Bringing my work home with me!

I've got glasses on the brain!  Here's my June in a pair of cat-eyes.  Thinking of selling prints.  I don't have a lot of experience with graphic design, but I played with it for a long time, and I'm happy with the result.

My colored pencil drawing is layered over some gorgeous mixed backgrounds from a set of tarot cards.  I also cropped the spectacles from the tarot card scan.  I really love the butterfly effect on the glasses.

CAT EYE

Animal Names

Some people have been interested in how I create my animal name art pieces.  There are actually quite a few steps!

Sketch

First, I find animal images that fit the letters that I'm using, and the theme that I am creating.  The example above are marine animals, and the name is "Andrea."  I use the images to make hand drawn sketches of each animal.  I make adaptations to make the animals look more like the letters needed.  Then, I place each of the letters across my lovely piece of white art paper.

Tracing

I trace my sketches onto my nice white paper with a leadless mechanical pencil, or sometimes a tiny crochet hook (whichever I run across first).  When I'm done, I have nicely embossed animals, all in white.

   

 Add Some Color!

The last step is the most fun, and work intensive.  I add color to each of the animals, with high quality artist's pencils.  Each animal takes about 45 minutes to get just right!

...And Andrea's name is done.  Ready for framing and hanging!

Ajoeynamedroo a little greener!

We've always made an effort to use recycled packing materials.  Recently, I've realized that there are a few more steps I can take to make the shop greener.

First, I've changed the lotion containers to recyclable jars.  I originally picked them based solely on aesthetic value and availability.  I've just kept the same ones without thinking for years.

The new jars are clear for the regular body lotions, and tardis blue for the specialty hand and foot creams.  They looks a little smaller, but I swear, they are still 4 ounces!  They are slightly taller and narrower.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/97303776/tingling-tootsies-foot-cream-4-oz

Also, I've decided to stop shrink wrapping.  Heating plastic is bad for the environment and our bodies.  The extra plastic is just going to be peeled off as soon as the customer receives it!

Summer Citrus Sale!

What scent is more summery than juicy lemon and orange?  I declare, a sale on everything citrus!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ajoeynamedroo?section_id=8032054

Add some Grapefruit & Ginger, for an invigorating morning scent!

Orange & Vanilla...TASTY!

Tart Lemon & Orange mix with warm, nutty Vanilla

Reaching out to Asheville

Asheville is the most arts friendly, locally-centered place that I've ever been.  So, moving back here means a real opportunity.  Everyone here seems to evaluate 'place' in a way that I haven't seen elsewhere.  A lot of cities are struggling to define themselves, but Asheville is expanding its definitions while it grows.  I am ready to be part of it.

Being involved is something that I have always struggled with.  I have a hard time reaching out, and I have a tendency to talk myself out of new experiences.  I have one little plan, and I'm documenting it, which means that it is HAPPENING.  Get my crafts in some local stores!  It's something I've wanted to do for a long time, and I've made some baby steps in the past.  This time though, I'm following through!

I feel like Asheville is begging me to jump in...