Mixed media, photomanipulation / illustration

Mixed media, photomanipulation / illustration
Originally uploaded by miss-bunny

Still building up my portfolio.
I'm really loving playing around with photoshop at the moment.
I just wish I had more time.
I don't have a good computer at home at the moment, so alot of my work is done on my lunch breaks at work.

Autumn

Gemma photomanipulation, detail
Originally uploaded by miss-bunny

So, autumn 2009's here at last.
All the leaves are dropping from the trees, and I'm going to be needing a new job soon, so I've been working on images for my portfolio.
(Some of my retouching stuff can be seen here.)
I need to get better stuff together, work on my illustration portfoilio too, and get my website up.
Wish me luck! :)

Getting older.

This is a photo of my brother and I. He's 6 years younger than me, and looking at him makes me feel old!!
I'm 33 this year, and I've started to notice my body ageing.
I dye my hair once a month, and a few days before my dyeing day, my grey grey roots are clashing painfully with the black/brown colour of my hair.

I started going grey at 18, and I think my hair is mostly grey now.
I wish I could grow it out to see, but I tried 4 years ago, and I got about 3 or 4 inches into growing it, and had to re-dye it. It looked horrid. If I could click my fingers, and just have my natural colour, I would. Just to see what it's like.
The trauma of growing it and looking gross for a year or so is too much for me.

This morning in the park, whilst walking the dog, my boyfriend noticed 2 dark hairs on my cheek!!! MY CHEEK! What the hell?
They weren't really noticable, but I went home and plucked them out anyway.
Random other dark, or bizarrely long hairs have occasionally started sprouting out all over the place.

My forehead (which has been hidden under my fringe for the past 2 years) has grown lots of deep furrows. I'm getting wrinkles around my eyes, and my cheeks where I smile.
AND I'm getting the first signs of old lady chest.
I have big boobs. Sleeping on my side at night has started to leave it's mark, and I'm getting the wrinkle on my chest that runs from my cleavage to my neck. Nice.

I just felt the need to share my sudden realisation of the onslaught of time.
Feel free to share your traumas here!

Long time, no blog!

Originally uploaded by miss-bunny

Just thought I'd post up a doodle I did while waiting for clients at work.
Hope you're all well!

Photomanip.

Originally uploaded by miss-bunny

It's nice to do something just for fun.
Being a retoucher where I work isn't much fun. It's ok, and I've learn alot, but it's a bit like a production line, and we have to pump out the images as fast as we can.
When I get home from work, I don't really want to start retouching again!
This was an experiment. I didn't have a finished image in mind when I started. I'm pretty pleased with it tho! :)

Once again, I'm going to try to start posting over here some more.
Hope you're all well, and have a wonderful weekend when it rolls around.

Me and my boi.

Shuv & Boi
Originally uploaded by dead by sunrise

We went to Trent Valley Park yesterday.
It was SO so cold, but bright and beautiful.
Dan took some lovely photos :)

I'm getting ready for Wemake, the Christmas fair on the 6th December.
Printing lots of cards and stuff!
Today i'm making badge packs too.

The Dark Knight

Heath ledger joker
Originally uploaded by jrmfan30

Amazing.
SO fucking awesome.
The Joker was just stunning.

I want to see it again.




And again....

Update

Originally uploaded by duality

Hello!! *waves* It's been a while :)

Just thought I should do a little update!
Work's good. I'm really enjoying it and learning lots on Photoshop, but it means I don't have much time for anything else at the moment!
It's Saturday today, and I'm just about to start decorating some shoes to put in the Etsy shop. I've been neglecting it completely since starting full time work.
However, having a full time job means I can buy nice things! ;)
I've just treated myself to the 1st four of eleven of the Sandman graphic novels by Neil Gaiman. I read them years ago, and loved them.
Also, last weekend I booked 8 more hours at Evil from the Needle in Camden. Jeff's going to do some more to my peacock tattoo. I want to extend it. The appointments are in November.
Anyway. I should go do shoes.
Have a wonderful weekend if you read this!
x

Overload.

The Gathering
Originally uploaded by panic-embryo

I have SO much to do.
So many little things, and a few big things, and no time, concentration or brain power.
Amongst all those little and big and medium things, I also have jury duty, full time work starting in a week and a half, and a half broken/half fixed dog.
All I want is a lay in one morning.
All I'd love is a back rub.
I keep making little mistakes from weariness.
Everything always happens at once.
Maybe to test us?......

A random entry.

From my Flickr favorites.
Originally uploaded by miss-bunny

I haven't blogged for a while over here.
Hello! *waves* Sorry I've been neglectful!
My life's pretty hectic lately, as probably anyone who reads this will know already!
Shadow (my beautiful baby boi (dog)) had surgery on his knee last week. The vets kept him in for 3 days, and he was pretty traumatised when we collected him. I think it was a combination of being in kennels, being surrounded by very loud dogs for 3 days, the surgery, being away from me/home and not eating because he was stressed.
However.....he seems to have snapped out of it now, and is pretty much back to his old self.
He does have a shaved back leg tho with some meaty stitches in it, and a new metal plate in his leg. Yowch!
He's just started to occasionally use it to put some weight on, but he won't be able to run around on it for 5 months!!!
He's only allowed in the garden to go to the toilet for 6 weeks. He's going a little stir crazy and it's only been 5 days.

Also, the job I blogged about that I didn't get, and was really dissapointed that I didn't get? I got it! I got a call 2 weeks later apologising for the delay in getting back to me, and I started last week.
I've learnt some nifty tricks and picked up some great tips on Photoshop. It's only part time work for now, and I've been working weekends but it's ok. The days are long, and the work is a little repetitive and hard on the eyes, but I like it. So that's that's been going on with me.

Today here in the UK it's been a bank holiday monday, and it feels like a sunday. I spent the day tidying my work area, ironing, doing laundry, and playing with FD's Flickr Toys to make lots of mosaics like the one up there!

Anyway. I'll try to blog again with something good soon! ♥

Gocco

About a year ago, I treated myself to a PG5 Gocco.
For those of you unsure of what a Gocco is, it's a small japanese screen printer. You can find out more here, here and here! And this is a really cool little youtube video HERE!
I've neglected my poor gocco since christmas. The last things I made with it were my christmas cards, which didn't sell very well. Boo! :(
And I've been waiting for an idea to strike before getting it out again. 2 days ago, whilst out walking Shadow, we stumbled across lots of old books being thrown out in the recycling box outside a house. After a quick rummage we found an ancient Ben Hur book, and a 3 Musketeers book from 1908. The pages of the Ben Hur book are wonderfully browned and delicate, and the page of the 3 Musketeers are very thin and slighly discoloured.


I've been waiting to stumble across some old paper for a long time, and my charity shop hunting hadn't helped at all, so this was a lovely find.
I got my gocco out and did some over-printing (using 3 screens ontop of each other) in white, gold and black. You can see the other pictures HERE.
I think these images are pretty much done. I might add a little hand painting, and possibly sew onto a few of them, and see how that looks, today.
I'm full of ideas at the moment! It's lovely. I got inspired by the wonderful Dollfacedesign over on Etsy. Go have a look at her stuff. It's so individual and beautiful. I want to play with some of my 365 pictures, this lovely old paper, and my gocco. Unfortunately, my brand new Epson inkjet printer died after just 3 weeks, so has been shipped back to the company. As soon as I get it back, I'll be in full swing again!
So....After all of that, if you're inspired, and would like a gocco, I got mine here- Print addict Japan, but there are a few other sellers around. (Make sure you have the sound up to listen to Bridget Bardot ;)
If you're still unconvinced, then have a look at these 3 marvelous gocco creations by some fellow Etsians...

Bunnyberry Greetings card by Apak: apak.etsy.com
Bear Monster Gocco Print by Matteart: matteart.etsy.com
Flower Cards. 4 Pack by jenskelley: jenskelley.etsy.com

Photomanipulations, work & the end of a year.

So, another day, another 365 picture. Except yesterday's 365 was the last one. I've been doing the project for a whole year, and now it's finally over, I can honestly say that I'm very relieved.
There was a time when I thought I'd carry on into year 2, but no. Well not for now anyway.
The picture on the left is my last 365, and as you can tell it's very heavily photoshopped. It was really hard for me to do this picture, as I haven't been feeling too good about my work and my skills on good old Photoshop.
I went for a job interview last week. It was the 1st job I've applied for in a long long time, and I was very nervous. The job was retouching photographs for a company who does portrait packages. (You go in, get your hair and make up done, and then have lots of wonderful photos taken of yourself. Your photos are then retouched etc etc.)
Anyway, I didn't get the job, and I really thought I might have done......well, for about 2 hours after the interview I thought I might have done, and then the 'oh no's' set in, and I realised all the things I'd done wrong.
So yeah....working on that image ^ was like a test to myself to prove I am good at what I do. I really had to force myself to do it tho. I didn't want to do something so heavily shopped, as the interview thing really knocked my confidence, and I'm still feeling pretty down about it all.
I'm pleased with the picture tho.
So onwards and upwards. Every day I'm looking for work, and applying for jobs. I just hope something suitable comes along soon.

Kankalinhats by Kristina.

Shy violet project - orange twister
Originally uploaded by ZséBé

How amazing is this image? Not only does it hold up well as a picture/photograph in its own right, it's actually a photo of a fascinator (hatling) by the very talented Brighton based milliner, Kristina of kankalinhats.etsy.com.

Her Etsy shop is full of the most amazing pieces I think I've seen!
Please drop by and pay her a visit.
Her hatlings would add such an amazing touch to a wedding/party/night out on the town.
She also accepts custom orders, so you can have the hatling of your dreams!

"My favourite customers are the ones first saying: "I never wear hats" then try one on, and smile. Let me make you smile too!"

Dead by Sunrise Photography.

Emilie Autumn 19-04-2008 (6)
Originally uploaded by dead by sunrise

My friend, Dan, is a gig photographer in his spare time.
He'd love to make a living out of doing it, and I think his work is definately good enough. If you get a chance, and like to look at concert photography, you can find his website HERE.
and his Flickr HERE.
He even sells some stuff over on Etsy:
http://deadbysunrise.etsy.com

Clever lad :)

Angel

Dan and I went into Islington/Angel yesterday, to have a nice Sunday dinner. When we got there, I saw The Angel Art Market advertised everywhere. It's just behind Angel tube (Northen Line) so we went to have a look. It's only been going for 3 weeks, so there are spaces still available. The people I spoke to said that it'd been slow, but was picking up as the weeks went by. I spoke to a girl who helps run it, and she's going to send me an information pack via email today. I'm going to apply with my shoes and some paintings! If you're around Angel anytime on a saturday or Sunday, go have a look.
There are some beautiful pieces there, and the
space itself is lovely. Here are a few of the artists who were there on Sunday:Abigail Thomas, Michael Barr and Jo Deeley.

(Textile piece shown above, by Jo Deeley.)

The Angel Art Market,
3 Torrens St, London, EC 1NQ

*******************************

Also, since looking this market up, I've stumbled across a craft and design fair that's being held in October. It's Friday til sunday, and the stall prices are pricey. BUT, they split the fair into 4 weeks.
The 1st is painting, sculpture and time based media, 2nd is photography, graphics, illustration and printmaking 3rd is fashion, textiles and jewellery and 4th is design products, furniture, ceramics and glass. I'm wondering if I should think about doing this one too?
If I did, I'm not sure if I'd want to take along some illustrative and gocco'd work, or if i'd go with my shoes.

The Islington contemporary Art and Design Fair.
http://www.icadf.com/

So today's being spent painting, sewing and such....

Last week, I got a printer. It's lovely. I can do lots of wonderful things from home now, and not have to worry about where I can get things printed, and if places actually will print them for me!
(Several places have refused when I've asked if i can use papers other than their own in their printers!)

Anyway, in celebration, I've added a new selection of cards to my shop, which can be found here.
And I've also added some writing sets! I'm so pleased with how these came out! At the moment, you can choose from Cupcake, Voodoo, Kraken and Tiger Girl. I plan on adding more to the range at some point.

Today and possibly some of the weekend however, will be spent decorating some more shoes. The shop needs some more. I feel like I'm running low at 11 pairs. It seems the more shoes I have in the shop, the more people come and look, and the more customers I get buying other things too.

For now tho, I'm going to go have a nice long shower.
My boiler has been broken since Monday night, and I haven't had any hot water or heating. The plumber's just been in and sorted it. BLISS! I can finally take my gloves off! ;)

american savage

american savage
Originally uploaded by stoneth

This absolutely brilliant photographer takes photos of homeless people, drug users, beggers, prostitutes, people who have been hurt, abused, ignored and frowned upon, and he always takes the time to find out about every single one of his subjects, and shares his knowledge with the poeple looking at his photos.
Go visit his Flickr, and have a look at his photography.......if you can.
His images are heart wrenchingly honest, yet beautiful and sad, and with every picture is a story that is usually even sadder.
http://www.flickr.com/stoneth/

Wow.

Originally uploaded by bagofspiders

I wish i could buy myself some gorgeous dolls.
Look at this beautiful creature!
I found her over in 'bagofspiders' Flickr, here.

I'm in love.

I ♥ Etsy

I wish I'd sell more over at Etsy.com. Things have been pretty slow since Christmas.
Before the holidays, things started to pick up a lot. I was getting pretty much at least one sale a day! I thought maybe things were really on the up and up, and that I'd be one of those sellers that has sales on a regular basis. However, things have really slowed down!
But............I really can't complain. Etsy's been good to me. It's brought me new customers, and also introduced me to SO many wonderful artists and some of the most amazing people ever!
I just wish I had some more money to spend on some of the items I'd love!
As I don't have the money right now, here's a little feature on a few of my favorite listings...At least i can dream!


You'll find these gorgeous bowls by NewMoodStudio, HERE.

And her shop here: NewMoonStudio.etsy.com
Whenever i look in this shop, there's always something that i can imagine owning, or using. The items are functional and....well, just lovely to look at.

Here, "celebrating the imperfect, irregular and not-quite-right..." we have this item from gonetopottexas.etsy.com

Amazing isn't it?
You'll find this unique and wonderful plate HERE.

This shop has an interesting mix of household items and quirky little ceramic art dolls. Really worth a look.

If you're like me, and love a bit of fun and cuteness, make a visit to robinsjewelrybox.etsy.com
You'll find jewellery SO sweet it'll rot your teeth just looking at it.
There are just so many items i want from this shop, and everytime i check back, there's something else i see that i'll add to my wish list. I dare you to go see! ;)

That'll do you for now. I've spent the whole day packing and sorting for the move next week, and i'm shattered. If you'd like to see some more of my favorites, you can see some of my favorite sellers here: Clicky!
And my favorite items here: Click!

The past couple of days have been very hectic.
After a long and disheartening two months, constantly searching for somewhere to live that would allow dogs, a week ago, we found a lovely little studio flat in Tufnell Park, and are moving in on the 15th! Nine days time!!

I've been juggling lots of paper work, job hunting and just generally dealing with a bit of stress. The whole move is a HUGE upheaval and change for me, but I'm actually really looking forward to the challenge, and the unknown that lays ahead.
One of my goals is to start to take my work seriously, so I have made sure to make time to get some shoes up in the shop, as I hadn't listed any for a while.
I got 5 new pairs up in the past 2 days, which is great. I was planning on shutting shop while we move, but I think I'll leave it open, and just put lots of notices everywhere.
I'm going to need all the sales I can get.
So yes.....unknown things on the horizon, but I'm looking forward to the adventure :D