Artist Shops You NEED to See: IndolentJellyfish Miniature Sea Creatures from Etsy

All of the time I spend over on Etsy listing, editing, and managing orders has developed a side effect:  Being bombarded with all of the awesome things artists create.  Sometimes, I just can't help myself and have to make a purchase.  From now on, when I make particularly epic finds, I'll be posting about them here in a feature.  This time around, it's the incredibly detailed, miniature polymer clay creations of IndolentJellyfish on Etsy.  They're an artisan from Canada who creates the most magical little sea creatures out of polymer clay with painted details.

I was absolutely elated to check my mailbox yesterday and find her package!  When I opened it up, it contained three of the tiniest jewelry boxes I've ever seen.

Tiny, hand drawn jellyfish and washi tape accentuate the cute kraft boxes.

I am completely obsessed with sea creatures, ever since I was a kid water and the critters in it have fascinated me.  I initially came across IndolentJellyfish's work through a post on Tumblr, where they were hosting a giveaway.  Once I visited the shop, I knew I couldn't leave empty handed.  The pictures can't even begin to hold a candle to the actual pieces in your hands.

Dumbo Octopus Pendant

This tiny Dumbo Octopus is absolutely magical.  Magical, I tell you.  It's available in their shop for $14.00 USD on a 16" silver plated chain.  For a few bucks more, you can upgrade to a longer chain and sterling silver on all of their necklaces.  You can find out more about Grimpoteuthis here.

Blue Dragon Sea Slug Pendant

I absolutely could not say no to this.  I came across Glaucus atlanticus, the Blue Dragon Sea Slug, via a post on Reddit a year or two ago and have always found them to be the most beautiful little creatures.  The necklace is available in her shop for $36.  Here's the wiki page about these little cuties, and here's the real deal in motion:

Last, but certainly not least, let me begin with a bit of back story.  My boyfriend and I are huge fans of a guy on Youtube called zefrank1.  He posts narrated videos detailing 'true facts' about various types of animals (among other things).  One of these videos is called "True Facts About the Mantis Shrimp."

If you watched that, you know why I had to buy this:

"A mantis shrimp is a living fossil of the prehistoric clown that all modern clowns evolved from."

Plus, they can flick the crap out of things using their claws with the force and speed of a bullet.  They're pretty badass, to say the very least.  This pendant is available for $39 here.  If you want to learn more real facts about this angry little dude, check out this wiki.

IndolentJellyfish has many more creatures available in their shop including octopus, jellyfish, and squid to name a few.  Their shop (and work) is absolutely stunning and you will not be disappointed in your purchase.

Workspace Wednesday! Three new Monster High Repaints, Modifying Clawdia Wolf's Toothy Grin

I usually post an update every Wednesday over on Tumblr, but I've been so busy the past couple of days, I wanted to take a moment to go a bit more in depth with the new doll projects I'm working on.

NO PICTURES D:!  We haven't got our faces on, yet!

You might notice that Clawdia here is looking a bit different.  That's because I wanted to try removing her teeth with the cut and superglue method which has always been popular with Barbies.  I loved Clawdia's character and her doll is absolutely fabulous, but dolls with perpetual open mouth smiles are unsettling to me O_O.  Speaking of Elissabat and Draculaura, I posted a comparison video between the two over here on my Youtube channel, confirming that they are two different sculpts.

THE STUFF OF NIGHTMARES

NO, NOT EXACTLY, BUT EQUALLY TERRIFYING O_O.  This was a moment in the removal process that I found particularly hilarious.  I was laughing so hard, I messed up the first time trying to bond the lips back together with glue.  Sorry, Clawdia.

This is the video I posted for the method I used, though there are plenty of other tutorials available on the web:

Basically, you're just cutting out the teeth with an exacto blade, evening out the opening, adding a few drops of super glue, and then pinching it shut until the glue cures.  Then, you'll end up with how she looks in the first photo above.  One thing I need to recommend is that you use a craft blade instead of the straight blade I had to make do with.  I've lost my darned Xacto and have NO idea where it disappeared to.  It was too late to go out and find a new one, so I grabbed the blade from my scraper.  Kids, please don't ever use sharp objects on your own, always get a parent to help you!

I'm very happy with the way she turned out and can't wait to finish her makeup.  As I mentioned in the video, I ended up with a bit of discoloration from the glue (turning white as it cured) because of her dark skin.  This didn't matter to me, as it was painted over, but if you're planning on keeping her lip color, you might want to think about touching it up afterward :).  Thanks a bunch for reading!  Clawdia and Elissabat's customs will be available in my Etsy shop a little later this afternoon!

Super sweet accessories and jewelry with clay molds from Padico

About a week ago, I came across the scratch building section of one of my favorite places, Hobby Link Japan.  I primarily use them for new figure and doll releases and, somehow, it never crossed my mind to browse their crafting goodies.

Air drying resin clay is something I've wanted to try creating things with for a while.  It's super soft, lightweight and dries with a hard, waterproof finish.  The two brands I picked up were Mermaid Puffy and Hearty, though there are other brands available.  I opted to get the white clay because each brand is easily custom colored using acrylics, watercolors, or inks.  I swirled a bit of paint in with the clay for the ice cream scoops to create a marbled effect and kneaded the color evenly to make solid color macarons.

Faux macarons and scoops of ice cream using Padico molds and Mermaid Puffy clay.

While browsing the clay selection, I also came across Padico molds.  There are two types: soft silicone and hard plastic.  I prefer the silicone because it's much easier to pop out the molded piece.  If you swipe a bit of mold release (or baby oil) onto the hard plastic, the pieces are still very easy to remove.

Padico Silicone and Hard Plastic Clay Molds

They have all kinds of cute molds available for making breads, macarons, ice cream scoops, cakes, and more.  They're the perfect size for making jewelry and accessories.

Resin clay Blueberry Ice Cream and Pistachio Macaron, destined to become cute rings!

Padico also makes a decoden whipped creme, but I'm using plain ol' GE white silicone here.  I like the moist look and squishy texture once it cures :3.

I've already added a lot of my recently made items to the shop, which you can check out here.  These are some of the other items I've made for myself and have yet to list:

 Chocolate creme waffle hair pins, key lime tart hair pins, miniature ice cream cone earrings, and heart macaron rings.

I'm having so much fun making these items.  If I had half as much enthusiasm about making real food as I do for faux food, I'd be dangerous in the kitchen, haha.  Thanks for reading!

(Kawaii Machine) New Fairy Kei and Pastel Goth Inspired Bracelets: I feel the need, the need for beads!

Oh jeez, please don't leave.  I'm sorry, I wholeheartedly apologize for that title.  It was just... there.  I had to.

Oh, wait, look over there!  It's sparkly, cute, beady things!

For those of you who are still listening at this point, recently I decided that I wanted to try my hand at making custom beaded jewelry for the Kawaii Machine shop. 

In general, I tend to learn as I go.  If I hit a snag, I'll search through a tutorial (or six) to figure out the process.  I had no idea what I was doing, but I had handfuls of this multicolored sparkly stuff and knew I wanted to do something.

Watercolor Butterfly Beaded Bracelet, $8

Pearl and Roses Beaded Bracelet, $8

I started out by making linked bracelets.  Each bead is hand linked with the next using silver plated beading wire.  That's a lotta clipping and wire wrapping.  Unfortunately, this also caused a pain flare-up throughout my hands and arms, so these types of bracelets will be one or two of a kind at most.  I simply won't be able to sit down and make very many of them at a time D:.

The next type I tried turned out to be much easier on my hands, and better for people who'd rather not worry about specific sizing.

Pearl and Neon Stretch Bracelet, $4

Paint Splatter and Pearl Key Charm Bracelet, $5

These bracelets are created by laying out a measured number of beads (usually 7-7.5" worth) in a design and threading a loop of stretch cord through.  Much, much easier on my poor hands!   I even made a few of the kind with the grosgrain ribbon for myself :3.  I did, however, have to teach my uncouth self how to tie a proper bow >_>.  Hint:  Use a fork!  For bigger bows, BAM!  Four fingers are basically a fork.

In keeping with the theme of my shop, all of the new pieces are inspired by colors and themes found in both Fairy Kei and Pastel Goth fashions.  I'm always on the lookout for new beads and ideas, so keep an eye on the shop for new items!

Mewclops :3, the Kitty Cyclops

Ready to stare into the soul of onlookers!

Excuse me whilst I flail a bit over here.  I'm a crazy cat lady.  I love cats.  It's no secret.  But a PASTEL CYCLOPS KITTY?  Oh, yes.  Yes, please.

Both the BF and I are feeling under the weather today.  Mine's just coming on and his has a foot out the door (as it usually happens with couples =_=).  I doodled this adorable little guy up in illustrator while I was confined to my chair because the floor wouldn't stop spinning.  We were supposed to be joining some friends for a day of table top gaming, but since we're still newcomers to Nashville, we're catching all of the seasonal bugs (;- ;  ).  I rescheduled for a dolly playdate later this week when I feel better, though!

I've added tees and totes with this design in the Etsy shop <3!

 Mewclops Tees, $22

These are printed using two different types of methods.  Flex materials (first and last photo) give a crisp, smooth, and vibrant image on any color.  The result is slightly raised, smooth, and feels a bit like vinyl.  Full color digital prints (like the kitty in the middle) are best on light color shirts and produce a vibrant, smooth image.

The new totes that are available are from Ecobags.  They're made of 100% recycled cotton and are very large.  They'll easily hold more than a grocery bag full of goods.

Mewclops Large Totes, $25

These are printed using the specialty flex materials.  The bottom two are printed with amazing metallic foil flex.  It's a true metallic material with lots of shine and shimmer :3.

I hope everyone had a good weekend!  It's time to get back to the grind again tomorrow (~_~  )!

New designs at Kawaii Machine

These are a few of the adorable designs I've come up with recently for the Kawaii Machine Etsy.  I have so much fun creating these kawaii shirts and accessories, I can't even begin to describe it.  I'm so happy to have found a local printer that I can rely on for fast turnaround and stunning quality.  Every time I pick up an order, it makes me want to get one for myself XD.   

Aaaand... I usually do ~( .__.)~.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be able to do a real photo shoot with some of my products. 

Chibi Tiger Blood RAWR Tee, $19

My model, Amanda, was so incredible to work with.  She was kind enough to bring along her lights (she's a photography student, usually on the other side of the camera!) and I remember asking, "What's the Kelvin?"  When I got an immediate answer, I could have melted.  It was a uniquely gratifying experience, haha.  My life may revolve around kawaii, but I'm a geek at heart.

 Butterfly Dreams and Keys to the City Custom Printed Pastel Trouser Stockings, $13

These stockings may be my favorite accessories so far.  They're created from my original designs using a sublimation technique for a vibrant, all over print that won't fade.  The base I use is an extremely soft microfiber blend, perfect for sock skating across shiny surfaces :3.

Galaxy Lucky Kitty Tote, $18

Even tiny Bandit got in on the fun.  I had the pups corralled in the bedroom since we were moving all over the place, but they cried so much that eventually I had to let them in on all the excitement of these new people.  Originally Smokey, our other Chi, was in the bag, too, but he got so excited that I was afraid he'd wiggle out D:!  Luckily, Bandit is easily coerced into a cute photo by saying 'STICK?!' or squeaking a toy :3.

Cookie Bunny Tee, $22

This giant donut has been floating around my studio for weeks.  I bought it especially for the shoot, but I really can't wait to take it to the pool or lake!

For the background, I got a HUGE canvas drop cloth and spray paint in the prettiest pastel and neon colors I could find.  Did you know they make glitter spray paint (as in, it sprays micro glitter, not just a metallic color)?  I DID NOT, but now I do.  We live in a balcony apartment, so it was pretty funny to have this gigantic neon kitty draped over half of our railing to dry.  I had to do some touchups when I was finished and had it hanging inside, though.  The upside is that the fan I used to evacuate the fumes now has a lovely dusting of fluorescent pink on its blades <3.  I still have paint left over, too.  I asked the boyfriend on a scale of one to EVERYTHING, what should be turned pink.  He was nonplussed, but I think it'll grow on him :3.  I loved every second of this shoot and I can't wait to do it again!