LUCKY DUCK COMMISSION.....

HELLO!!!!!!
So, I have been working at completing the commissions on my drawing board...and I am getting there. SLOOOWLY but surely.
At The Artist Project I was asked to create a companion piece to this guy:

"Stitch in Time....", 12" x 12" Acrylic on Board.

So, I just finished this little guy:

"Lucky Duck", 12" x 12" Acrylic on Board.

No......not exactly the same. But obviously similar in theme, colour and size.

I am happy with these 2 together!!

What do you think?

Super cute?

See how easy it is to get a commissioned piece??

DO IT! 

(Just email me, and I will start as soon as I can!)

WW193: STAR WARS BUDDAHS, INSIDE OUT, and daylight savings....

Guess what...I am away on vacation......but I still wanna share 5 things I love this week!
Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!

1.) Okay nerds...check out this....you need one of these guys for your garden.....or your desk.......or wherever! Thanks to artist Chris Milnes. (Check out his Easy page here) you can enjoy your favourite 2"-6" Star Wars characters; Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, Boba Fett, etc....Each one is  depicted as a big fat Buddha, seated cross-legged with big round bellies:

ADORBS!!

 

Go get one on his store!!!

Here is that link again!

(via If it's hip it's here!)

2.) Of all the things that I really need in The Spacing Store, (and there is SOOOOOOO much there that is spectacular) I really NEED this butter dish:

NEEED!!! THANKS A LOT SPACING STORE!

Go out and see them....for all your big city needs!
401 Richmond St., Toronto

3.) Inside Out. THIS Pixar movie looks great.......

(Or use this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFv47QHWJU )

4.) NOM NOM NOM. Try this recipe......or better yet...make it....and then invite ME for dinner:

 Yes...it got it off Pinterest........

But go to http://simply-delicious-food.com/2013/07/16/baked-gnocchi-with-bacon-tomato-and-mozzarella/ to get the recipe!!!
NOM NOM NOM!

5.) FINALLY.......I think my body has probably adjusted to Daylight Savings time.......Thanks to Last week tonight with John Oliver for this stunning exposé:

(go here is this video doesn't show)

WW192: VOODOO CHILD, LEGO TRAILERS, and the skull key tool

HEY AGAIN!
It's Wonderful Wednesday!!!
Five more things that I want you to LOVE!!!!
Let's do it.......

1.) Let's start with art. I'm putting the ART in start......Tom Burckhardt created a cardboard full-scale replica of an artist's studio. Yup - all cardboard - and glue and black paint. True, "Full Stop" (cardboard studio) was created back in 2004 -- but it is new to me!!!

“This walk-through environment is full of the clutter and paraphernalia of the modern painter, toiling in romantic obscurity against the existential void. Except he/she doesn't seem to be succeeding. A basic lack of ideas has crippled production despite having all the right materials: tools, art supplies, art books, and postcards of the past masters' work at hand."

AH-MAH-ZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can you believe it? I sure wish my studio looked that good!!!!!!
Make sure you check out what Tom Burckhardt has been up to lately!
(via Junkculture)

2.) Hey brunchers........here is something I COULD NOT WAIT to tell you about. Voodoo Child Coffee and Cocktail Bar is located at 388 College Street in Toronto (west of Spadina).

We have enjoyed brunch there before.....but last week was exceptionally YUMMERS......I give you
Lemon meringue pie French toast:

OH MAH GAWD!

Things you need to know.....it's a busy place, and it is tiny.......so be prepared...you may need to wait. Also, there is a very limited menu, and it seems to change......so check out the menu before you go! But what they serve is VERY good.....so good that I turned to husband after brunch to say "WOW, that French toast was amazing.....right?" -- until I realized that I did not even offer ONE BITE of my to him......mmmmmmmmmmmy bad.

Go there!!!!
And give them a little like on the Book of Faces!

3.) 12 of the best movie trailers ever created in Lego......A MUST see.....for example...

AND THIS FRAME BY FRMAE COMPARISON:

COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO GOOD!
(link via husband via empire online )

4.) Okay.....here are two things that I NEED for my keychain.......from Cool Material:
     The middle finger key.... 

I feel like it pretty well speaks for itself.......and the other thing I need for my keychain is:

The Skull Key Tool

 "...a simple, key-shaped tools that attach to your key ring, so it's always at hand when you need them. This product's clever design incorporates each of the following functions: a file, a #2 flat-head screwdriver, a scoring point (great as a box cutter and for easily opening clamshell packages), a serrated edge (to saw through twine and clothing tags), and, finally, a bottle opener. Made of durable stainless steel."

 COME ON!!!!!!! My birthday is in September, but YOU need one too!!!! ;-)

5.) I know I am late...but Happy Woman's Day........I give you this....

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pt1_VvVZVY -- if this didn't load for you!)

It made me laugh and laugh.......also go check out "Honest Trailers" and subscribe to Screen Junkies

WW185: RUTH OOSTERMAN, CLEAN BANDITS, and DISNEY BOYFRIENDS

Welcome back!
Here are 5 things that I think you should LOVE this week…..

1.) I really love this one. I am not a mommy….but I am really drawn to these great collaborative works… Ruth oosterman has painted a bunch or FANTASTIC watercolour painting using her 2 year old's doodles as a framework for the pieces!

I was sceptical at first - because they are SOOO GOOD….but check this out…..

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vKB33rK-to)

Ruth says…..

‘just as my painting forms, I make sure to follow her outlines and leave some of her drawing visible, keeping it a collaboration. it is a fine balance that I am continuing to learn from.’

I love them!!! I REALLY DO!

Please give her a little support on her BLOG

or buy prints of her stuff on Etsy

NOW I GOTTA GO GET MYSELF A TODDLER!!!!!

2.) I love a good toe tapper - you KNOW I do!!! I have been listening to Clean Bandit's "Rather Do" on repeat for a week now…..here is the official music video…..prepare to tap your toes…..

(GO HERE more of their videos)
Here is the wiki explanation of this group…..

"Clean Bandit is a British electronic group from England. The group consists of Jack Patterson, Luke Patterson, Grace Chatto, Milan Neil Amin-Smith. Clean Bandit's music has been described as "fusion" music, mixing electronic music with classical and deep-house elements. Most of their music intertwines classical compositions, such as those from Beethoven, Dvorak, etc. (most typically, Mozart for their song "Mozart's House"). Some of their music also has a lot of humour and a bit of tongue in cheek at times."

I really enjoy the whole album "New Eyes"……

……yes…..it's chock-a-block full of "disco-y" goodness…....Preview it on iTunes….

THEN BUY IT - and prepare to have your toes tapped!

3.) Dear Toronto. Let's ALSO think outside the box - or rather the highway……

Recently, plans have been unveiled for an aerial gondola system that would connect Brooklyn to Manhattan, bringing commuters over the river in just three and a half minutes. The ‘east river skyway‘ is viewed as a relatively inexpensive and quickly deployable solution. it is believed that the scheme could accommodate over 5,000 individuals an hour in both directions!!!!

Is this brilliance??? YES!!!!!!!!

Check out more details on designboom.com
4.) Ok….I am not sure WHY I love this so much…..but I do…..COOL MATERIAL brings you the Lighter Cufflinks.

Perfect for camping or for a night on the town or the formal-dressed pyromaniacs out there.
(Wait….I think I may be confused about what "camping" is!)
Still…..cool, right????

5.) Thanks Buzzfeed for this……you Disneyphiles will especially love this one….

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct-CdyT4HkM&feature=youtu.be)

WW183: PROFANITY POP, FUZ DESIGNS, and the FLEDERHAUS

Welcome to Wonderful Wednesday!!
Here are the 5 things I want you to LOVE this week!!!
Check these out:

1.) José Rodolfo Loaiza Ontiveros’ latest works which just showed at La Luz De Jesus Gallery are still amazing! I love seeing Disney characters doing very unDisney-like things. Uncouth, corrupt and compromising Disney Princesses, Princes, Villians and Mickey et al are featured in "Profanity Pop".

“With Profanity Pop, Rodolfo pays tribute to specific historical works that have inspired many generations. Universal themes are once again narrated by beloved animated characters, but in the guise of the divine and with all the fragility of martyrs. Away from the paradise of happy endings, the pastel sprinkled drama takes on a vulnerability that juxtaposes subversively with situations never similarly interpreted. The Monarchy of prejudices and taboos crumble in this story. The disenfranchised reach beyond discrimination, and in this narrative no union is sinful or suppressed.”
Below are the paintings photographed from the actual exhibit at La Luz De Jesus Gallery.

So great.
Check out  La Luz De Jesus Gallery
and of course go to José Rodolfo Loaiza Ontiveros’ site too!!!
SUPER FUN!!!!

2.) The 'Noke' from FŪZ Designs looks like a supper cool padlock!!!! I need it!!!

No you b*tches…..not for the gym…..just cause it is cool!!!
You use air the Noke lock with your phone using bluetooth and their app. When your phone is in range (you can also generate guest keys for friends etc...), just press the shackle and it will unlock. You don’t even have to take your phone out of your pocket to unlock!!!!!!!!

AH MAH ZING!

And if there is a  battery failure (most likely your phone because Noke has a year long battery), you can also program a Quick-Click code to unlock it.
COME ON!
HOW COOL IS THAT?
Go to  Fuz Designs to see more!!!


3.) I WANT TO GO TO THERE……..The Flederhaus is an awesome structure in Vienna designed by architects Heri & Salli….

It is for hanging out - LITERALLY!!!!!! The open building, situated in the Museum Quarter of the city, houses 28 hammocks on 5 floors that offer great views to one and all at no cost. The inviting hammocks are arranged to allow for meeting and interacting with neighbours.

HONESTLY!!! How great is this??

Let's go!
(thanks to http://collabcubed.com)

4.) I posted about this one in March of last year, but they swung by my booth at The Cabbagetown show and bought this print…..

So I thought I would mention them AGAIN!!! Rashers. an amazing little eatery in Leslieville is delightful for a takeaway nosh!! (If you LOOOVE some bacon, like I love bacon.)

I have been in a number of times this year and have had the bacon sliders, the Brioche and a few of the grilled cheese sammies!!

Yummers.

A snippet of the menu!!

I like the "wall of bacon" GO SEE MY PIECE HANGIN HERE!!!!

You should go! AND give a little 'like' to them on Twitter and Facebook too!!!
(and thanks for the support guys!)

5.) I leave you with this…….I cannot help but watch it over and over again…..I think it is the elaborate score!!!!

(HERE IS THE LINK PHONE PEEPS!)
Thanks Cindy for this!

WW179: THE CORNERSHOP, GROWN UPS READ, and THE SAPPHIRES

Sorry I haven't blogged since last week……I am bring to take some time off…..but I didn't forget about you, dear readers!!! Here are the 5 things I love this week:

1.) Lucy Sparrow in the UK…..transformed an abandoned Cornershop into a unique pop-up grocery store filled with hand made felt products. Each item- from the bean cans, to the snacks, drinks, frozen dinners, chewing gum and newspapers are made entirely out of felt: each meticulously hand sewn, stuffed and priced to sell! Just look at this…..

 CRAAAAZY!!!!
I love it so much!
Now if you are like me, and simply cannot make it to the UK this month…..go to her website…
http://www.thecornershoponline.com

AH-MAH-ZING! Right???
(thanks to Junk Culture for this!)

2.) You need to listen to this Canadian podcast (if you don't listen to the CBC Radio One) Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids.

The premise is simple and wonderful (and perfect for my friend Cheepay!!) Adults recite passages written by their younger selves, culled from old school assignments, letters from camp, poetry, short stories and personal diaries kept safe over the years.

The series is hosted/created by Dan Misener and taped all over Canada! It is marvellous!!!!
GO GET IT ON ITUNES!!!
or go to the Facebook Page or follow on Tweets

(thanks Deb for sending me to this!!)

3.) THIS!!! Belle Air bathtub hardware designed by Christo Lefroy Brooks!

COME ON!!!!!!!
So fan-freaking-tastic!!!

4.) Way behind on this…..but I really enjoyed the movie "The Sapphires"

From 2012 -- this is an Australian musical/comedy/drama film based on the 2004 stage play of the same name which is loosely based on a true story! It is really enjoyable….and is about four indigenous women, Gail (Deborah Mailman), Julie (Jessica Mauboy), Kay (Shari Sebbens) and Cynthia (Miranda Tapsell), who are discovered by a talent scout (Chris O'Dowd), and form a music group named The Sapphires, travelling to Vietnam in 1968 to sing for troops during the war.

Enjoyable!!!! Here is a clip:

(GO HERE IPHONE USERS!)

I thought the music was great, it looked great. Loads of heart….what else do you need????

Go see it!

5.) Unnecessary Censorship. THIS is amusing….a bit filthy…..but amusing…..(the YouTube links are below if the clips don't show up on your phone! ;-)

Frozen…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0v7rFSUrGE#t=77

or UP…..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9HQJ8OhBuY#t=97