Livin' the Craft Life

Puppycat "Flawless" (SOLD)

Today has been one of those rare days where everything seems right with the world. I've gotten so much love for my artwork today and it's put me in a lovely mood. Since I was in a really lazy mood for the majority of October (not to mention being sick for a week and then going on vacation) I decided that November was going to be a super productive month for me and so far it has been. I've been working on new pieces day and night and am really pleased with my most recent work. As an artist, nothing makes us happier than knowing our hard work is appreciated so to everyone who has supported my business or simply said something nice about my art THANK YOU SO MUCH! It means the WORLD to me! I can be a bit insecure about my art and how it's received so when I go through dry spells it really wears down on me (yes, artists need constant validation). But this month has been awesome! I've gotten loads of new fans on Instagram and Tumblr and have had two people ask me if they can feature my work on their blogs! YAY!



Totoro "Brush Your Teeth" Hoop (SOLD)

I think another thing that is adding to the lift in my spirits lately is that I have some neat things to look forward to. First being my upcoming Thailand trip (it's only 2 1/2 months away now), then there's Friendsgiving coming up on the 29th (my friends and I are celebrating Thanksgiving together) and finally my trip to London next October to visit Melissa. As a person who suffers from melancholy, I've noticed that it helps me to get through difficult periods or times of sadness when I have some things to look forward to. I try not to live in the future (or the past) too much but it does give those bad days a boost when you're able to daydream about good times to come. I'm really excited about 2015 and think it's going to be a great year for me. If I'm lucky, maybe it'll be the year that someone special will enter my life (not going to hold my breath, though, haha!)



Jake Ice Cream Hoop

Oh, another thing that made me smile today was my internet friend, Jenny, including a pic of me in her Selfie Project 2014. Jenny is a doll (inside and out) and one of my favorite bloggers. She put a post out on Instagram asking people to send a selfie and a short caption saying something that they love about themselves. If you'd like to see mine and the other lovely ladies who participated in this project, please visit Jenny's website at:

www.shelovesdresses.com

It's just so nice to see so many gorgeous girls loving themselves. I'm all about self-love and positivity these days and encourage everyone to be kind and nurturing to themselves.

Okies, well, I'm going to get back to work but here's a few more of the hoops I've made lately. If you'd like a custom embroidery for yourself or a loved one this holiday season, please contact me on Etsy! www.iggystarpup.com



Stitch "Ohana"
 



Everything's Coming Up Milhouse!


 



 

Queen of Pugs

Last night I went on a journey to the legendary Forever21 at Arrowhead Towne Center Mall on a quest to find the perfect dress to wear to Versailles Palace and I'm happy to say that I was successful in this quest. However, it was no easy task. Let me tell ya, that particular Forever21 is GIGANTIC! It's the size of a department store (and two stories) so it was quite the challenge. After an hour and a half and 6 dresses later I finally decided on a lovely white and pink floral number with a lace back. It's so cute I can hardly stand it! When I got home I went through my closet and picked out some strong pieces that will be versatile (since I'm only bringing a carry on suitcase) so I think I'm ready to go. All I have left to do now is WAIT. We're down to only 5 weeks now. It's so close I can almost taste it.

In other news, I'm really excited about tomorrow night. I'm going to an art gala downtown and it's formal attire only. There will be an art slideshow, food, dancing, the works. And it's FREE!

As a local artist I'm very excited to be going since this event is a celebration of the contribution of art to our urban environment. I'm mostly excited though to get fancied up. They asked us to wear lots of color so I thought I'd have to buy something new since I didn't really have any colorful fancy dresses in my wardrobe but then I remembered that I had stashed all of my formal wear into another closet. I found this amazing gem, a royal blue dress that I bought 2 years ago (at Buffalo Exchange for $10.00) that I'd totally forgotten about. It's a satin-y material with a square neckline and a big bow in the back. Mmmm...it's sooo good. I can't wait to wear it! ANNNNDDD I bought some ballet flats the other day that coincidently match it perfectly. Too bad it's going to rain tomorrow though, I hate having to lug a sweater around all night. Oh, wellz. Hopefully, there will be some cuties in attendance in fancy clothes too. Tbh, I haven't seen a cutie in ages. It really is a bummer. They must be out there somewhere but I don't know where they gather. It's a mystery to me. However, I'm expecting to see loads while in Europe so I'll report back on that next month (if I ever come back that is).

Oh, one more thing! I'm having my first art giveaway!!! You can enter through Facebook, Tumblr or Instagram. This is the hoop I'll be giving away.

 



Here's some links if you'd like to enter:

www.facebook.com/iggystarpup
www.iggystarpup.tumblr.com
Instagram: Iggystarpup

All you have to do is share, reblog, or repost this giveaway to be entered into the drawing. Right now the contest ends on March 10th but I might extend it to March 17th just for fun. I'll be shipping anywhere so international friends are welcomed to enter.

I've been a pretty busy worker bee lately as well. Here's my newest hoops:

Lady Rainicorn and Jake
$40.00

Ouran High School Host Club Usa-chan Hoop
$33.00

Parisian Pug
$34.00

Heisenberg Blue Sky Hoop
SOLD

Sherlock High Functioning Sociopath Hoop
*this is for me*

John Watson "Not His Boyfriend" Hoop
*also for me*