude to keep you waiting longer, so I guess I'll announce a hiatus until I can get the time to post here. All of you who follow me, who read this, and who actually enjoy this humble blog of mine, thank you so much. I seem to have bit off more that I can chew by having this, blog 1 of 3, existing. So, instead I'm gonna cut back. Senior year is very, very close. In a little over a week I'll be having to focus on so many things that ultimately decide my future.

Here's where you might find me elsewhere:

• http://candycastle.jugem.jp/ ( Just a little place to talk about whatever, my personal life, and essentially my online dairy.)
• Facebook
• And if you're a penpal, or want to be one, I'm not gonna stop writing you! I love it too much. :D
• I'll still comment on blog posts sometimes. :)
• ....I'll add more if I can think of any.

So, without further ado, I bid this blog goodbye for a while. I promise to return, even if that's just to announce this poor little blog's death. No, I'm not stopping my internet activity (haha, impossible!), just cutting back on the things I don't seem to pay much attention to.

I seriously love you all. Thank you all so much for understanding.

A new banner! :D

Why yes, I did use GIMP. It's nice to have something that doesn't run incredibly slow for me.

I was just playing around with it today.

New giveaway!

First of all, I have had an awesome and busy day today. Second of all, here's a giveaway for all who love things cute and lolita:

http://fyeahlolita.blogspot.com/2010/07/handmade-lolita-accessory-giveaway.html#disqus_thread

Very excited!

Requirements:

"

• Your name and email address (doesn't have to be in the message, just so long as those boxes are filled out in the comment)
• A link to where you mentioned the giveaway (optional)
• How you would like your points divided up
• A brief note about what Lolita means to you"

Pixel Paw-Oodles of cute pixel goodness

Okay, how about a little spotlight? I just found this wonderful site though my usual link hopping, and I'm really amazed at just how much this person made! How tiny! I love it. :D
Well, I'm talking too much, visit this site now!

Pixel Paw

(all images are from the link above!)

Hello, it's been a while!

I'm sorry for the serious delay! I've been very busy with the Portfolio class, and I must say, I'm a different person after that week, in a good way.

This weekend, I saw the movie Inception. The whole thing was so good that I want to see it again, this time I'd watch it a little closer, because this movie has great depth to it. I'm really surprised!

The next day, Joey and I went to the Plaza, our city's go-to spot that I rarely go to, sadly. And if it weren't for the awful heat, I'd say the day was perfect. I was afraid we'd be stuck spending loads of cash at somewhere ritzy for our meals, but both of them were taken care of cheaply, and honestly, you just can't beat Chipotle or Panera, in my eyes.

Just as a heads up, I've got a couple things I've been thinking of making a blog post about. I've just got to get it together, really.

______________________________________________________

So, the end of summer is getting closer. I'm not excited for that. AT ALL. D:

I mean, I'm really enjoying the summer I'm having! A summer of pen pals, art, being with Joey, more art, personal and fun art projects, this blog and it's amazing readers, and just so much...woah. I love it. I want things to be like this forever. Sadly, that isn't true.

Anyway, enough with this melancholia, see ya! :D

I'm sorry about this being brief and all, but when I get the time I'd like to do a post about writing letters. If you have anything you want to contribute, then please comment here. Also, if you're interested in becoming a pen pal of mine, please, just email me and ask!

Master_ciel@live.com

(that would be my email. :)

So, next week...

"Portfolio Preparation XYPH 032-41-SU This is the course for you if you are interested in building your portfolio for the college level. In this course, we will work on composition and observational drawing, building to larger scale drawings. We will also discuss the college admission and application process as well as the techniques for capturing and sharing portfolio images.

Instructor: Alex Hamil

Date: Monday - Friday, July 12 - July 16, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cost: $299 + $20 materials fee

Enrollment deadline: Monday, July 5

Location: Dodge Building, room K101"

I'll be busy! Anyone been to one of these, maybe have some advice?

I'll also be making my lunch that week, which means probably some yummy bento to post on here.

Just a heads up for those wondering where I might be next week, if I'm not posting much!

Hey everyone! I know I've been a bit slow about blogging and all, but it's because of how busy I've been! Luckily, it's the good kind of busy. I've been trying to get into penpaling, mostly because if I don't, all my stationary that I have will just sit there! And hey, don't you think it's a fulfilling way to interact? I mean, one can write and receive emails, but holding a letter in your hand is so much more, and has so many fun creative opportunities!

Also, there's something else I'd like to share:

http://studio-lacosta.ch/blog/blog2.php/2010/07/06/second-giveaway-a-65374

Yep, a new giveaway I'm entering!

I must say, this one is different from the standard fare, as she requests some feedback about her site, as well. Personally, I think that's a great idea. I mean, it's such a good incentive to get some response!

What's crackin'?

The reason I'm posting this is to show how awesome the new Windows Paint is. The rest is artwork I've done lately.

What I've been working on...

AKA "no, I'm not being a lazy slob about things."

Well, maybe a little. I've got to scan a lot of things in soon.

My trip...

But wait! There's more! So much more, but I'll just be posting the faves:

Not the most flattering picture, but hey! That's my last name! Hooray for distant cousins!

 

I really want to start a Park Hill pen-pal club. We could PM each other our addresses, and mail each other cool stuff we've made. along with letters.

More givaway love!

I really love this blog, so if you're not interested in the givaway, you should really check her blog out! Click the image to visit!

I posted the link on Facebook and on my Twitter. So, hm...3 entries? That's a pretty good chance to win, I hope!

(Also, do you guys think I should make a permanent post for this? Maybe a thing in the sidebar? I really do want to inform people about great givaways, and I don't want you guys to miss out! And when it's getting me an extra entry, why not?)

A small read.

"My youngest son is seven years old and works a skateboard better than most teens. He also enjoys hunting and guns, playing baseball… and reading.

He went this entire season of baseball without striking out and has just finished an autobiography by a World War II vet. We don’t know which is more pronounced: his athletic side or his brainy side, but we enjoy them both.

His eleven year old brother, on the other hand, is easier to peg. He is not a sports fan and wears the title of: Nerd, with pride. Not long ago, I heard the following conversation:

Big brother: (pushing his glasses further atop his nose as he pauses in front of the football game on TV)

Running after a ball… I don’t get it and hopefully never will.

Lil brother: (eyes never leaving the game on TV)

I’d love to be a professional sports guy.

Big brother: (shaking head left to right and placing a condescending hand on his brother’s shoulder)

Just what the world needs, another unproductive citizen.

As a former college ball player, It took all their father had not to comment.

We’re your basic Southern family except we are not religious and we live down the street from a lesbian relative.

Cousin Jennifer is a red-headed photographer that loves dogs and all things girly. She also loves her long-time girlfriend, Judy. Judy is a gorgeous brunette who serves in the United States Army.

They are also a fabulous babysitting duo and my children request them anytime their father and I are going for an evening on the town. We have the same rules for them that we would have for a straight babysitting couple:

Just keep the kids safe and no lovey dovey adult stuff in front of them.

It works out very well. They play non-stop games and teach them interesting things. They are obviously crazy about each other and it gives off a very positive energy that my children soak in and release to those around them.

So, even at 7, he understands “Gay.” But until recently, we’ve never had to explain the issue of legality.

Yesterday, I walked into the living room to see him surrounded by all the paper guns he had been making. I saw the finished Civil War book at his feet. He was sitting Indian style in front of his brother who was gobbling down pancakes.

He glanced over at his older brother and then back at me. Something was on his mind. Suddenly, he blurted out:

Mommy, when will Judy break up with Jennifer?

I don’t think they plan on breaking up, I replied.

When they do, will she stop being my cousin?

Judy loves you very much, Honey.

I scooped him up to snuggle with him in my lap. I just had to nuzzle that sweet neck while he was still small.

They won’t break up, I assured. Why the sudden worry?

His brother chimed in:

Well, I explained to him that gay marriages aren’t allowed, here.

I see, I sighed.

I just rocked this little ball of confusion and stared off into space until I felt his warm tear reach my arm. When I realized he was crying, my chest tightened and threatened to burst open.

When his brother heard his little whimper he walked over and did his usually placing of “hand on shoulder”, but instead of the expected snark he gently asked:

Why are you crying?

His brother (lifting one little eye from under my arm) whispered:

They made love illegal.

To which his big, brainy brother replied:

Love isn’t bad… that law is."

I'm just going to leave this here. A little thought-provoking reading never hurt, you know.

:)

I'm back!

Hey everyone!

I finally return. 

Also, you hear about this giveaway? Thought you oughta know: http://chouzuru.blogspot.com/2010/06/535-followers-pack-your-bags-giveaway.html

And if you repost that link on you blog or Twitter, just like magic, you'll get some extra entries! Why not try?

You know, I'd love to do one of them myself if I got more reader/followers, but it's cool.

Actually, I'm really excited to get back to working on artwork, blogging, and such. I have to write a letter to Thomas (snail mail!I asked on mah Facebook status; he was the only one who wanted one from me, it seems.) and refine my AP pieces. Nothin' like being busy, right?

Anyway, I'll be more active here from now on. Before, I was on vacation where there was no internet...or even time, to blog on here. :)

Bye guys!

A LEGO STORE. A JAPANESE STORE. A SANRIO STORE. Oh my god.

Testing to see if this Mobile Blogging works!

Some fun project ideas!

So, remember when I said I've been looking at Japanese magazines like crazy? Maybe I didn't mention that before, but I am. One of the things I've noticed is how a lot of the crafts from more "normal" magazines can easily be love and carried over to work well with lolita lifestyle and culture aesthetics. Because Japan knows cute. They know cute well. And they have indeed perfected it. That being said, they've also capture my heart, personally, with the elegance in some of the projects I've seen. If only I could read the instructions! D: However, I'm pretty happy with the pictures. One magazine in particular, a painting magazine called Paint Craft, has really stood out to me. Now, it's not just for regular painting. As you can see in the picture, the painting is done to add flair to normal and possibly boring objects. What's great about the projects featured is the fact that they can be done cheaply (however not easily, unless you're a painting pro!). The objects needed are simple ones, whose design is more function of fashion, and to adorn it with beautiful paintings...well, you've got yourself a functional, fashionable, and one-of-a-kind show off piece. It's really great, and it reminds me why I love making and customizing my own stuff so much. 

Now, for those who are wondering how they can make these into a more...loliable...sort, here's what I recommend:

• Try and add lace, either literally or by painting it on there. Maybe even paint the lace with an interesting color, if you are indeed painting it. Try gold, silver, or other pearlescent colors to make the lace stand out. 
• Here's a sorta obvious one-Bows! There are many ways to paint/draw bows, simple or otherwise. They can be any color or pattern, and they look super cute. 
• Try thinking about what you're painting on. If it's, say, a watering can, flowers are ideal. However you can take this idea even further by painting the flowers or plants you'll be watering with that can. Make it truly yours!
• Nothing beats a good label of who owns what. And if you're painting it, there's a pretty good chance you own it! Try painting your name on there and try to make it look good. Think about the font, color, and overall design of it, and maybe think about adding some small little painted flowers or hearts next to it. Think of motifs that describe you!
• If you're not the best painter in the world, you might want to try this: Paint a design such as polka dots, stripes, or zigzags to add design without the need for painting talent. Great to do even if you are a good painter!

Well, that's all I can think of, and bedtime sadly approaches. Until next time, I hope these ideas are helpful, and you get inspired to do a whole new form of lolifying. Even if you're not much into lolita, these are still fun to do! 

I received the magazine scans here.

Sorry for the delay!

I'm sorry I've been gone for so long! I've just been very busy. Weekends always seem to catch me off guard. I haven't been slacking on my artwork, though, that's for sure! 

I just got some really neat new supplies, mostly Bristol board, which I love. I got so many sizes of it...

I also got a small watercolor pad and some amazing watercolor pencils, which are really fun and convenient to use, once I got used to them. I just used them on a piece that I plan  on posting soon!Probably on the other blog, but maybe on here, too. 

In other news, I'm getting my computer ready for the big ol' trip me and my parents make every year to visit family down in Georgia. Sadly, there is no internet there...I'm not really sure how I'm gonna make it. xD Really, it's such a small town...everyone knows each other!

I've been downloading Japanese magazine scans right and left, loading up Adventure Time episodes, and of course, uploading music. I probably won't even need all this stuff, but hey, I overprepare. 

I'm hoping I get a lot of art done on this trip, because it's nice going to a quiet place likee this for a change of scenery, and time to clear my head. I really hope I don't get lazy and forget about everything, though. 

Well, I guess that's all I have to say about that. See ya!

Updated the art blog!

http://detailedcandy.blogspot.com/

It's been updated!


Anyone wanna guess the reference the title of the post is making?

I think I should apologize for somehow switching the focus of this blog. Honestly though, I don't really mean for this blog to have a focus. It's just about me, I guess. 

However, I'm still gonna post this picture I took. :)

It's not me, it's the only local lolita I know, she's really nice and has great lolita coords!

Lately, I've been listening to tons of different kinds of musicians, bands, and music. It's really fun! I'm listening to Ilya right now. 

I drew another picture today, but hey, what's new? I've also been playing WoW again. It's really fun being an undead rogue. :D

Well, it seems there isn't much to talk about. I'll see you guys later!

Photo-graph

Hey, everyone!

I've been pretty busy this weekend, but I got some pictures to show! 

wut

Okay, so to learn about this picture, I suggest you head on over to Detailed Candy and read the recent post about it!

Also, I'm thinking about posting more outfit posts. Any objections? I just like doing them for the motivation to dress better it gives, and because it's nice to give a face to the text you constantly read.

Last night, I got to see Exit Though the Gift shop, a documentary about street art and a very odd French man, a film by Banksy.
Yes, Banksy, THE BANSKY.

This is not only a hilarious film with awesome artwork. Looking deeper, this is a parody of street art, even art in general? I know that sounds dumb to say, but if you watch it, you'll understand. It's worth your time, I promise.

Also SUMMER'S HERE, MAN.

Which means more time to post, draw, and alter 50 or so books until I'm satisfied. I'm also going to get to see Joey and play WoW more often. 8D

Well, I'm heading out. Not much more to talk about but:

KYNA, you've got your blog comments set to approval, I hope you are aware. I can't be sure what comments went through because of that, and I'm sorry you have like 5 billion now...I just didn't see it appear, so...D:

Off to a wonderful Saturday! Hope you have a wonderful one, too!

Paperphile yappings.

Okay, so if there's one sure way to inspire me visually, it's got to be paper.
Yeah, paper.
So many kinds!
So many shapes!
So many textures!
So many possibilities!
Most of the stuff I make is just started when I get some new paper to work with.
I can't even explain it well...it's just a thing.
If I could think of the perfect gift for me, it'd have to be some paper assortment or something.
I've got some really good ideas for "the book" lately, due to this blog:
http://uponafold.com.au/blog/
They not only are an awesome paper distributor themselves, but blog about their inspirations constantly. Cooooooool pictures. Coooooool.

So, today is my last day of school, in other news.
Well, okay.
Last full day, but whatevs.
I'm so eager to get started drawing, creating, and all that stuff. I also have some personal projects I'd like to do for the summer.
And no more getting up at 5 AM! Huzzah, hooray!
Pretty much the best thing ever.

I could go for some givaways.

I certainly could, and you could too:
http://chouzuru.blogspot.com/2010/05/370-followers-bad-blogger-giveaway.html
She's giving away some cute Japanese stuff!

Here you go.

Okay, so here it is. THAT NECK. AGHDHFSLASKJ
I want to work with the hair from, too. The part that's from the right side of her doesn't seem to...work, does it? I don't think it does. But hey, it's a sketch.

Dude.

Okay, so I know this isn't much of a reason to post, but I just wanted to say that Kyna, your art is still as awesome as always. 

Annnnnnd....

I finished a project in school today. What's odd is that at the beginning of the semester, I found these to take months, while this only took a few days and I'm much more satisfied with it. I this I lose the idea of the piece if I work on it too long. I guess this is motivation to work faster and more constantly. Luckily, I hate not finishing things I've started, one of my few good traits. 

I've started on the AP Art summer assignments already...a month, maybe two months ago?

Oops...I didn't do much, but yeah. 

I'm pleasantly surprised to hear we'll only have to do half the amount I originally thought. Only 5, but of course, 5 very good ones. 

I started with the one inspired by another artist/art movement, but I'm trying to see if Alfonse Mucha is associated with an art movement. I personally think he should be, as his work is so uniquely his, it's awesome. Like, favorite artist ever baby. Favoritttttee. (and sorry I said he didn't have the e at the end of his first name earlier, I just don't know why I thought that.)

Alright, I looked up his Wikipedia. Here's what it says:
"Alphonse Maria Mucha, first name from the Czech Alfons (24 July 1860 – 14 July 1939), was a Czech Art Nouveau painter and decorative artist, best known for his distinct style and his images of women. He produced many paintings, illustrations, advertisements, and designs."

Man. I want to be remembered like that. That's everything I want to do, right there. I mean, I wouldn't say I'd want to draw exclusively females, but you get the idea I'm conveying, yeah?

Anyway, I'll post the sketch of what I'm thinking of doing in just a second. It'll be in the next post!

Just a question!

Yay, productivity!

So guys, here's what I've been doing lately! This, and studying....

Summer will be here for me very soon, as I've got only 4 more days!
Now, a lowdown onto those drawings: They're all just stuff from my sketchbook, really. Nothing too special... the first one I started and completed just an hour ago, actually. Even though I'm for lolita over EGA, EGA's are really fun to draw...they look like they came out of a storybook!8D

The middle one was a character design for a comic I just couldn't make happen. Maybe someday? Maybe!

Oh, and the last one, is really just something I did in ballpoint pen for fun. It's supposed to be me, actually, but...not so accurate. ;-;
Maybe it'll get used in some sort of banner or layout...

I've been drawing so much more lately, and I'm glad. I need the practice. AP Art is next school year, and we already have summer assignments....
(you can learn more about those in my other specifically art blog; www.detailedcandy.blogspot.com)

Well, anyway. I hope to post here more this summer, I really do. But who knows, right?
See ya!