Listening to: Sex is on Fire by The Kings of Leon
I came online this morning to do some research on ocean acidification for one of my current artworks. I used my copy of National Geographic, special edition Changing Climate* as a starting point.
On the always wonderful National Geographic website I clicked on this photo gallery of juvenile marine creatures aka Marine Miniatures by David Liittschwager. It's nice to be reminded of how amazing, beautiful and diverse nature is in such humble, tiny organisms. Why should we care about what happens to them and other near microscopic critters? Aside from their revealed beauty, the smaller they are the bigger the impact on the food chain depending on them. There is a difference between insignificant and small!
*Purchased mid 2008. Sold alongside the regular NG.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Koala collecting donations
No not the Wilderness Society!
First some cute and funny - I call her a koLOLa - to help the medicine go down. Here's a koala literally chillin' out :)
This juvenile koala got separated from her mum in the recent heat wave, prior to the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. She was lucky to wander onto a verandah where help was at hand and is now being looked after by wildlife carers.
So many animals, people and homes have been devastated by these terrible bush fires. They still aren't under total control. It all happened so quickly and some have been left with absolutely nothing.
Public Service Announcement
There's only one Victorian Bush Relief Fund. The Federal and State government has set it up in conjunction with the Red Cross. You can donate online or in person at any of the major banks. It's really easy - they have pre-filled the forms - and only takes a few minutes of your time. You can also pop into some shops like Australian Geographic to make a little donation if coinage is what you can spare.
The blood banks are booked up until Easter so hold off for now if you're considering donating. A friend of mine who works at the Southbank Blood Bank, tells me blood has a limited shelf life but there's a range of ways they use it.
They only need you to make a donation twice a year to make a difference in the long term.
I haven't donated yet but I have registered to do so for the first time in my life. I'll see how I go from there!
First some cute and funny - I call her a koLOLa - to help the medicine go down. Here's a koala literally chillin' out :)
This juvenile koala got separated from her mum in the recent heat wave, prior to the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. She was lucky to wander onto a verandah where help was at hand and is now being looked after by wildlife carers.
So many animals, people and homes have been devastated by these terrible bush fires. They still aren't under total control. It all happened so quickly and some have been left with absolutely nothing.
Public Service Announcement
There's only one Victorian Bush Relief Fund. The Federal and State government has set it up in conjunction with the Red Cross. You can donate online or in person at any of the major banks. It's really easy - they have pre-filled the forms - and only takes a few minutes of your time. You can also pop into some shops like Australian Geographic to make a little donation if coinage is what you can spare.
The blood banks are booked up until Easter so hold off for now if you're considering donating. A friend of mine who works at the Southbank Blood Bank, tells me blood has a limited shelf life but there's a range of ways they use it.
They only need you to make a donation twice a year to make a difference in the long term.
I haven't donated yet but I have registered to do so for the first time in my life. I'll see how I go from there!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Customise a mask - How I did it.
Listening to: Poker Face by Lady Gaga
I started with a well shaped foundation mask from the discount basket (was about $10) at Eloquence Homewares. This one is papier-mâché which lends itself well to repainting.
Why did I want to change a pretty mask like this one? In a nutshell I felt it needed gothing/steampunking up. It was the wrong colour - a very bright yellow base, sparkling rainbow film glitter, with a pale pink plastic diamante. I needed it to complement this choker I had made for the Euchronia Ball.
Using a stiff bristle brush - a mini stencilling brush I think - I dry brushed black acrylic paint over the painted and glittery areas to dirty and age them. I topped up some of the plain gold, scrolled, glitter design that had gotten a bit muddled by my dry brushing.
I pulled off the diamante and the smaller, grey dappled feathers. Using copper enamel hobby paint and a 000 taklon brush, I carefully painted around the glitter scroll design and over all of the yellow, stippling to blend into the silver area. This type of enamel paint is easy to work with, quick to dry and inexpensive for the coverage you get.
I painted the back and front edge around the trim with black acrylic paint. This was sealed with a mixture of pearlescent acrylic medium and PVA glue for durability ... and to prevent my nose tip from possibly getting black while wearing the mask! This paint was also used to tidy up around the feathers to hide the residual glue from the removed decorations
The synthetic lace was sewn onto the existing woven trim using a small, curved needle. Before committing to such a time consuming exercise I tested out how this would look by pinning it in place. It was not cut to length but sewn on then trimmed off to ensure I couldn't run out. A few more stitches finished the lace end. If I were to do it again I would start from the middle at the forehead rather than the tip of the mask since the symmetry would be that tiny bit better.
Here is a large, metal, filigree cap bead and a small Czech crystal (the same type and size used on the matching choker).
I gently opened up and slightly flattened the cap bead. I stuck the crystal in the centre using contact adhesive. More contact adhesive was used to stick the two to the mask over where the pink diamante had been. Assembled it looks like both a flower, and a gear with a ruby movement.
I didn't want to stick an actual gear on it, since that would be too obvious and a bit silly! It would also be a somewhat clunky - I did try out a few different watch gears. Stylewise a gear was not in keeping with such a feminine mask, and it would limit it to steampunk outings only.
Finished! Almost...
Knowing I wouldn't want to hold this beauty to my face the entire evening, I added a loop of ribbon big enough to easily take my hand while holding the mask. It's sewn in place and the bow is sewn to ensure it stays.
Thus I was able to gracefully hold it in my hand while wearing the mask and dangle it from my wrist while sipping a cocktail.
Voila!
After the event it made a nice addition to my decor. I tied a little loop of gold thread at the end of the stick near the mask and hung it off a pin.
I hope that was inspiring. I love customising things :)
I started with a well shaped foundation mask from the discount basket (was about $10) at Eloquence Homewares. This one is papier-mâché which lends itself well to repainting.
Why did I want to change a pretty mask like this one? In a nutshell I felt it needed gothing/steampunking up. It was the wrong colour - a very bright yellow base, sparkling rainbow film glitter, with a pale pink plastic diamante. I needed it to complement this choker I had made for the Euchronia Ball.
Using a stiff bristle brush - a mini stencilling brush I think - I dry brushed black acrylic paint over the painted and glittery areas to dirty and age them. I topped up some of the plain gold, scrolled, glitter design that had gotten a bit muddled by my dry brushing.
I pulled off the diamante and the smaller, grey dappled feathers. Using copper enamel hobby paint and a 000 taklon brush, I carefully painted around the glitter scroll design and over all of the yellow, stippling to blend into the silver area. This type of enamel paint is easy to work with, quick to dry and inexpensive for the coverage you get.
I painted the back and front edge around the trim with black acrylic paint. This was sealed with a mixture of pearlescent acrylic medium and PVA glue for durability ... and to prevent my nose tip from possibly getting black while wearing the mask! This paint was also used to tidy up around the feathers to hide the residual glue from the removed decorations
The synthetic lace was sewn onto the existing woven trim using a small, curved needle. Before committing to such a time consuming exercise I tested out how this would look by pinning it in place. It was not cut to length but sewn on then trimmed off to ensure I couldn't run out. A few more stitches finished the lace end. If I were to do it again I would start from the middle at the forehead rather than the tip of the mask since the symmetry would be that tiny bit better.
Here is a large, metal, filigree cap bead and a small Czech crystal (the same type and size used on the matching choker).
I gently opened up and slightly flattened the cap bead. I stuck the crystal in the centre using contact adhesive. More contact adhesive was used to stick the two to the mask over where the pink diamante had been. Assembled it looks like both a flower, and a gear with a ruby movement.
I didn't want to stick an actual gear on it, since that would be too obvious and a bit silly! It would also be a somewhat clunky - I did try out a few different watch gears. Stylewise a gear was not in keeping with such a feminine mask, and it would limit it to steampunk outings only.
Finished! Almost...
Knowing I wouldn't want to hold this beauty to my face the entire evening, I added a loop of ribbon big enough to easily take my hand while holding the mask. It's sewn in place and the bow is sewn to ensure it stays.
Thus I was able to gracefully hold it in my hand while wearing the mask and dangle it from my wrist while sipping a cocktail.
Voila!
After the event it made a nice addition to my decor. I tied a little loop of gold thread at the end of the stick near the mask and hung it off a pin.
I hope that was inspiring. I love customising things :)
Sunday, February 08, 2009
An Honest Mistake
Listening to: Human by The Killers on You Tube
The Bravery's, An Honest Mistake video features a complex Rube Goldberg machine. It's a well written, catchy, dancable song* and the punchline at the end made me chuckle. What more do you need?
*IMHO their best song!
The Bravery's, An Honest Mistake video features a complex Rube Goldberg machine. It's a well written, catchy, dancable song* and the punchline at the end made me chuckle. What more do you need?
*IMHO their best song!
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Snail mail paradox
[baroo?]
To update my postal address with a certain health service the snail mailed letter says I can use their online services.
To use their online service I have to register my name with them.
To complete my registration I have to ensure my postal address is current because they snail mail a password out to me.
There is no email option.
WTF?
To update my postal address with a certain health service the snail mailed letter says I can use their online services.
To use their online service I have to register my name with them.
To complete my registration I have to ensure my postal address is current because they snail mail a password out to me.
There is no email option.
WTF?
Monday, February 02, 2009
Steampunk & the Euchronia Ball, NYE 2008
Background
I've only recently been dabbling in steampunk, but my understanding is we have a small community right here in Melbourne. It's not as big as goth but there is a fair amount of cross over in terms of fashion because of the gothic penchant for the Victorian. Many goths do cross over, and did on the night.
I predict that steampunk is the next big thing in international subcultures to influence the mainstream. Over the last year I've seen a slowly growing wave of interest and coverage. The subculture is already being mined by the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier in his most recent collections AW08-09 here and to a lesser degree SS09 here. It's just a matter of time for it to trickle down.
Due to the hectic time constraints of my job in the lead up to Christmas I did not have the time to organise a new gown of any sort. Instead I accessorised my Victorian goth coordinates. I customised a paper mache mask (see end of post) and made a steampunk, velvet choker.
The Ball
The first Euchronia, steampunk ball held on new year's eve 2008 was quite fabulous! I am looking forward to attending the next one.
As I expected the DJing was by goths and a large portion of the well to exquisitely dressed, costumed crowd were goths. It made sense that the music played appealed to this audience. There were also performance artists of a vaudeville nature though to be honest many of them didn't appeal to me. I quite liked the solo performance by one of the belly dancers. The live bands were definitely enjoyable particularly Dandylion Wine whose rendition of 'Magic Dance' from the 'Labyrinth' soundtrack was a jolly good rollick!
No photography was allowed according to the ticket unless prior arrangement was made with organisers. I disagree with this stance. I presume it was to ensure the paid services of the official photographer since this is not a sacred venue, nor would any artworks be violated by flash photography. If there were lots of photographs from the event out there, a range of people over many websites could help promote it for free thus ensuring a bigger result for the next one. It works for the Annual Labyrinth Ball over in the America, and the new Labyrinth ball here.
The event took up 3 rooms over which there was a chill out space with professional photography*, 2 dance floor areas and stages. The main performance room had the main bar. The cocktail list was decent and well priced with free water and glasses provided. Delicious gourmet party pies were also available. All rooms were steampunked with handmade decor ranging from sculpted dirigibles to stencil art. As a venue it was an excellent choice to host this event. I expect a slightly bigger one may be required for the next one! We were a bit surprised it ended at 3am! We just wanted the fun to continue :)
Coming soon: A How to Customise a Mask for the above result
*Prints available for sale at Euchronia's website.
I've only recently been dabbling in steampunk, but my understanding is we have a small community right here in Melbourne. It's not as big as goth but there is a fair amount of cross over in terms of fashion because of the gothic penchant for the Victorian. Many goths do cross over, and did on the night.
I predict that steampunk is the next big thing in international subcultures to influence the mainstream. Over the last year I've seen a slowly growing wave of interest and coverage. The subculture is already being mined by the likes of Jean Paul Gaultier in his most recent collections AW08-09 here and to a lesser degree SS09 here. It's just a matter of time for it to trickle down.
Due to the hectic time constraints of my job in the lead up to Christmas I did not have the time to organise a new gown of any sort. Instead I accessorised my Victorian goth coordinates. I customised a paper mache mask (see end of post) and made a steampunk, velvet choker.
The Ball
The first Euchronia, steampunk ball held on new year's eve 2008 was quite fabulous! I am looking forward to attending the next one.
As I expected the DJing was by goths and a large portion of the well to exquisitely dressed, costumed crowd were goths. It made sense that the music played appealed to this audience. There were also performance artists of a vaudeville nature though to be honest many of them didn't appeal to me. I quite liked the solo performance by one of the belly dancers. The live bands were definitely enjoyable particularly Dandylion Wine whose rendition of 'Magic Dance' from the 'Labyrinth' soundtrack was a jolly good rollick!
No photography was allowed according to the ticket unless prior arrangement was made with organisers. I disagree with this stance. I presume it was to ensure the paid services of the official photographer since this is not a sacred venue, nor would any artworks be violated by flash photography. If there were lots of photographs from the event out there, a range of people over many websites could help promote it for free thus ensuring a bigger result for the next one. It works for the Annual Labyrinth Ball over in the America, and the new Labyrinth ball here.
The event took up 3 rooms over which there was a chill out space with professional photography*, 2 dance floor areas and stages. The main performance room had the main bar. The cocktail list was decent and well priced with free water and glasses provided. Delicious gourmet party pies were also available. All rooms were steampunked with handmade decor ranging from sculpted dirigibles to stencil art. As a venue it was an excellent choice to host this event. I expect a slightly bigger one may be required for the next one! We were a bit surprised it ended at 3am! We just wanted the fun to continue :)
Coming soon: A How to Customise a Mask for the above result
*Prints available for sale at Euchronia's website.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Mark Denis - Painter
Friesian 3, detail
2009
oil on board
My brother Mark has just created an account and gallery at DeviantArt. He works in oils on home stretched canvas and more recently on board made of recycled wood from furniture. His favourite subjects are historical buildings, cats, Dutch style still life, and horses. He lovingly creates multi layered paintings with great attention to detail and observation of form. Mark is largely self taught with help from a bit of formal schooling, friends and family. As his elder sister I have mentored him. He also provides me with a sounding board to bounce ideas and artworks off, as I do for him. Mark's amazing paintings are one reason why I will never dabble in oils! That, and I'm very happy sculpting and making collages.
Mark Denis - Painter
Ink Dreams at DeviantArt
Remember that famous line from Crocodile Dundee...
...when he brandishes a bowie hunting knife at the would be mugger?
My latest LOL from icanhascheezburger.com
My latest LOL from icanhascheezburger.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Charming steampunk flavour
Listening to: Monster Love by Goldfrapp from Seventh Tree
From Flying Frog Folio - Visual Merchandising, my online display blog.
From Flying Frog Folio - Visual Merchandising, my online display blog.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sea Monkeys on Mars
When I first saw this particular themed sea monkey tank at Kmart I was envious that my shop didn't sell it. When we finally did I snapped one up! Since then (3 years ago) I have raised a number of sea monkeys to adulthood and seen individuals live an average of 6 months. The Sea Monkeys on Mars tank is cool because it has a little astronaut umbilically attached to his spaceship, little rocky archways, plus textured, plentiful surfaces on which to grow algae.
Male sea monkey with astronaut and spaceship
My current colony are the result of draining the bulk of the existing water out and restarting it again with a fresh packet of water 'purifier'* and eggs. It seems the fruits of the existing colony's last members were just not potent enough. I've since tried boosting the numbers by allowing water to evaporate over months, then adding fresh distilled water during the warmer Summer months**. This does cause babies to hatch but they don't seem to live long, though it wasn't the case with the first generation hatched this way. Since sea monkeys are type of a wild brine shrimp perhaps they have been bred to not procreate prolifically with success. There's no money in it if you could be completely self-sustaining is there?! No, you will need to buy a fresh packet of eggs thank you very much [ker-ching!].
Sea monkeys on Mars, top view through access aperture.
Note the verdant, 3 year growth of algae over the Martian surface. The accumulation of loose, green crud at the base of the tank is part of their ecosystem. It is green from algae and will contain some eggs. This type of algal growth is not only healthy but self sustaining. It should not be thrown out! The sea monkeys eat algae, digest it, and the algae turns the excretions into more algae.
Keeping the tank on a south facing window sill*** ensures plenty of gentle daylight throughout the day, with only the last rays of the sun at the end, which will not overheat the water and kill everything! It helps the algae grow and the sea monkeys need it as well. If you don't have such a suitable window sill you can place a small object like a picture frame, or a sheet or paper in front of the tank on a sunnier sill to stop direct sunlight hitting the tank. A sheer curtain is also fine to filter out direct sunlight.
Sea monkey males are sexually aggressive, latching on to females with their 'moustaches' in spite of persistant, wriggling feminine resistance. They stay attached for hours. In lieu of an available female, the sea monkey astronaut has appendages which make it an appealing sea monkey sex doll. Again these males will stay attached for hours. I have sometimes blown bubbles via a pipette to dislodge an elderly male from the astronaut, and once I intervened when two males attached to one female. Otherwise I leave them to it.
Male sea monkey in action...you can't see his many little swimming legs because this was a long exposure picture (no puns intended!).
Blowing bubbles - without sucking up water - is not only the safest way to move sea monkeys but they seem to enjoy it. It is part of maintaining a colony since it adds oxygen to the water. This set comes with such a pipette though you can buy similar ones from a chemist. An eyedropper tends to be too short for the task.
Website of the Day
Sea monkey Mania with more down to earth information and tips than the official Sea Monkey website, plus reviews of various sea monkey products
*Actually salts and a small number of eggs.
**It's the best time to raise sea monkey babies since they are from warmer climes.
***In the southern hemisphere only. Put on a northern window in the northern hemisphere.
Male sea monkey with astronaut and spaceship
My current colony are the result of draining the bulk of the existing water out and restarting it again with a fresh packet of water 'purifier'* and eggs. It seems the fruits of the existing colony's last members were just not potent enough. I've since tried boosting the numbers by allowing water to evaporate over months, then adding fresh distilled water during the warmer Summer months**. This does cause babies to hatch but they don't seem to live long, though it wasn't the case with the first generation hatched this way. Since sea monkeys are type of a wild brine shrimp perhaps they have been bred to not procreate prolifically with success. There's no money in it if you could be completely self-sustaining is there?! No, you will need to buy a fresh packet of eggs thank you very much [ker-ching!].
Sea monkeys on Mars, top view through access aperture.
Note the verdant, 3 year growth of algae over the Martian surface. The accumulation of loose, green crud at the base of the tank is part of their ecosystem. It is green from algae and will contain some eggs. This type of algal growth is not only healthy but self sustaining. It should not be thrown out! The sea monkeys eat algae, digest it, and the algae turns the excretions into more algae.
Keeping the tank on a south facing window sill*** ensures plenty of gentle daylight throughout the day, with only the last rays of the sun at the end, which will not overheat the water and kill everything! It helps the algae grow and the sea monkeys need it as well. If you don't have such a suitable window sill you can place a small object like a picture frame, or a sheet or paper in front of the tank on a sunnier sill to stop direct sunlight hitting the tank. A sheer curtain is also fine to filter out direct sunlight.
Sea monkey males are sexually aggressive, latching on to females with their 'moustaches' in spite of persistant, wriggling feminine resistance. They stay attached for hours. In lieu of an available female, the sea monkey astronaut has appendages which make it an appealing sea monkey sex doll. Again these males will stay attached for hours. I have sometimes blown bubbles via a pipette to dislodge an elderly male from the astronaut, and once I intervened when two males attached to one female. Otherwise I leave them to it.
Male sea monkey in action...you can't see his many little swimming legs because this was a long exposure picture (no puns intended!).
Blowing bubbles - without sucking up water - is not only the safest way to move sea monkeys but they seem to enjoy it. It is part of maintaining a colony since it adds oxygen to the water. This set comes with such a pipette though you can buy similar ones from a chemist. An eyedropper tends to be too short for the task.
Website of the Day
Sea monkey Mania with more down to earth information and tips than the official Sea Monkey website, plus reviews of various sea monkey products
*Actually salts and a small number of eggs.
**It's the best time to raise sea monkey babies since they are from warmer climes.
***In the southern hemisphere only. Put on a northern window in the northern hemisphere.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Michelangelo @ the discotheque
Listening to: Beat for You, by Pseudo Echo from Autumnal Park
Quote of the Day
'...the naked muscle on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel simply can't be ignored. It's like a gay disco up there!'
Boy George in the forward to Queer by S Gage, L Richards, H Wilmot published by Unanimous, London, 2002
Quote of the Day
'...the naked muscle on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel simply can't be ignored. It's like a gay disco up there!'
Boy George in the forward to Queer by S Gage, L Richards, H Wilmot published by Unanimous, London, 2002
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The Arrival by Shaun Tan via Cabinet of Wonders
Listening to: Into the Nightlife by Cyndi Lauper, from Bring Ya to the Brink
I have been meaning to write about one of my favourite Australian book illustrators*, Shaun Tan for some time now and have been pipped to the post! Heather McDougal has eloquently blogged on Cabinet of Wonders about The Arrival. Via the comments page you can find this rather wonderful little documentary/interview with Shaun about the upcoming animation of The Lost Thing and the artistic process. The Arrival is my favourite Shaun Tan graphic novel, followed by The Lost Thing so I'm finding the prospect of that being animated, rather exciting!
What I adore about Shaun's unique work is the quirkiness, aged rather than shiney and new textures, details, fantastic creature design, contraptions and landscapes. It's a little bit steampunk without referencing any period in particular and in that sense, timeless.
Print sized illustrations from The Arrival here.
Website of the Day
Shaun Tan
*The other is Melbourne based, Graeme Base whose work I have had the pleasure of growing up with and seeing in the flesh at an exhibition recently. I got some books signed for Christmas including the delightful 'The Art of Graeme Base' :)
I have been meaning to write about one of my favourite Australian book illustrators*, Shaun Tan for some time now and have been pipped to the post! Heather McDougal has eloquently blogged on Cabinet of Wonders about The Arrival. Via the comments page you can find this rather wonderful little documentary/interview with Shaun about the upcoming animation of The Lost Thing and the artistic process. The Arrival is my favourite Shaun Tan graphic novel, followed by The Lost Thing so I'm finding the prospect of that being animated, rather exciting!
What I adore about Shaun's unique work is the quirkiness, aged rather than shiney and new textures, details, fantastic creature design, contraptions and landscapes. It's a little bit steampunk without referencing any period in particular and in that sense, timeless.
Print sized illustrations from The Arrival here.
Website of the Day
Shaun Tan
*The other is Melbourne based, Graeme Base whose work I have had the pleasure of growing up with and seeing in the flesh at an exhibition recently. I got some books signed for Christmas including the delightful 'The Art of Graeme Base' :)
Monday, January 05, 2009
Mirrored Mask @ pdvirtualgallery.blogspot.com
Cross posted to my art blog. There, you will see the number of works increase this month so pop back now and then. I've been taking photographs of some of my older works which have been exhibited, pieces relating to these, works in progress, and newer art that has never been seen by the general public. I don't intend to post many of the latter until they have been exhibited, in order to protect my intellectual property concerning the specific concepts behind some pieces . I must get around to finding a gallery and booking a space!
Mirrored Mask
digital photograph
Mirrored Mask
digital photograph
Sunday, January 04, 2009
She sells sanctuary by the seashore
Listening to: She Sells Sanctuary by Pure Cult
A few months ago it occurred to me that, after almost ten years of frequenting goth clubs where this used to be a dance floor filling staple and hearing this song so many times, I still had no idea what most of the lyrics are. Do you? Tonight I finally looked them up and read them while listening to the song. Then I giggled at what I was fudging/pretending them to be in my head* This isn't what I actually heard but if forced to sing it I would have sung it like that** . The real lyrics don't make much more sense in my opinion ;)
* Involved slurred, snarly words and paper backs being burned.
**Actually I would more likely make something up to the tune of it. I have a gift for making partial songs up on the spot to the tune of other songs. It's a source of much amusement [grin].
example: While at an international airport a few years ago I came up with this,
sung to the tune of John the Revelator by Depeche Mode:
Get on the travelator
Get there sooner and not later
Get you to your plane on time
A few months ago it occurred to me that, after almost ten years of frequenting goth clubs where this used to be a dance floor filling staple and hearing this song so many times, I still had no idea what most of the lyrics are. Do you? Tonight I finally looked them up and read them while listening to the song. Then I giggled at what I was fudging/pretending them to be in my head* This isn't what I actually heard but if forced to sing it I would have sung it like that** . The real lyrics don't make much more sense in my opinion ;)
* Involved slurred, snarly words and paper backs being burned.
**Actually I would more likely make something up to the tune of it. I have a gift for making partial songs up on the spot to the tune of other songs. It's a source of much amusement [grin].
example: While at an international airport a few years ago I came up with this,
sung to the tune of John the Revelator by Depeche Mode:
Get on the travelator
Get there sooner and not later
Get you to your plane on time
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Anton's: 'Purveyors of mighty fine clothing...'
Listening to: Panic, by The Smiths
Anton's print advertisement from the back of the Melbourne, Spiegel Tent program.
I'm a sucker for collages incorporating Victorian/vintage imagery and science illustrations. The radiating sunburst holds it all together beautifully.
Yes, Anton's do sell mighty fine attire. The Melbourne Central shop is well worth a visit just for the decor and window display. Anton himself collects the new and vintage, object d' art and props. The staff are friendly and exceptionally well dressed. They sell more than suits and much of it has a vintage flavour. They do not have a website they are so old school!
I'm a sucker for collages incorporating Victorian/vintage imagery and science illustrations. The radiating sunburst holds it all together beautifully.
Yes, Anton's do sell mighty fine attire. The Melbourne Central shop is well worth a visit just for the decor and window display. Anton himself collects the new and vintage, object d' art and props. The staff are friendly and exceptionally well dressed. They sell more than suits and much of it has a vintage flavour. They do not have a website they are so old school!
Spot the (Sheer Relief) difference
Listening to: Dare you to move, by Switchfoot
Sheer Relief's packaging just got sexier so,
Spot the (Sheer Relief) difference/photo editing
left: old pack from about 1-2 years ago, right: current packaging
From woman next door flight attendants with sensible heeled shoes (oxymoron?) to an Angelina Jolie look-alike with her pretty, fellow flight attendant in sexy heels and shorter skirts with suspiciously smooth, coltish legs. The new models are so sassy their identical, untucked neck scarves artfully billow inside the air port terminal. There was no noticable photo editing before and now there definitely is. So much so that the product itself is less accurately depicted. I can personally say and recommend it's the same reliable, tough, supportive hosiery but it hasn't gotten that more sheer! I still like the new pack in spite of all of these things. The old one was getting a bit dated.
Sheer Relief's packaging just got sexier so,
Spot the (Sheer Relief) difference/photo editing
left: old pack from about 1-2 years ago, right: current packaging
From woman next door flight attendants with sensible heeled shoes (oxymoron?) to an Angelina Jolie look-alike with her pretty, fellow flight attendant in sexy heels and shorter skirts with suspiciously smooth, coltish legs. The new models are so sassy their identical, untucked neck scarves artfully billow inside the air port terminal. There was no noticable photo editing before and now there definitely is. So much so that the product itself is less accurately depicted. I can personally say and recommend it's the same reliable, tough, supportive hosiery but it hasn't gotten that more sheer! I still like the new pack in spite of all of these things. The old one was getting a bit dated.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Perky purple putty
This is the header from the point of sale box of a product we sell. Looks pretty straight forward doesn't it, with cute happy faces added to enliven the product and make it feel more fun. It is fun actually :)
Ever played with silly putty? When explaining to customers what's inside the plastic eggs, I tell them it's silly putty but in a better colour. Stretch it, snap it, roll then bounce it. Silly putty is traditionally a strange flesh-like colour. It's just as well Bounce Putty isn't:
You could NOT use this image if the product was flesh coloured could you? Oh nooooo sir.
Yes I have a filthy mind but if you see what I'm talking about then you do as well ;)
Odd Objects. Part 1: LED Santa Brooch
Found at work amongst last year's Christmas decorations. In addition to his appropriately zombie-like, slightly zonked out expression* he has flashing LEDs in his beard. Are those silver balls on strings a metaphor for lost marbles? Discuss.
Thus begins a new entry label, odd objects, the perfect accompaniment to curious clippings.
* He looks how we feel at the end of serving hundreds of people all day, particularly on the weekend. Coming in to work this morning I felt for an instant like I was in a zombie film (recently watched 28 Days Later which I highly recommend), with all these people rushing in a very definite direction which happened to be mine.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Red Eyed Train
Medama-oyaji on Kitarō train, Tottori line click for more information
Image from Pink Tentacle
Website of the Day
Pink Tentacle - home of Japanese coolness, technology, art and science.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Which came first?
If you think about it from an evolutionary sense I think the egg did but the thing that laid it wasn't a chook.
Check out this wonderful, transforming egg and chick knitting project from Mochimochi
Websites of the Day
... Mochimochi Blog.
Found via another blog which is also worth checking out if you love hand crafted, interesting, funky, quirky plushies:
Plush You
Websites of the Day
... Mochimochi Blog.
Found via another blog which is also worth checking out if you love hand crafted, interesting, funky, quirky plushies:
Plush You
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)