Like previous new year’s resolutions, I plan to draw more often in 2009 (and drawing shoes for work doesn’t count!) I also plan to write more often, photograph more often, and focus in on what is working in my artwork, and move on from what isn’t! My 2009 goals are all about my own personal work, because my professional work is going pretty well! What are you guys resolving to achieve in 2009?

Everything will be super-fine in ‘09! Cheers!

Happy Holidays! xo Funcupcake

It’s been snowing for the past 3 days, there is a lot of it and it’s beautiful and fluffy! The house has been full of wonderful smells… Homemade pizza, Homemade Chicken Soup, Chocolate Cupcakes, Red Wine, Strong Hot Coffee, etc…

We spotted Santa in Aisle 5 of the local grocery!

I’ve been sewing bird ornaments, I received an amazing donation of vintage fabric recently, yeah!

I’d love to get some lovely art for over the bed at some point, but for now, I sewed these 7 stuffed felt hearts. 7 being an auspicious number in Chinese Feng Shui, I chose a few colors of red to symbolize differences and sameness, and love of course.

I hope you’re enjoying this time of year wherever you may be, sunshine or snow!

Last winter I took these photographs of a toy polar bear and toy moose in the backyard in the ice, snow and grass! I wanted to make a more seasonal winter holiday card, because sometimes the green and red is a bit too nauseating! Hee hee! There are 4 to choose from; Polar bear with a silver card & envelope, Polar bear with a brown kraft paper card & envelope, Moose with a cream card & envelope, and Moose with a brown kraft paper card & envelope. Please visit my shop to purchase!

The holidays mean time for silly photos. Family photos from the archive, 1976 and 1978! My family was so naturally stylish, and representative of the West Coast in the 70’s. It’s really funny for me to look at these because I cannot remember them dressing this way! My parents were so young; my mom was 22 when she had me, my dad was 26. They were both rebels in their families (my Mom has 3 siblings, my Dad has 9 siblings.) I love these photos.

I have a new favorite thing. I have been watching old episodes of The Rockford Files and Fantasy Island online at Hulu. It’s free, and you can also watch movies! It’s the best thing to have on in the background while drawing, sewing, or even working on footwear design. I have become somewhat addicted to listening while creating. It is such a perfect companion to have your mind concentrate and focus so your creative side can just work freely. I have audio books and podcasts that I listen to on my ipod on my daily commute, and now I can revisit my childhood with these old TV shows.

Fantasy Island is such a crazy concept. I love the idea of it, the imagination and escape, I think I was pretty small when it was on, and it was on late, so most of it is a blur. Watching it has been really fun. But I really have a soft spot for the Rockford files. It is this great recipe of a show… There is always a damsel in distress, somebody breaking the law, James Garner is always that rough-around-the-edges hero, that you feel sorry for but also somehow find affection for. His Dad is always giving him trouble by just being an old man. There is a lot of driving in old cars. The music is hilarious. The colors of the set, the costumes, everything is soooo 1970’s. So much wood paneling! The intro just kills me. If The Rockford Files isn’t your thing, I’m sure you can find something (perhaps more modern!) to watch and enjoy on Hulu. Check it out!

I am drawing 3 slightly different renditions of one drawing. Next, finish and color!

We went to Salem Massachusetts this past weekend, and we went to the Salem Witch wax museum. Spooky!!!

photo credit: Salvatore Oliva
The weather has dropped. When I leave for work in the mornings, it’s 25 degrees, and this weekend we’re expecting snow flurries though I doubt anything will stick… It’s winter! Beppo is wearing a sherling-lined corduroy coat. Haha!

I finished sewing this giant ottoman pillow from this pattern. Something comfy to kick our feet up on! It’s huge. It took about 14 bags of stuffing to fill. I started sewing some felt hearts and birds (I adapted this pattern a bit.) I started a drawing, not sure if I will finish it! I found this heart-shaped brick among rocks at the sea. And we are celebrating our anniversary today!