Skelekitty.com Grand Reopening Giveaway #4 - Kitties, Glitter and Heartbreak

Welcome to the 2013 Skelekitty.com Grand Reopening Shenanigans Giveaway Extravaganza Event, Part IV!  Along with the help from some talented friends, I am celebrating the relaunch of my online shop (now with a proper shop host and my very own URL), by giving away awesome stuff.  Want to see what we've given away already?  Look at Giveaway #1 with Brooke Van Gory, Giveaway #2 with Geek In The City Comics, and Giveaway #3 with Madd Style Cosmetics.  Didn't win?  It's OK!  There are more giveaways to come and I announce some 'consolation' sales following each giveaway on the original blog post, Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

GIVEAWAY #4 IS CLOSED - scroll down to the Rafflecopter widget to see who won (psst! I still have more to give away!)

(if you are a winner, check your e-mail and reply within 72 hours to receive your prize pack)

*  *  *

Once again, as a sort of consolation, the Krissi's Art Studio prize from this giveway is going on sale with a HUGE discount.  Every item featuring POISON, Time Flies and Always Time for Love is on sale - that means you can get all prints for $10 or pendants starting at $15.  As usual, no coupon is needed and the sale is active through the end of the next giveaway, which will be announced on my blog tonight.

*  *  *  

The first randomly chosen winner will receive Unicorns, Glitter & Heartbreak
by The Kimberly Trip and a 1" pendant of POISON from my skelekitty.com
(I chose this pendant because Kimberlina has one!)

The second randomly chosen winner will receive Unicorns, Glitter & Heartbreak
by The Kimberly Trip and a 1" pendant of Time Flies from my skelekitty.com

The third randomly chosen winner will receive Unicorns, Glitter & Heartbreak
by The Kimberly Trip and a 1" pendant of Always Time For Love (pink background) from my skelekitty.com

From kimberlytrip.com:  

Hailing from Orange County and Sacramento, California, the Kimberly Trip was formed by guitarist Jeffry-Wynne Prince and drummer Bractune, self-confessed high-school nerds with sci-fi obsessions. Along with vocalist Kimberlina, and bassist Michaelandrew, the Kimberly Trip wraps pointedly funny social observations and introspective confessions around toe-tapping, pogo-inducing rhythms. The single "My Favorite Disaster" is the highlight of the Kimberly Trip’s knife-sharp humorous narratives, an ode to dysfunctional happiness that wears the nerd label like a badge of honor. However, the group has a serious side as well, best exemplified by the haunting "Memory Fades" and the understated ode to better days "Looking Toward the Sun."

"Unicorns, Glitter, & Heartbreak" is the 6th studio album from the band and has been called "A sonic masterpiece; A lo-fi, epic album with an explosive chemistry that is brimming with life-affirming vibes and buoyant rock & roll that is charming and irresistible.”

Frankly, I think they're the best band you haven't become addicted to yet. To prove my point, here are Jeffry-Wynne (guitar/coffee-shop dude), Bractune (drums), Michaelandrew (bass), and Kimberlina (she's the girl who's singing, the nerd behind the counter and the "frenemy") in "Drama @ The Coffeeshop" from that CD up there you are totally going to want to win.

Did I mention that the Kimberly Trip is hitting the road this Spring (2013) for a Pacific Northwest tour?  Yep, so maybe you'll even get to see them live (and oh, man alive, do they ever put on a show!).  The schedule looks like this as of this blog post:

• April 10th, Salt Lake City UT
• April 11th, Boise ID
• April 12th, Portland OR
• April 13th, Seattle WA
• April 14th, Eugene OR
• April 15th, Medford OR

The band is still organizing and booking dates, so if you have a suggestion or request for your area, please let them know.

Want to hear a little more?  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?


I know adding to this CD prize pack is like gilding a lily, but what the heck.  I will also be giving away three different 1" art pendants from skelekitty.com, one with each CD.

Each CD in Giveaway #4 will come with one of these three Krissi's Art Studio 1" pendants

the boring, important stuff:

The entry period for Giveaway No. 4 begins at 12:01am (PST) on Saturday, January 12th and ends at 11:59pm PST on Sunday, January 13th. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM from all verified entries, and will be announced within 24 hours of the close of the entry period and notified by e-mail. If no response (with mailing address) is received within 72 hours of notification, another winner will be chosen. 

PRIVACY NOTICE: I will never use information from giveaway entries for my business (i.e., I won't copy your email and add you to a mailing list). Your contact information will only be used for winner notification and related communication, and I will not share your contact information with anyone (exception: if a prize is sent directly from a giveaway sponsor, I will put them in contact with you).

Got it? Excellent. Off you go.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Read more ...

Holiday Orders (deadlines and incentives)

We're closing in on those winter gift-giving holidays and my guess is that, having just survived Halloween, many of you are beginning to panic.  Sure, there's plenty of time left to shop, even from handmade shops, but time is quickly running out to order custom work that will be delivered by Christmas.  My shop is no exception, so here is a rundown of the what, when and how for Christmas presents (since Hanukkah is early this year, custom deadlines have passed already).

Some people think skeletons are scary, but what's really scary
is finding out you missed an order deadline for Christmas!
mixed media on canvas panels, Red Catrina [left] and Flamenco Dancer [right]

CUSTOM ART

Deadline for Christmas Delivery:  I will accept Christmas orders for mixed-media/canvas panel pet portraits (or any other subject you like) through the end of next week.  Orders must be completed* on or before Sunday, November 18.  

Just head on over to skelekitty.com and check out the "custom art" section of my shop.  If you want a size that is not listed, or if you would like a non-pet portrait or multiple animals in your painting, please contact me at krissi@skelekitty.com to arrange for a personalized listing (deadlines apply for delivery guarantee).

Incentive! Many of my customers like to have the painting at home and a print at work, so here's something to sweeten the pot:  I will include one of my 8x10" prints of your custom piece with 11x14" and larger canvas panel paintings, when your order is completed* by the end of the day on Friday, November 16.

*Some fine print:  A "completed" order means that I have received payment and all commission requirements including desired colors, style and any photographs I may need to work from.  Payment alone does not guarantee delivery before Christmas - I must have all information required to begin work. 

JEWELRY

1" and 2" glass and resin art pendants
available from skelekitty.com and
Side Show Studios in Sacramento, CA

There is a great selection of pendants ready to go out on my next shipping day (within 7 days) at skelekitty.com. and in my Etsy shop, which has been re-opened with limited inventory.

If you are in Sacramento, you can purchase some of my most popular images on art jewelry from Side Show Studios (and I always recommend shopping locally when you can!).

I will continue to accept custom orders for pendants, but the turn-around-time is dependent upon the weather conditions, so I recommend you order early.  Christmas delivery may not be an option if the temperature drops or it begins raining.


PRINTS, CARDS and ART

select art and art boxes
available at Little Relics
in Midtown Sacramento

Sacramento locals can purchase most of my prints, my 5x7" Lotería cards, original art and art boxes at Little Relics in Midtown.

Prints and cards are available online at skelekitty.com and ship out within 7 days.  If you are interested in a particular piece of original art that is not listed on my website, please contact me at krissi@skelekitty.com for price and availability.


BLACK FRIDAY NOTE

My husband and I are going away for Thanksgiving this year!  We're taking sweaters and warm footwear up to Oregon for several days on the coastal beaches with friends, geek-speak, beer, food, dogs and board games.  Because we're running away, there will be no Black Friday sale or promotion at Krissi's Art Studio this year.  With that said, there's no incentive to hold off on your order for that weekend.



I hope you all enjoyed your Halloween and Día de los Muertos celebrations, and that you have something as wonderful as we do for our Thanksgiving weekend!


And remember, you don't have to buy here, but when you give, please

Read more ...

Lots of Changes Coming

...including a NEWSLETTER!

So let's start there.  Sign up for the Krissi's Art Studio/Skelekitty & Friends newsletter and you won't miss out on any sales, giveaways, events or announcements.

What kind of announcements, you ask?  Well, for example

As I mentioned in a recent post, my online shop will be making some major changes in the next few months.  

• I have decided to reopen my Etsy shop (krissi.etsy.com) with a limited inventory.  For right now, it just has select ready-to-ship art jewelry and the new Lotería greeting cards.
• I will continue to keep my ArtFire shop (skelekitty.artfire.com) open, but will be phasing it out as my "primary" online shopping presence because of some recent service problems.
• In the meantime, the URL skelekitty.com will take you to my main shop, wherever it is hosted.

I have also greed to start selling certain items in two local Sacramento shops.  I don't usually sell through retail stores, but these two businesses are so awesome, I didn't DARE say no!  Since that's still in the works, I'll be saving that for the newsletter!

There are some great contests coming up, as well as some new tutorials and a few pretty spectacular collaborations that you won't want to miss out on.

I hope your Halloween was spectacular and that you will enjoy your Day of the Dead and remember friends and family past.  

Much love,  Krissi & Skelekitty

p.s.  With the holiday gift giving season approaching, please remember, you don't have to buy from me, but when you give...

Read more ...

First Solo Show: Día de los Muertos at Little Relics

Spirits' Journey & Soul Searching
16x12" mixed media on canvas panels

Howdy everyone!

I realize I've been noticeably missing in action here on 'teh interwebz' for the last few months as I prepared for my very first solo show.  My nose-to-the-grindstone attitude has definitely paid off, as I was able to build a collection of  both new and "classic" Day of the Dead themed paintings and gift items for everyone.


I am thrilled to be showing at Little Relics Gallery & Boutique, located in the heart of Midtown Sacramento, and to be working again with that gallery's owner, a talented jeweler and artist in her own right, Susan Rabinovitz.

Celebrate Día de los Muertos

with

Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty & Friends

 at

Little Relics Boutique & Gallería

908 21st St. (between I & J)

Sacramento, CA 

2 Sides of Skelekitty & Siren Song
11x14" acrylic/mixed media on cradled hardwood panels

Skelekitty and I are in excellent company with Susan's masterfully crafted jewelry, original artwork by cartoonist Eric Decetis, an amazing collection of gifts and cards and a special Día de los Muertos shrine by the amazing Margaret Griffin Arnold.  (Wow, I'm feeling a little star-struck here!)

Red Catrina & Flamenco Dancer
12x16" pastel on canvas panels

As usual, Susan has some wonderful events planned throughout the month!  You can drop in any time during gallery/boutique hours, but we would love to see you at one of these free gatherings:

Fri, Nov 2: Día de los Muertos celebration and show opening reception 6pm - 9pm

Thur, Nov 8: Artwalk preview 6-9pm

Sat, Nov 10: 2nd Saturday Artwalk noon-10pm

Skullerfly mini trinket boxes - acrylic on wood
(other sizes and images available)

If you aren't local (and I know many of you are not), or if you cannot make it to the show, you can still snap up some of these goodies by contacting Susan via e-mail or calling her during gallery hours at 916.716.2319.

Love & Death 12x16"
acrylic on cradled hardwood panel

Little Relics is located at 908 21st Street in Midtown Sacramento between J & I (just a few doors down from Body Tribe!)  Store hours:
Monday:  12 to 6

Tuesday: 9 to 6

Wednesday: 12 to 6

Thursday: 9 to 7

Friday: 12 to 5 (by appt 5-7)

Saturday:  11 to 7

Open late for 2nd Saturday Artwalk until 10

Special Events 6pm to 9pm

Sugar Silly Skullies
7x7" mixed media on wood plaques

Read more ...

Wish Granted: KVIE Art Auction!

I have wanted to participate in the KVIE Art Auction for years (an on-air and online fundraiser for our PBS television station in Sacramento and the Central California valley).  Every year, I missed the deadline, but this year I heard about the call for art early and didn't let the grass grow under my feet!  Yep, I finally submitted a piece for consideration.

Wishing Tree 18x24x.75" acrylic & pyrography on wood

Then today: 

Click for a readable version
submission information and details removed 'cause it's not exciting.  :)

I am over the moon happy about this for a couple of reasons.  Not only am I thrilled to have my art seen by local galleries and collectors, but the money this piece raises will help my local public television station, which is something I strongly support.  And the art auction is straight up FUN:  A few years back (2007 or 2008, I think), Ron and I answered telephones during the on-air art auction for KVIE and we had a blast - especially when the bidding got a little crazy for some paintings by our friends! I also think that it will be an education to be exposed to new art and meet more local artists at the Preview Gala.

So I should probably be playing this cool like it's no big deal, but I'm not very good at covering up my emotions.  I will know whether this piece will be in the on-air or online auction by August 1 - and while I am crossing my fingers for the on-air auction, I'm just thrilled that my piece was accepted.

I'm grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Read more ...

Out There - stuff not indoors (an art show)

I haven't done much in the way of gallery shows for about two years.  I submitted a piece here and there, but for the most part, exhibits took a back seat while I focused on honing my skills and finding my style.  After a year of selling online, I started to lose interest in getting back into the galleries, so I stopped bothering to follow calls for art.

In December, an opportunity presented itself that I could not pass up.  I am not certain precisely how long I have wanted to do an art show with Sacramento artists Allyson Seconds and Nicole Roberts, but I'd guess it was around three to five years.  Now, this Spring, that desire is about to be fulfilled!

Not only am I rejoining the land of real-life exhibits to show with Al and Nicole, but there are two new-to-the-second-saturday-scene photographers joining us AND we are showing in one of my favorite venues!  Body Tribe has offered up their walls to all of us after a two year hiatus!  By the way, if you haven't visited Body Tribe Fitness before, you should.  It is Midtown Sacramento's answer to an indoor dog park, gym, art gallery, meetup space and the best place to hear good music & corny jokes.

I've been working on a new and very different-for-me series of paintings for about 5 months, and they will be exhibited for the first time at this show.  They are all nature-inspired and there is hardly a skull to be found (unless you look really hard). Admission is free and all of us welcome folks to just come on by and say howdy, meet some folks and take a look around.

Saturday, April 14th; 6-10pm

920 21st Street, 

Midtown, Sacramento 

Body Tribe presents:

Out There - stuff not indoors

a nature-themed event showcasing the creative works of five Sacramento artists, each with a love of the natural world and who express it with their own individual sense of fun

ALLYSON SECONDS

retro-inspired, macro and urban landscape iPhonography prints

NICOLE WEBBER ROBERTS

large and colorful canvasses utilizing graphic shapes and flowing lines

KRISSI SANDVIK

bright, bold and translucent layers of acrylic glazes and mixed media on wood 

and introducing the photography of

RUBEN REVELES

story telling photographs with a dream-like quality

and

ALEXANDRA F. WILLIAMS

the elements in abstract

It's going to be a fun night!

PLEASE HELP US PROMOTE BY DOWNLOADING THE OFFICIAL FLYERS HERE

Read more ...

Yesterday's Progress - photo blog (is that, like, a "flog?")

Well, first:

This doesn't look like the results of an entire afternoon of printing,
 sealing and trimming, but it is.  Next step,
what I do best: "gluing shit to other shit."

OK.  Now I have glass tiles with little
pictures glued to them.

Here's what they look like dry - these still need the backs glued on
and then have the sides and back sealed with resin

These are all finished - they just need final polishing and bails, then
they'll be going to new homes (or joining me at Art Bazaar & Bizarre Art in
Midtown Sacramento on Saturday night!)

But then:

Hey!  This is new!  1" rings!

So you take your glass tile with awesome art glued to the back...

... and you pop it in (with the help of a little E6000 adhesive).
These little goodies will be premiering on at Art Bazaar & Bizarre Art
on December 10th (5-8pm) in Midtown Sacrament OR you can order
them from my ArtFire shop (contact me for a custom listing for now).

And just because:

YAY!!!! HANK IS HOME!

Read more ...

Operation Help Hank (he has his own page now)

It was getting confusing with the health updates and the how-to-help posts in so many different places, so I've attempted to gather information an links (including links to all of Allyson's posts on Hank's health) in one spot. 

Please join us over on Hank's page.  And if you like, leave a comment (Al reads all of them to Hank when she visits).

Lots of love,

Krissi

Read more ...

New Look & Call For YOUR Questions

Howdy all!  I hope you were all able to find something to be thankful for last week (well, every day would be even better).

Hand turkey art by my friend Wenchkin,
for whose friendship and creativity I am constantly thankful

Aside from some breaks to walk Abby or spend time with friends and neighbors, I've been nose-down in the studio raising funds for my friend Allyson's dog Hank who contracted Leptospirosis (he was a stray who Al stalked, lured, caught and then fell in love with).  Hank does seem to be improving, but there is a lot of creation, packing and mailing to do before the day is out.  Then some more fundraising.

I also took an hour out of my schedule today to update the look and feel of my blog - it had been really bothering me for the last few months.  I hope you like the changes.

As the year comes to a close, I'd love to know what you would like to see from me here.  As you know, I have been posting at the group blog, Modern Rosies, since it launched in September, and I will continue to post recipes and DIY household tips over there along with the Ask Krissi's Art Studio column.

As for this blog, I have every intention of diving back into the Marketing Tidbits as soon as I look up from my orders and projects - have no fear. So are there any particular marketing questions you'd like answered?  Any tutorials that I haven't yet covered?  Anything you'd like help with? Something you're just curious about? Please, take advantage of my years of trial and error and error and error.  Clue me in on what you'd like help with by either leaving a comment on this post or dropping me an e-mail.

Thanks, as always, for reading and supporting my art and ramblings.

xo & <3

Krissi

Read more ...

Hank Fundraiser - background and update

11/27 UPDATE!!  THIS JUST IN!!!!  Donation amounts from all "Help Hank" purchases made in my shop between NOW and 11:59PM on Monday night will be matched DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR by an anonymous donor!!!  The love just keeps pouring in!  (Just go to my shop and search HELPHANK or click on his happy photo!)  http://skelekitty.artfire.com

If you are wondering what all this is about "Hank" the dog, let me plagiarize a friend (Paige Lettington)'s Facebook post:

To all my friends who love animals (as well as music and lifting heavy things)...Allyson Seconds was my first trainer at BodyTribe and she rescues animals. In fact, she was late to our first session because she was rescuing a squirrel. Her most recent rescue (that I know of) is Hank, a very sweet black lab whom she has had for about a year. He has come down with Leptospirosis, and has had some vet bills this past week that are tough for Al to handle. Her other dog, Lulu (also a rescue) had two vet incidents this month too, and Al makes her living making music and making people strong, so her financies are limited. There are a couple of ways to help. You can buy something (and support a local artist) from Krissi Sandvik through Monday, or donate directly to Al via PayPal. See both options here: http://krissisandvik.blogspot.com/2011/11/hank-dog-and-sale-update.html


Thanks to ALL OF YOU, I've been able to gather $130 from the sale of prints and pendants, and we still have two full days to go! Through donations and purchases, Allyson was able to obtain the diagnosis via an expensive 'senior blood panel."  I cannot express just how much the purchases and notes I've received, both to me and on behalf of Hank, Allyson and Kevin Seconds, have done to restore my faith in humanity.  For that alone, thank you.

I have a few newish pieces going up in the shop to help raise funds for Hank's vet bills.  To find out which pieces will have all profits donated to Hank's vet fund, just click on the "Help Hank" picture in my shop or search "helphank" on ArtFire.com.

The HELP HANK sale has been extended INDEFINITELY

If you can only afford a couple of dollars or would prefer your entire donation go to Hank, you may also donate directly to Allyson via PayPal (her address is alnational1@gmail.com).

Thank you again for your caring, help, notes and for just being awesome.

You guys rock.

Read more ...

Hank the Dog and a Sale Update

11/27 (2:00 pm PST) UPDATE:  


THIS JUST IN!!!!  Donation amounts from all "Help Hank" purchases made in my shop between NOW and 11:59PM on Monday night will be matched DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR by an anonymous donor!!!  The love just keeps pouring in!  (Just go to my shop and search HELPHANK or click on his happy photo!)  http://skelekitty.artfire.com


Hank is a good-natured black Lab who was found last Thanksgiving on the Sacramento river by a local photographer, artist, musician, personal trainer and all-around awesome woman, Allyson Seconds. If you don't know Al, I can assure you that she gives to the community whenever and however she can.  Now one of her rescued dogs needs more veterinary care than she can afford (following two medical incidents with her Lab/Border Collie cross, Lulu last month).

Therefore, I decided that in addition to my customer appreciation / un-occupy the malls sale this weekend (see below), I would donate all profits from select animal-themed prints & pendants to Hank's veterinary fund.

While the flyer says it starts tomorrow, I will honor any
Operation Help Hank purchases today.  'Cause I love that big galoot.

UPDATES ON HANK can be found here, on Allyson's facebook page. 

Just click on the HELP HANK button here or in the Skelekitty & Friends shop to see which items are part of the benefit.  I'm adding more each day.  All you do is make a qualifying purchase before the clock chimes 12 midnight on Tuesday morning.  You don't need to do anything else, I'll automatically donate the profits to Allyson for Hank.  However, you're encouraged to send a little note with your purchase - I really like little notes and I'll pass those on to Al as well.

How to Help Hank:

BUY YOURSELF OR A FRIEND SOMETHING PRETTY

• visit Krissi's Art Studio, home of Skelekitty & Friends and click on the HELP HANK photo
  or
• search helphank in ArtFire.com
  or
• click here to see which items will benefit Hank
  
   As always, there is no account signup required to shop on the ArtFire online marketplace.
  

DIRECT DONATION

• you may also make a PayPal donation to Allyson and Operation Help Hank (this donation goes directly to Al & doesn't pass through my account)  **if you have difficulty with this link and are using a mobile device or tablet, just use your PayPal app and make a donation to alnational1@gmail.com.  Thanks!

I have also added two more days to my UN-occupy the malls sale to thank all of my customers for their support over the years.  

Just look for the "COUPON" banner on items starting at midnight tonight
then use the code for that day at checkout
p.s. The search feature is a little glitchy today, I'll have it fixed by tonight!

I'm finishing up a run of pendants to list in the shop for the sale, so I'd better get off this darned computer and start photographing and listing them!  

And yes, any sales items that also fall into the Help Hank category will automatically have the profits donated to Al.

Read more ...

In The Spirit

My GLAAD Spirit Day purple eyeshadow, all by Glittersniffer Cosmetics. 
Say, did you know she's running a GLAAD fundraiser?  Yep!  Check it out!

If you don't know about Spirit Day, you can read all about it here, but here is the short version:  Purple symbolizes 'spirit' on the rainbow flag, a symbol for LGBT Pride.  Wearing purple not only honors the three teenagers who recently took their own lives after experiencing anti-gay bullying, but it's a way to show every singly LGBT youth who face the same pressures and bullying, that there is a vast community of people who support them.

I live in Folsom, a pretty uptight little town 30 miles east of Sacramento CA (and about 2 hours from San Francisco, where I lived until my 30s).  In my neighborhood, I hear a lot about family values and how we need to "save the children" while people spread hate and fear with things like Proposition 8.  Oh, the irony.

Today, however, my faith in people may have been restored, if only a bit.  There were so many people just going about their regular business, albeit wearing an unusual amount of purple!  I asked a few if they were wearing it for the same reason I was (they all said they were!) and I'd venture to guess I made some new friends.



Oh, and if you don't know me and stuff like this matters to you: I am a straight, married woman in my 40s who believes that everyone is entitled to the same rights.  So there.  Take that.

Read more ...

Show N Tell / Stuff N Things (SNT2) #1

Hi all!

As you must certainly know by now, I love "stuff,"   My newest acquisition was given as a birthday present by my LSH (Long Suffering Husband) - a laptop equipped with a webcam!  That means I can start sharing my STUFF collection with all of you!  Hoorah!  Here is my first Show N Tell of Stuff N Things (SNT²).

Curtain please...

LINKS!  LINKS!  LINKS!
Website/shop (facebook fan page)


- Ant Farm Studio  (facebook) Skeleton Kitty box. Skullie yo-yo & painted snake
- KissZombies DIY  (facebook) Zombie/Skeleton hand hair clips
- Ms. Formaldehyde  (facebook) Plumeria hair clips
- Glittersniffer Cosmetics!  (facebook) pigment as nail polish
- Madd Style Designs - (facebook) lip balms
- Juli's Jewels - (facebook) 2-sided soldered/glass pendant (art by Krissi's Art Studio)



PLEASE NOTE: all of the items featured in this video were paid for (cash or in-kind), with the exception of the Skeleton Hand clips, which were a birthday gift and not given in return for a review.

Read more ...

First Public Art Project

One of my business goals for the year was to find and push the limits of my comfort zone.  Now it may not seem scary to you, but I was in a perpetual state of terror last year when I was talked into drawing Skelekitty live and in public for last year's "Chalk It Up to Sacramento" festival.  While there were a few snotty comments within earshot (rude!), any irritation or humiliation I might have suffered was pretty short-lived, since the medium was chalk on sidewalks and therefore faded pretty quickly.

I'm not entirely sure if I'll be doing Chalk It Up again in 2010 - it will pretty much depend on whether I can find a good match for Skelekitty or one of my "Krissi's Art Studio" images.  If you have ideas for a potential match with a local business, let me (or the business) know, OK?

So this spring, when I heard that the Sacramento Art Complex were looking for local artists to paint  Sacramento News & Review newsboxes, I was totally on board and volunteered before the terror or reality of project scope entered my brain.  I had just under a month to pull this project off and, somehow, I managed:

[click for large version]
"Heart of the Underground" mixed-media art newsbox by Krissi Sandvik 2010.  "My inspiration for this piece was the Midtown art & music scene, which is the heart of our City of Trees. Drawing on various cultural images, I decided on a blossoming tree of life growing from a heart. This symbol of the city is surrounded by layered images of newsprint, handwriting and sheet music on a blue sky."

Several artists have asked me for the techniques I used to create this piece and, while I really would LOVE to provide everyone with a Krissified step-by-step tutorial in excruciating detail, the truth of the matter is that I'm behind on my commissions and this artist needs to get back to the stuff that pays the bills.  Besides, someone else has already written up a DIY; as a matter of fact, this is where I got the idea in the first place: DIY Custom Roundels by "nadaclue" on Z4Post.com

By the way, this dude is a paint chemist, so I had some well-placed faith in his approach.  I used all of his prep/priming techniques and products (which I found easily in the automotive section at my local OSH) except that  I did not bother to remove the original paint.  I did, however, sand the entire box with a couple of medium grit sandpapers and a palm sander before spraying the first layer of self-etching primer.  Rather than coating the box with a gloss white under the art, I replaced the sandable primer with a matte white primer by Rustoleum which gave me an even white surface that still promoted adhesion of my paints (yes, if you read the tutorial that is about 3-5 coats of just PRIMER!).

The actual painting / mixed-media work was created using the same products and techniques I use on all my art (except for the pyrography). After all of the hard work I put into this, including hand painting all of those little flowers (10 brushstrokes EACH), I was sure to seal this piece with the automotive gloss sealer he also used on his project.  Several coats. 

The entire project took most of a month to complete because of the huge amount of time for prep (1-2 days), the long drying time required by the glazing techniques I use and the fact that I'm SUPPOSED to have a life outside of my studio.  I'd say there was probably about 60 hours of work that went into this when all was said and done.

You can see the original along with boxes painted by other local artists this weekend at the Sacramento Art Complex "Art Happens at The SAC" benefit and fundraiser - 2110 K Street in Midtown Sacramento.


UPDATE! My box is located on the corner of K & 16th Streets.  In case you want to stop by and give it some love (i.e., peel off stickers that weren't put there by SN&R).

Read more ...

Sweet Relief!

That phrase, sweet relief, has a double meaning for me today.

Firstly, my California sales tax return is completed, filed and paid!  Woo Hoo!  (I'm riding a high, so we won't mention the income tax return preparation yet.)  As my eyes swept over ALL of last year's activity on a single page, I realized that my art sales finally hit the tipping point in 2009.  There were two noticable jumps - the first happened around April when I moved from MySpace to facebook.  Coincidentally, this first jump happened four years to the month since I started working full time on my art.  The second jump happened in August when I moved my online shop from Etsy to Artfire.

And while I have been working diligently (read as 'whoring my art out') and using social networking to the fullest extent I can, the bulk of the thanks goes to others.  Namely, to my very supportive husband, Ron, Skelekitty and, of course, each and every one of you whether you have purchased art, gone to a show, read a single blog post or even just mentioned me to a friend.  Without you, none of this would have happened, so THANKS!  Oh, and Skelekitty says to take the rest of the afternoon off (she's a troublemaker, that one).

Secondly, "sweet relief" reminds me that the Let Me Count The Ways art exhibit at Sacramento's VOX Gallery is fast approaching on Saturday, February 13. This event will feature and art exhibit, music and a raffle to benefit for (wait for it...) Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability, or age-related problems.

Music will be provided by Kevin Seconds, The Kimberly Trip and David Houston (and I have heard a reliable rumor that Allyson Seconds may also be singing that night).  Raffle tickets are a mere $5 each and get you a chance to win original art, jewelry and prints (like a photo of The Clash taken by Sacramento photographer John Muheim).  They will even be raffling off an iPod Touch preloaded with music by our own Kevin Seconds.

And of course, since VOX is a gallery, original art by over 35 artists (wow!) will be plentiful and available for your viewing and collecting pleasure.  I'll have several pieces there, but I'm particularly excited about my newest piece called Old Growth.  It is an 18x24" pyrography & mixed-media on cradled hardwood artist panel, which is the largest piece I've done to date. 


If the price tag of an original piece isn't in your budget this month, you can always order a print from my Artfire shop or pick one up at the show.

DETAILS!

Let Me Count The Ways art, music and raffle to benefit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund
VOX Sacramento
Saturday, February 13, 6 - 10 pm (opening reception)
@ The Urban Hive Building
1931 H Street on The Grid in Midtown
Sacramento, CA

I sure hope to see you there!  Oh, and if you win one of my prints, ask me to sign it for ya!

Read more ...

Heart Song (donation)

Heart Song (donation)
Originally uploaded by
Skelekitty (Krissi Sandvik)

This piece was finished in a record three days (that's like a land speed record using my usual painting techniques), but it was totally worth it!  "Heart Song" has been created for Vox Gallery's November 2009 (Sacramento, CA) "Urban Landscapes" show to benefit the Byron Blackburn memorial scholarship fund.

Saturday, November 14th, 6-10pm
(music @ 7, drawing @ 9:45pm)
Vox Gallery
1931 H Street
(inside The Urban HIVE)
Sacramento, CA
This event is free and open to the public

This 9x12" pyrography & mixed media piece on wood is valued at $100, but  anyone could win it for as little as $5!  There will be a "wish bowl" for each of the donated services, goods and art.  You decide how many tickets to purchase and how to distribute them (or just put them all in one bowl!)  So show up, buy some tickets and cross your fingers!


For those who are unfamiliar, Byron was a local musician, great guy and husband of a good friend, Sacramento artist, Kathy Blackburn.  Byron passed away on September 18, 2009, following a long and determined battle with sarcoma.

Shortly after Byron's death, musician and artist friends got together and asked what they could do to remember his life.  Due to the combined efforts of Sacramentans Ross Hammond (jazz, soul and rock guitarist), Evie Turner (visual artist and marketing professional) and Kathy Blackburn (artist and teacher), with help from many others,"Byron Blackburn, A Celebration of Life" raised nearly $3,000 at Beatnik Studios in October for a scholarship fund created in his name. This scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a deserving music student from the Elk Grove Unified School District where Kathy works.  The hope is that the memorial scholarship fund will eventually become self-sustaining.

Art and services for Saturday's event have generously been donated by Jared Konopitski, Jill Allyn Stafford, C!nder, Evie Turner, Krissi Sandvik, Trina Drotar, Michael Majestic, Ilsa Hess, Jim Vetter, Mariellen Layne and more.
Live music from local musician Tyson Graf begins at 7 p.m.


During the evening, VOX Sacramento will also hold their Urban Landscapes art show. Artists will include Justin Delacuesta, Cinder, Kelly O'Neill, Dylan Wells, Elizabeth Wocasek, Tom Spaulding, Dawn Blanchfield, TJ Lev, Jill Allyn Stafford, Matt Brown, Diyosa Christal, Robert Love, Curtis Carlson, Terry Tyson, James Collins, Lauren Martin, Alyson Murphy, Amy Fort, Jennifer Erin, and Luciano Noble, II.  The art on display for the Urban Landscape show will remain hanging through the end of November.


I hope to see some of you there on Saturday. Best wishes & hug your loved ones.

Additional donations can be made to the Byron Blackburn Memorial Fund at Bank of the West on J Street

Read more ...

LIVE on "Live Wire" Sacramento TONIGHT

Skelekitty and I will be appearing on Live Wire (Sacramento Comcast Channel 17 or streaming online) at 5pm tonight, Wednesday, October 21st with some of the chicas from the Scary-Art Collective!

We hope you'll tune in!

Read more ...

Have You Met Chickenpants?

Closeup of the Chickenpants flock
Originally uploaded by absolutely small

NO!? Well you should.

A couple of years back, Claire Chambers of Absolutely Small and I sorta/kinda crossed paths briefly as fellow members of the Sacramento Craft Mafia. Unfortunately, just as I was leaving to focus more on my art gallery shows she was joining, so we didn't get to know each other much ... well, not at all, really.

Luckily though, Sacramento's creative community, while wide-spread, is tightly knit. Everyone seems to be within 0.5 degrees of separation, so I kept up on what Claire was doing through my other crafty friends like Tamie of Roxycraft and Amy of Peptogirl Industries. I also saw her creations showing up at second Saturday art shows in galleries like Side Show Studios and the now defunct Cool Cat Gallery. After a while, I found Claire (or maybe she found me?) on Flickr and I started keeping track more closely of the Chickenpants family.

In May, I accosted her while she was busy working at Maker Faire '09 and subjected her to a photograph (with me hidden safely BEHIND the camera). She said she didn't want her photo taken, but DANG she sure is cute!

So just about the time I though Claire had reached the peak of cuteness, July rolls around and I find out that she is taking part in Stitch Wars (somthing I'd have jumped on had I been paying attention and known about it). Wait. She'd cute AND geeky? Awesome. I posted a link to her Star Wars Chickenpants collection in a Scary CRAFT blog post and decided that this whole Chickenpants family needed a much MUCH closer look.

Yep. As I suspected. More geekery. Check out this video featuring Flight of the Conchords' Foux de Fafa.



Oh, and did I mention she has a pug? If Claire or the Chickenpants family gets any cuter or geekier, I may pop.

Read more ...

New 2 U #3 - Moon Landing Patches

TRIBUTE, FLASHBACK & MINI-TUTORIAL

This really IS a blast from the past - it's even a post on a sewing project (I suppose I need to change the blog's name from "stitchery" to something more all-encompassing soon).

Art toilet seat by Christian Cinder, encircled by my
custom patches of his design

Custom Rocketship Patches for C!nder
Originally uploaded by Skelekitty (Krissi Sandvik)

Anyway, since today is the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, I thought I'd bring out the custom ROCKET SHIP PATCHES I did for my friend and fellow Scary-Art Collective member, C!nder a couple of years back.

I saw C!nder's painted toilet seats at the September 2007 "Functional Art" themed show at Body Tribe Fitness here in Midtown Sacramento. I really wanted one, but didn't have the scratch for it. I approached him with the idea of trading the seat for some custom-made iron on patches (he'd been nagging me to make some for ages) and he agreed! Oddly enough, he wanted patches of the rocket ship on the very toilet seat I'd chosen.

I gleefully scampered home with my new customized bathroom art and set about working on the patches. Once again using my favorite raw-edge applique method (which you'll want to refer to), I traced the outline of his art onto to some extra fusible medium backing paper I'd saved. Then I created some colorform-esque pieces out of some hand-dyed fabrics. I put the pieces onto a light box and drew on the details using fabric markers and a silver permanent marker (Sharpie or a similar brand of solvent-based ink or even a paint pen). When everything looked good, I assembled the pieces (including a backing piece of muslin to add some heft to the patch) onto a non-stick silicone craft sheet and tacked them in place with a hot iron.

Tracing of Cinder's rocketship on left; "coloform" version on right

patch on hooped water-soluble
stabilizer with stitched outline

Using a piece of extra heavy water soluble embroidery stabilizer (my brand of choice is Sulky Ultra Solvy), I stuck the patch down with just a little spritz of water. After everything dried, I put a narrow satin stitch around the edges.

The pen lines were traced over with some free-motion straight line stitching and some good ol' fashioned hand-embroidered french knots for the bolts.

I then went over the silver pen marks using a free-motion satin stitch with some high sheen light gray rayon thread (optional).

Final patch - BLAST OFF!

Finally, I finished up each patch by adding a layer of heavy fusible medium (for these I used Pellon's Wonder Under Heavy Duty) to the back since he wanted the patches to be iron-on. I saved this step for last so I didn't gum up my needle, than I just trimmed off the excess with a pair of scissors.

Voilá! A patch for him, a patch for his wife and two to give away to friends or whatever (if his kids didn't snatch 'em up first).

I hope you have fun with this little mini-tute and, as always, if you make a project of this, let me know and I'll post your photos on an upcoming blog. AND REMEMBER KIDS, ONLY MAKE PATCHES OF YOUR OWN ART! Never swipe someone else's images (unless, like me, you were asked to do so by the artist).

OK, end of lesson.

Read more ...