Excuse me? You want HOW MUCH for a canvas drying apparatus?!?

So... I've been working on multiple paintings at once and have found that there isn't a lot of room to stick them while they're drying. I did a lazy search for "canvas holders" (I guess you would call them) and of course, as with anything that is associated with a single use, they aren't cheap: http://www.dickblick.com/categories/dryingracks/details/. Now, I realize that they let you dry quite a few canvases at a time, but they're HUGE and I don't have that kind of room (or money!).

Enter Dollarama. I found a plastic desk organizer for $1.25. (Pay no attention to the newspaper... I enjoy using the singles ads in the back of the paper as a desk protector... every so often I will paint a mustache on a model.)

I realize the organizer will only hold three canvases at a time, but really, how many more can I work on simultaneously without going mad?

Now with a little twine I found lying around I anchor it to a shelf...

 

  

And TA-DA!

Perfect! I have room for one or two more. I'll probably install one more just in case I need the space. 

Anyway, I know it's not MENSA material, but I always love to share!

NOVEMBER 22 - SUNNYSIDE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY AND NIGHT!!!

NOV. 22

Sunnyside Tattoos 

Customer Appreciation Day

Sunday Nov. 22, 2009

2-9pm

1658 Queen West

Toronto, ON 

Come on down to Sunnyside Tattoos Sunday Nov 22 for an afternoon and evening full of fun and surprises.

We will be featuring guest performances all day and night by some of the best of the best in Sideshow and circus arts including pain proof Steve Winchester (Just featured on Much On Demand), Mysterion, Bizarrist Sia Synn, Fire Spinners, Burlesque acts and more.

AND the "Shop Sunnyside" zone will be up and rolling with Vendors from all areas now having their products sold at the shop. Everything from Hair products to fashion accessories, wrestling merch to corsets- from the top indy vendors in Toronto.Great Holiday gift ideas.

Food and drinks will be served all day- ON US as well as special rate gift Certificates available for Holiday presents (Believe me it's a great deal).

And meet and greet with our artists to inquire about your next piece. They will all be down at the shop to happily answer any questions you may have.

As we come upon our one year Anniversary this Jan (I know it's insane how time flies) we feel it's necessary to thank those who have supported us in our first year, and give you a little fun on a chilly Sunday.

Bring a friend or ten and come on down to Sunnyside, Parkdale's premier tattoo and sideshow parlour. 

Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS) :: Project No. 1

I should get super duper multi points for this post! Because: (a) it's my second post for today; and (b) I've used multiple hoarded supplies!

Firstly, not very excitingly however, I primed a 6" x 8" canvas board and a 2" x 2" stretched canvas. I am hoping to work on the canvas board tonight.

Secondly, and this one is exciting, I've finally cracked into my Doodlebug Sugar Coating Gitter assortment! I've only had it since February and haven't opened it once! I've just stared at the pretty colors in the adorable little jars. The reason it hasn't been touched is because I was afraid that I'd go through the glitter too fast! But there is a deceivingly large amount of glitter in each of those jars! Check it out:

 So I'm over a couple of my little bumps. I shall be using more canvas in the future. I will most definitely be using more glitter in the future! (Probably to Husband's dismay. I'm pretty sure he'll be coming home to glittered cats one of these nights!)

*Deep exhale* So far so good... no crying or throwing things. Let's see if we can keep this up! What Supplies have you Utilized today?

Get Over It!

I have a problem. I think I've mentioned it before. I am a hoarder. I like to "save" my craft supplies: canvas, paper, embellishments... even paint! I'm afraid I'm going to waste them by making something ugly. I hate throwing things away.

I made this last night:

It didn't come out right. I hate it. I was experimenting with crackle medium. It doesn't work on canvas board and it makes it look like I don't know how to paint solid white lines! So what do I do with it? Throw it away?

I could tell within the first few minutes it wasn't going to be what I wanted. I was tempted to give up. But I'm trying something new. I'm trying to use my supplies. But it hurts...like physically. My mind screams, "You're wasting it!" "You'll never be able to find that *insert supply here* again!" "It's ugly...you'll just end up throwing it away!"

So. I'm starting Operation Utilize Supplies (OUS). And I'm going to post the projects whether I love them or not. I'm not going to commit to a daily thing... that's too much pressure. But I am going to post everything... even if it's hideous! However, I still have to figure out what to do with pieces that I abhor... any suggestions?

THIS WEEKEND (10/24 & 10/25)! COME SEE ME! Underground Craft Fair and Bazaar of the Bizarre!

Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities is thrilled to be vending at the following shows this weekend!!!

The retail store you enter the studio from is called "Boba" (storefront is bright yellow)

UNDERGROUND CRAFT SHOW

Saturday, October 24, 2009

12:00pm - 6:00pm

Torched Studio

557 Queen Street West

Toronto ON

http://www.wix.com/undergroundcraft/show

The first of 3 craft shows at Torched Studio.

Spend your money on something healthier than Halloween candy.

Featuring jewellery, bags, silk screened t-shirts, steampunk, soap, rockabilly and vintage items.

November show - Saturday the 28th.
December show - Saturday the 12th.



View Larger Map

 BAZAAR of the BIZARRE!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

11:00am - 7:00pm

Pia Bouman School of Dance

6 Noble Street

Toronto ON

http://thebazaarofthebizarre.org/

Plastik Wrap is pleased to announce, that we are taking over the organization of "The Bazaar of the Bizarre 2009" from The Royal Sarcophagus Society. RSS will be working with us to insure a smooth transition. We thank them for all of their support and input.

If you have not been a part of the last bazaar and do not know what to expect...it is a Halloween Marketplace!

Artists, clothing designers, craft-folk, publishers and other independent makers of all things exotic, whimsical and macabre are encouraged to join us for this eccentric emporium of curious crafts, to be held Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 6 Noble Street (Queen West of Dufferin).

We are quite excited about it being THE Halloween shopping destination.

Bizarre Vendors:

* Baby's First BOO!
* Batwings & Battleaxes
* Beat Black
* Bibelot Forest
* Biomechanical Candy
* Bird at the Window
* BitchCraft
* Burning Effigy Press
* ChiZine Publications
* Creepy Christine
* Cristina Campolieto
* Curious Oddities
* Dirty Little Secrets
* Eden Bachelder Fine Art and Illustration
* Edenwool
* Freya's Braids Handcrafted Jewelry
* Joey Suriano
* Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities
* Magda Trzaski
* Monster Kookies
* Monster Muffin
* My Ghoul Friday
* neatTreats
* Plague Doctor Apparel
* Plastik Wrap
* Random Pretty Things
* Retro G Couture
* Sci Feye Candy
* Sew Scary
* She's Batty Designs
* Sick On Sin
* Sword in the Stone Crafts
* The Gnarled Branch
* The Royal Sarcophagus Society
* To Die For Designs
* Undeadclothingco
* Valkyria Art & Jewellery
* Victorian Charm Jewelry
* vintagelove
* WORN Fashion Journal


View Larger Map

Aaaand We're Back!

So after a long winter, spring craft shows now abound. I'll be attending the Creators' Marketplace Show and Sale in May. I know it seems far away, but you would be surprised how fast spring and summer book up! Plus you'll have to $ave up some funds!

Should be lots of fun! I'm really looking forward to it!



I'd like to direct you to a new website, too - Canada Arts Connect. A site for professional artists by a professional artist, Desirée Ossandon. Check it out!

Well, I'm hoping to update this more regularly (I know, I always say that) now that it's "Art Sale" season! Seriously though, I really mean it this time...