And the Winner is.............

Catherine of Mrs. Toad Designs!!!!
Thank you to all who participated in Pinks & Needles First Blog Giveaway! Catherine will be receiving this handmade Holiday Cupcake Ornament made by me with lots and lots of LOVE!!!
Be sure to check out Catherine's blog at:
Mrs. Toad Designs
See you all for our Big Re-Opening of Pinks & Needles on Etsy Monday November 16th! Tons of fun Holiday gifts will be available! We'll be hosting another Blog Giveaway for the month of December - please stay tuned!

See you all for our Big Re-Opening of Pinks & Needles on Etsy! Tons of fun Holiday gifts will be available! We'll be hosting another Blog Giveaway for the month of December - please stay tuned!

Corpse bride Make Up Trial Run

Hope I'm not scaring anyone too bad.......just doing a trial run for tomorrow nights Halloween party down the street at my neighbors house : ) I had a lot of fun doing the eyes and the stitching around the mouth. I'm posting this here because make up application is an art like I have never experienced before!!! When I was a lot younger I used to play dress up and put my Mom's Avon lipstick on but never in all my years have I really experimented with make up to this extent. I"m not much of a make up wearer in everyday life. I can see how people could really get into it!!! I"m looking forward to posting tomorrow to show the whole shabang!!! I have big plans for my hair - NO WIG either!!! Just my big old mop!!!

My Very First Blog Giveaway!!!!!

Choose which blog you would like to follow by clicking on "Follow Blog" at the top of the page. I keep 4 blogs current (listed below)! Choose to follow 1 or more. The more blogs you follow the better your chances for winning! I will enter your name in once for each blog you follow : )

Pinks & Needles Blog a place to keep up to date with my Etsy shop Pinks & Needles!
California Girl Confections a place where I share recipes!
California Girl at Heart a place where I share fun things!
California Kiss Studio a place where I share art!
I will be giving away a lovely handmade surprise to the Lucky person who's name I pull from a hat on November 1st!!!!!!
Please note: you can comment here but in order to be entered into the drawing you must "follow" me at 1 or more of my 4 blogs : )
Thank you so much! I look forward to my first giveaway!!!! If you are already a follower you will automatically be entered into the drawing!

Ray Caesar - Amazing digital artist!

So I was in Anthropologie the other day sifting through their fabulous collection of books for sale when I happened upon a new out called "The Upset". Chock full of amazing contemporary artists! One of may favs Mark Ryden made the cover!!! So exciting! I need this book "real bad" said in a Napoleon Dynamite voice!!!
One of the artist featured is Ray Caesar. His work is digital and so eye popping I can't explain it! Check her out - taking a little upside cat nap - what a cutie! Me love!!!!! I mean really love!

Busty Lusties

A lot of my art lately has been on the dark side....hmmm.mmmm not sure why - considering I'm pretty happy go lucky!!!!

Mark Ryden Inspired Pin Toppers

mark ryden inspired pin toppers
Originally uploaded by Gigi & Big Red

I just wanted to share some pin toppers I've made - totally inspired by my love for Mark Ryden's art! These pins are very much on the happy side although I can't speak for Mark - seems his art is often dark and mysterious. I wanted to capture the childlike quality that I find so endearing in much of his work. Balloon Animals for your pincushion it is!!!

Mark Ryden Art ~ gosh does he have a vision or what? I am so in awe of his work!

So I have admired Mark Ryden's work for a while now and decided to make this mosaic on flickr of just a few of his lovely paintings. I'm really wanting his book right now!!!! It's chock full of fascinating art but it's $395 - ouch!!!! Maybe someday.........

Twilight Freak

Yes you could say I am totally obsessed with this movie, soundtrack, book, yada, yada, yada.........every free moment lately has been dedicated to sketching the characters.
Bella Swan is so delicate and lovely, while Edward is very fetching and brutally handsome.