REBOOTED for the ONE OF A KIND!

Good day friends!
Now.....I know you HATE the idea of Christmas when it is barely October.....but.....
My biggest show of the year is QUICKLY approaching:

The One of a Kind Show!!!!
YOU will want to check out some of the over ONE HUNDRED new pieces I hope to have ready for this big show! I know what you are thinking.....
"THAT'S CRAZY BANANA PANTS, ROB!!"
I know......but this show is ELEVEN glorious days.....so I need a LOT of stock!
Especially of my Mixed Message Series works - THESE are my biggest sellers!
So, here are 3 brand new 9" x 6" ORIGINAL pieces - yes, they are variations on the same word - but  as you can see, they are entirely different from each other.....

This big heel version is pretty cool - it also has some cool bits and bobs on it:

"Reboot"

.....for the person that likes that old blueprint look:

"Reboot"

....and finally for the person who enjoys a good wellie.......

"Reboots"

"Why do so many reboot pieces?"

.....the truth is, each time I do one....it sells! IMMEDIATELY!

Honestly most of this series does NOT last long, bit this one is especially popular......and c'mob for $100 you CAN'T get much in the fine art world....

Also, let's face it, I am a big nerd, and my peeps are AWESOME!!!!!

There you go!

Think about these guys for the special nerd in YOUR life this Christmas!

;-)

WW200: AND THEN THERE WERE THREE....

WOW!
So there are 200 times that I have 'extolled the virtue' of other people's cool stuff!
I have complained again and again about the HOURS of work each post consumes.......THAT is why I kinda stopped doing this post........which is kinda sad. So I think to make it easier - and to encourage more frequent posting - I am gonna could choose 1-5 things - INSTEAD of always having 5 different things each week!
So in that spirit, there are THREE things that I LOVE LOVE LOVE this week!

1.) KEYWAY.......HOLY CRAP!!!!! These are incredible cases....I cannot pick which one is the best!

Here is what they say......

Keyway Designs was born out of passion for elegant design, skilled crafting, and artistic simplicity. We built a partnership and put our complementary skills in art, design, manufacturing, and engineering to work. Our interests were quickly drawn to the stunning design of the iPhone product line. While clean, elegant and simple, we view the smooth, flat back design of the iPhone 4 and 5 as the perfect canvas. Indeed, we could paste vinyl stickers on it, or wrap silicon shells around the phone but why not try something a little different? We decided on a material that allows the customer to express them-self in a unique way, while keeping their phone safe.

We began brainstorming and explored some of the possible materials that could be used to uphold the iPhone’s original elegance while improving on customization and durability. Due to the wide variety of available wood species, it seemed to be an obvious starting point. Wood also has the inherent ability to provide individuality due to the unique grain of each sample.

Keyway Designs was formed in early 2012 in Toronto, Ontario. We are proud to say that our manufacturing is done in-house. This allows us to maintain the high level of quality and accuracy that we demand. Our production goals for Keyway don't stop at iPhone accessories; we have big plans for our future, so be sure to keep an eye on us!

- The Keyway Team

I feel that I may NEEEEED the Jaws case.......

YOU need to go check them out HERE:

http://www.keywaydesigns.com

and like them on the Book of Faces.......https://www.facebook.com/KeywayDesigns

and their follow their tweets.......https://twitter.com/KeywayDesigns

...and on Instagram.....https://instagram.com/p/5xkRNmCc1V/?taken-by=keyway_designs

FANTASTIC STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2.) Hey nerds.....what about this office building in China that looks like a certain starship........

The building forms the headquarters of game developers netdragon. The 260 meter length office structure took four years to construct, with American TV station CBS sanctioning the rights for the Chinese company to model their office after the USS enterprise ncc-1701-e.

Check out this drones eye view:

CRAY!!!!!

3.) FINALLY - I give you (Thanks to Cindy for this one) WHINE ABOUT IT.

http://whineaboutit.tumblr.com/post/125351119836/this-week-on-whine-about-it-reasons-why-clothes

Not sure if that embedded video worked......if not... GO HERE!!!

You must love this!!
Simple idea....but so good - Matt Bellassai gets drunk at work, and rants about all the things that we are all thinking...okay....maybe not ALL us are thinking it.....but I surely am!!
See his videos each week HERE 
and follow him  @MattBellassai 

MAY THE FORTH........you know.....

BE WITH YOU!!!!

Yes.....BREACE YOURSELF!! 

THIS is the ultimate nerdy post........to celebrate May 4th, I wish to share 5 things that are related to The War of Stars......enjoy......

1.) This one is a 2 part-er.......a little something SUBTLE for a casual Yoda look or a more formal Yoda occasion.....

                            There is this silk tie from ThinkGeek!

Or these day at the beach shoes......from Vans!!!

ADORBS...and available at Vans and Think Geek! (links above)

2.) Are you flying in or out of Tokyo this year?? Take a ride on this bad boy! 

Yes....if you are taking off in Autumn 2015 is All Nippon Airways’ newest 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the “R2-D2 Jet.” 

FOR REALS!!

(or use this link to see the video!)

3.) ......and if you are looking for something edible to celebrate today.....or are looking to impress the nerd in your house with something Star Wars themed today........try one of these.........

A Tatooine Sunset...from Starwars.com:

OR

THIS...is the way to eat your Wookiee! Thanks to Carrie Elle!

OR

The Two Sisters Crafting give you Lightsaber Pretzels:

ORRRR...

This is AWESOME.......From Just Jenn Recipes a Severed Wampa arm cake:

4.) This.....IS SPECTACULAR.......and only $35! It's an 8" x10" limited edition print from www.robcroxford.com.......

WOW! That was shameless promotion......

5.) I leave you with this one......for nerds AND animal lovers - my entire demographic?? ;-)

THERE YOU GO!!!

Happy Star Wars Day nerds!!!!

WW194: MILDRED'S TEMPLE KITCHEN, KIMMY SCHMIDT and Harry Potter Remixed....

Okay.....I KNOW that it is not Wednesday, but I just couldn't get this together fast enough.....so......here is TERRIFIC THURSDAY!!!

1.) Mildred's Temple Kitchen.

Okay, I went here for brunch a few years ago, and truthfully, the pancakes were not my favourite......but then we went back last week......for dinner and MAMA LIKE!! Here is why:

Buttermilk fried (boneless) chicken thigh with crisp rye waffles, rhubarb gastrique & sour cream. -- and a side of coleslaw!

OH

MAH

GAWD!

SO GOOOOOOD! And yea, all the meals that my companions ate that night were also DEEELISH!

It is a very chic urban vibe....if you like that kinda thing:

So, if you are looking for a nice treat, go and check it out in Liberty Village!
It isn't the cheapest dinner ever, but it was top notch nom nom nom!!!!!
Check ou their site - their tweets - and on the book of faces.

2.) Blossom Dearie. I keep hearing her at my chiropractor's office and each time - i love her!

Blossom Margrete Dearie (April 28, 1924 – February 7, 2009) was an American jazz singer and pianist, often performing in the bebop genre and remembered for her light and girlish voice. One of the last supper club performers, she performed regular engagements in London and New York City over many years.

The album I keep hearing is "May I Come In?" but they all seem to pretty awesome!!!! Check her out:

and this MEGA post of songs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrklFJ25z2w

Great huh?

3.) Jeremy Miranda. Found him on the Jealous Curator. His work is haunting. Don't you think?

Ok...so his website tells you NOTHING about him, but you still need to GO CHECK IT OUT at:

http://jeremymiranda.com

or his blog at: http://jeremymiranda.blogspot.ca

4.) "The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" YES! It is race-y and yes it is quite inappropriate.....but I LOVE IT! If you liked 30 Rock....you're gonna love this one too!!! Bless Tina Fey!!

(or https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=34&v=mNKEKlXY3Z4 )

I love Ellie Kemper in this, and ALSO love Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and Jane Krakowski! Great casting. Honestly, so good! AND I CANNOT GET THAT THEME SONG OUTT MY HEAD!!

(or go here if it doesn't load)

LOVE IT!!!

So get your Netflix tuned into this one!

SO DARN FUNNY!!!

5.) This is a suggestion from my hubby today......enjoy nerds......I especially like the use of the Harry Potter theme.....midway through the song.....

(or go here! - if you can't see it)

Check out the other parody songs from https://www.youtube.com/user/KFaceTV

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

NERDY ORIGINAL ART!

BLERG!!!!!!!
Now it's only 4 sleeps until the Ottawa Art Expo!
(are you tired of hearing about this show yet?? ;-)
I hope not because here are 3 more of the 20 BRAND NEW painted pieces…
Last Friday the 3 pieces I showed you were pig themed…….and I told you about how doing these VERY affordable pieces helps to 'save my bacon' at art shows….as they often sell out…
So today's theme is nerd-centric!

"Firewall", Acrylic on board, 6" x 6"

"Firewall" is a sweet little piece. It is also only $50 bones.

Yes, FIFTY! Which, let's face it, is CHEAP!!!!!!!!

Original and affordable! C'MON!

Then…..

"Not Rocket Science", Acrylic on Board, 6" x 8"

"Not Rocket Science" is larger……a 6 x8.
It is also my FAVOURITE!!!!!!!!
It is priced at $100, and is priced TO GO!
Maybe to you??

"Reboot", Acrylic on Wood, 6" x 6"

"Reboot". Yes I have used this word play before….but I like it.
I want you to love this 6 x 6 inch little gem.
Truthfully, this will sell almost immediately, but remember, you can REQUEST your own….
Yes….just think…all you have to say is "Rob, can I have a 6x6 reboot. I like _____ boots….and I want it to be more red….."
and BAM -- I paint it JUST FOR YOU!!!!!!!
Or email me, and this little puppy can be yours!!!!
or BETTER YET…...join me at :

The Ottawa Art Expo opens with the Gala on Friday Oct 24th, then runs from
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25 and SUNDAY OCTOBER 26 from 10 am to 5pm at the ST. ELIAS CENTRE at 750 Ridgewood Avenue, Ottawa (Free Parking and Admission)

There you go folks!! More new work!
Whadda ya think??

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)