Pound Designs

Elenor Roosevelt Quote Linocuts

2011-08-09T10:41:00.001-07:00

Do one thing everyday that scares you.
Prints available on my website.

Statue of Liberty

2011-08-05T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool pop art version of the Statue of Liberty.

Sock Monkey Monograms

2011-08-04T08:49:00.001-07:00

Check out all the goodies you can get Sock Monkey monograms on!

Anatomic Art

2011-08-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have a new blog dedicated to anatomic art. Check it out!

Super Skull

2011-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Check out my newest shop - Super Skull. Dedicated exclusively to skull designs!

Beginnings of a new Quilt

2011-06-13T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here is the start of a new denim rag quilt. I'm planning on it fitting a full size bed so it will be about 80" x 90". I've never made a quilt this big!

Pulling Prints Today

2011-06-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

New Linocut in the Works

2011-06-01T10:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt

Pink PlushBot

2011-05-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

Get her on Etsy!

Sock Monkey Graduation

2011-05-11T07:26:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year - Sock Monkey Graduation!

Sock Monkey Mechanic

2011-05-04T06:58:00.001-07:00

Click here for prints!

Sock Monkey Keds Shoes!

2011-04-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hear, See, Speak No Evil Sock Monkeys by sockmonkeys
Join one of the biggest artist affiliate programs

New PlushBot in Progress

2011-04-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Junkbot #1 on Etsy

2011-04-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

I finally got this robot photographed and listed on Etsy. Check it out!

Frog Legs

2011-04-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

This design was inspired by an old matchbook cover from the 1920s. I've also been obsessed with preparing frog legs ever since I saw some at the grocery store. Get this design!

Cow Tetris?

2011-04-12T09:19:00.001-07:00

The other night I had a dream that I was playing Tetris, only instead of the usual tetrominoes there were cuts of beef! I also dreamed that a legless old woman was crawling across the floor trying to bite my legs, but Cow Tetris makes for a much better design. Get it on shirts, mugs, stickers and other goodies in my shop.

Paper Airplane Flight School

2011-04-08T18:34:00.000-07:00

I've been making paper airplanes since I was a tiny little kid. One of my favorite memories is of the day my brother and I folded the perfect paper plane that managed to catch the wind and soar high above the neighborhood rooftops while we ran along chasing it. Check out my new design available on t-shirts, stickers, mugs and more!

Popscicle Stick Robot in Progress

2011-02-07T17:54:00.000-08:00

Waiting for his paint.

Sock Monkey Stratocaster

2011-01-26T15:59:00.000-08:00

Click here for prints, or here for t-shirts and other gift items!

So I haven't Posted in Awhile

2011-01-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've been busy keeping my new little pal out of trouble. This is little miss Audrey a 12 week old kitten. She gets into lots of trouble! I'm learning to keep my art supplies put away since she really seems to enjoy knocking them off my desk onto the floor.

Pizza

2011-01-02T15:00:00.001-08:00

I love making pizza from scratch! Last night it was pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, and green chili. I didn't get a picture of the pizza after it was baked because we eated it.

Fresh Baked Bread!

2010-12-27T16:34:00.001-08:00

Raygun Robot

2010-11-11T12:57:00.005-08:00

Raygun Robot Print

Eyeball Robot

2010-11-11T12:57:00.003-08:00

Eyeball Robot Print

Siren Robot

2010-11-11T12:57:00.001-08:00

Siren Robot Print

Robot Cat

2010-11-11T12:56:00.001-08:00

Robot Cat & Wind Up Mouse Print

Robot Valentine

2010-11-11T12:50:00.001-08:00

Robot Valentine Print

NaNo No-Mo

2010-11-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Week 2 and I'm out, that was hard! I kept writing myself into a corner and would pull my hair out trying to write myself out. I did get some ideas for a new project so it's not all bad. I'm thinking of turning my story (well, the good parts) into a graphic novel. I even painted my first panel! The good thing is I don't have to finish it in 1 month. To everyone who actually wins NaNoWriMo: you guys rock!

Lots of new designs!

2010-11-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

I've been busy creating some new designs to go on t-shirts, stickers, mugs and other goodies. We have delicious Zombie Brand Human Brain Soup, a cool propaganda style Boston Terrier, a funny design featuring false teeth called Bite, and a cool floral piece called Gun Blossom.

Zombie's Human Brain Soup

Boston Terrier Revolution

Bite!

Gun Blossom

Sunbeam Kitty & Cayenne Peppers

2010-11-09T09:38:00.000-08:00

Me and my kitty are enjoying the sun this morning despite the incoming winter cold. I picked the last of my cayenne peppers and my summer balcony garden has now come to a close.

Dried Tomato, Basil & Garlic Bread

2010-11-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

I added dried tomatoes, garlic and basil to a French Bread recipe I found online. Yummy!

NaNoWriMo!

2010-11-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

I'm taking over the kitchen table for NaNoWriMo. I've always wanted to try it so I finally took the plunge and signed up this year. I don't know if I can pull off 50,000 words in a month, but I'll try!

New Australian Cattle Dog Print

2010-10-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Buy it!

Oven Dried Tomatoes

2010-10-25T10:02:00.001-07:00

Whenever I can get tomatoes for under 50 cents a pound I always grab a few pounds to dry in the oven. I love to use them in pasta dishes or on a pizza. Yesterday I started out with 3.12 pounds of Roma Tomatoes.

I popped them in a 170 degree oven for 21 hours and ended up with 6 oz. of dried tomatoes. I think money wise I end up breaking even, but at least I know my tomatoes are fresh!

Om Nom Nom Nom

2010-10-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes paint looks scrumptious to me, which is probably unhealthy.

Attack of the Schnauzers!

2010-10-18T13:08:00.001-07:00

Introducing Schnauzers! I just love these little guys, they look like they have mustaches.
Click here for prints!

New Painting - Four Targets

2010-10-13T09:51:00.001-07:00

Acrylic on Arches Watercolor Paper
Click Here to Buy It!

Skateboard Decks

2010-10-12T08:31:00.001-07:00

I found some old skateboard decks in the trash and dragged them home. They've been primed and are in the process of being painted!

Greetings from the Holodeck!

2010-09-28T16:22:00.001-07:00

Here's a funny Star Trek design I made. It's available on t-shirts, postcards, stickers, mugs and other gift items. Click Here!

Faux Finish Technique

2010-09-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a cool faux finish technique that gives the look of leather.

You'll need tissue paper, two colors of acrylic paint (I used raw sienna and raw umber), gesso, matte medium, a bristle brush and some rags.

Coat your surface with a layer of gesso. I'm using some bristol here. Crinkle up a few sheets of tissue paper.

Using the matte medium adhere randomly torn pieces of tissue paper all over your surface. Layer them on top of each other and make sure to coat them with matte medium.

Take the lighter color of acrylic paint and using a rag randomly dab splotches of paint all over.

Take your darker paint and using a rag rub the paint all over the surface making sure to get it in every crease. That's it!

Sock Monkey Skateboarder

2010-09-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Click here to buy it!

Controlled Chaos - Art Journaling

2010-08-13T16:07:00.001-07:00

My very favorite thing to do is take an afternoon break and head down to my tiny local library to browse around. I usually end up in either the science fiction, art or cooking section. This week I checked out "Artists' Journals & Sketchbooks" by Lynne Perrella. It's packed with inspiration and I got started on my first pages today! I'm intimidated by brand new sketchbooks and will usually opt to just shove them in a closet never to be used. Not anymore!

Owl Robot!

2010-08-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

I've been watching Molly the Owl and the old Clash of the Titans with Bubo the mechanical owl this last week. I was inspired to make an Owl-Bot!

Plush Nintendo Controller

2010-08-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

Hand made Nintendo controller.

Plushbot 1984-01

2010-08-09T19:18:00.001-07:00

A new PlushBot!

Another Popsicle Stick Robot

2010-07-22T19:35:00.000-07:00

I really like making these! Check it out on Etsy.

Popsicle Stick Robot Completed

2010-07-13T15:21:00.000-07:00

I finished my popsicle stick robot and love how he turned out!
Buy him on Etsy

Popsicle Stick Robot

2010-07-09T18:41:00.001-07:00

I bought a big box of 1000 popsicle sticks. The first thing I did was build a robot of course! It's still a work in progress.

PlushBot 1138-19

2010-07-08T13:46:00.001-07:00

A new PlushBot! Soon I will take over the world with my cuddly robot minions!
Check it out on Etsy.

The Bread Baker's Apprentice - Multigrain Bread Extraordinaire

2010-07-06T20:26:00.001-07:00

Another loaf from The Bread Baker's Apprentice - Multigrain Bread Extraordinaire. It's a moist and chewy bread that's slightly sweet thanks to both brown sugar and honey. The grains I used are brown rice, coarse polenta, rolled oats and wheat bran. I think it will make good toast.

PlushBot 1138-18

2010-07-05T08:34:00.001-07:00

My newest PlushBot is available in my Etsy shop.

The Bread Baker's Apprentice - Pugliese Bread

2010-06-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

I made Pugliese bread today from The Bread Baker's Apprentice. My bread slashing technique is getting better! The first few times I tried it I did not do anything photo worthy. The crust came out nicely because I used a cast iron skillet in the oven with water in it to create steam. The interior of the bread needs work, it should be filled with lots of big holes like ciabatta, but haven't been able to create that kind of crumb yet. Practice makes perfect!

More Baking - Pizza and Wheat Bread

2010-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

If your boyfriend ever asks you if you need anything from Costco and you say bread flour, be prepared for him to come home with 50 pounds. I'm going to be doing a lot of baking! Today I tried another recipe from The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Light Wheat Bread. It makes a nice plain sandwich loaf and it's one of the few recipes from the book that only takes one day to make.

I also whipped up a couple of pizzas for dinner. One veggie with zucchini, artichoke hearts and roasted yellow peppers; and one meat with pepperoni, sausage and green chili. Now I just have 47 more pounds of flour to use up.

A Bunch of New Designs!

2010-06-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

Chef Skull

Ukulele

Cassette Tape

Worn Out Jeans? Make a Rag Quilt!

2010-05-27T17:15:00.001-07:00

I recently went through my closet to clear out some old clothes. Some were in good shape so I donated them, but some of the jeans & cords were worn out complete with holes in the knees. I made them into a comfy rag quilt! There are lots of directions for making rag quilts all you need to do is a quick google search. I do have a few tips: get some good rag quilt shears otherwise you will hate yourself for ever starting this project. Another tip is stay by your dryer when you do the first wash and empty the lint trap every few minutes. You'll be surprised how much comes off while everything is fraying! For this particular quilt I used fleece for the backing, it's super warm and cozy!

The Bread Baker's Apprentice - Anadama Bread

2010-05-26T17:29:00.001-07:00

I've decided to learn how to properly bake bread so I checked out a copy of "The Bread Baker's Apprentice" from the library. There is so much information in this book that recipes (called formulas in the book) don't even start until page 103! Today I made Anadama Bread which has cornmeal and molasses in it. The recipe made three 1 pound loaves so I baked one, put one in the refrigerator to bake in a few days and froze one. I'm really curious to see how the frozen dough works out. It would be nice to have a few different kinds of bread ready to go in the freezer!

Cooking From The Veganomicon

2010-04-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Last night I made the Leek and Bean Cassoulet (P. 172) from the Veganomicon cookbook. I used veggies that I bought at the farmer's market and fresh thyme from my windowsill herb garden. It was so good! One word of caution: this recipe makes a lot of food!

Cigar Box Ukulele Build Complete!

2010-04-07T12:41:00.001-07:00

I finished my ukulele build this morning. It sounds good!

Cigar Box Ukulele Build - Frets

2010-04-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Frets are finished! I also trimmed some of the paper label away from the cigar box in preparation of attaching the neck.

Cigar Box Ukulele Build - Soundhole

2010-04-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Today I cut the soundhole. I don't have a lot of tools so I had to improvise. I took a piece of jigsaw blade and stuck it into my X-Acto knife holder. It wasn't perfect, but it worked. I smoothed everything out with a file and some sandpaper.

My favorite part is you can see the guy on the inner box label through the hole!

Cigar Box Ukulele Build - Neck

2010-03-30T11:58:00.000-07:00

I got the fretboard glued to the neck. It was a precarious operation and I wasn't prepared for it. There was no real way for me to clamp the pieces together so I ended up holding them while dinner burned on the stove. Ooops! This morning I stained the assembly with Varathane golden mahogany wood stain. One thing I always screw up on when gluing wood is being too messy. Wherever you get glue on your project it won't take stain so be more careful than I am!

Cigar Box Ukulele Build

2010-03-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

I started a new cigar box build over the weekend. This time I'm working on a ukulele. I got the neck, tuners, strings, bridge and nut from a kit I bought on Grizzly.com. The fretboard is going to be cut from a piece of basswood and I bought fret wire from StewMac. I was originally going to use an Arturo Fuente cigar box, but I've changed my mind and am using an old Royalists one instead.

First I drew a template for the fretboard. I then traced the image onto my basswood and cut it out with a coping saw.

I laid out the frets by tracing the spacing from another ukulele I have. Then I used my coping saw to cut the slots into the fretboard. More to come this week!

How to Make a Sock Monkey Tutorial

2010-03-24T17:19:00.000-07:00

Making a sock monkey is pretty easy! All you need are a pair of Rockford Red Heel socks, needle & thread, and some stuffing. Some people embroider on the eyes and add eyelashes, but I decided to go with button eyes since it's easier.

The first step is to turn one sock inside out. Next sew a seam on both sides of the center of the sock starting a few inches from the white heel and across the end of the sock, rounding out the feet. Cut in between the seams and turn the sock right side out. Use the opening left in the crotch to stuff the legs, body and head. I had trouble getting the stuffing into the legs so I used a chop stick. Finish up by sewing the crotch opening closed.

The second sock is used to create the ears, mouth, tail and arms. For the arms cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces lengthwise. Seam, rounding the ends and stuff. For the mouth cut the heel from the sock leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on the lower part of the face, stuff and finish sewing around the top. You can sew a stitch of either black or white across the lips, but I left mine plain.

Next, sew on the ears and add the eyes. I thought the button eyes looked really cute, but embroidering them on with black thread works too. If this monkey is being created for a toddler or baby it's probably best to embroider them so there won't be a choking hazard. After completing the face sew on the arms.

The very last step is the tail. Using the one inch strip cut from the second sock, taper to end of cuff, seam and stuff. Then you just need to sew it on his butt! The cap is optional and some people use the toe of an additional sock leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. I was lucky enough to get a cool red knitted cap. You can also add a jacket, vest, skirt or anything else you think would look good on your monkey. That's it!

Two of my favorite things together - knitting/crochet and stop motion!

2010-03-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Ralph Bakshi: Surviving in Tough Times

2010-03-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

This talk by Ralph Bakshi is why I decided to work on my own stop motion piece. I always wanted to make my own film but thought I could never pull it off. After watching this video I thought, why not?

Building Props for Stop Motion Animation

2010-03-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

The first scene in my short film takes place in a bedroom so I am building the props I will need. Today I made a bed! I used 3/4" and 1/4" square dowels and some thin scrap wood I had. The mattress is 4 layers of corrugated cardboard topped with quilt batting and white fabric. Now I am going to sew a mini quilt for it!

More Stop Motion Puppet Work

2010-03-06T10:43:00.001-08:00

My stop motion puppet is moving beyond being a skeleton and now has skin! I used acrylic felt, embroidery floss and fiber fill to flesh it out. It's not done yet, but getting there.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2010-03-04T09:53:00.000-08:00

I've painted 62 art cards and all I have to show for it is carpal tunnel syndrome. Ouch. I'm still going to paint art cards, just not everyday.

Daily ACEO Art Card #62 Doctor Who K9

2010-03-03T20:14:00.001-08:00

www.PoundDesigns.com

Daily ACEO Art Card #61 Doctor Who Dalek

2010-03-02T19:40:00.000-08:00

Exterminate! Click Here To Buy The Art Card

Daily ACEO Art Card #60 Thomas Jefferson

2010-03-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

I'm continuing with my presidential portraits. Today I painted our third president: Thomas Jefferson. Click Here To Buy This Art Card

Daily ACEO Art Card #59 Frank Zappa Mustache

2010-02-28T16:43:00.001-08:00

www.PoundDesigns.com

Daily ACEO Art Card #58 Horseshoe Mustache

2010-02-27T17:18:00.000-08:00

www.PoundDesigns.com

Daily ACEO Art Card #57 Handelbar Mustache

2010-02-26T18:01:00.001-08:00

www.PoundDesigns.com

Daily ACEO Art Card #56 Doctor Who Tom Baker

2010-02-25T19:00:00.000-08:00

The new Doctors have been great, but everybody knows that the best was Tom Baker! Click Here To Buy This Art Card

Daily ACEO Art Card #55 Frankenstein's Monster

2010-02-24T20:24:00.000-08:00

I always thought Dr. Frankenstein was the ultimate DIY guy. He made his own monster! Click Here To Buy The Art Card

More Stop Motion Stuff

2010-02-24T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here's a tiny 2 second test clip working with my new puppet on the set I've been building.

Daily ACEO Art Card #54 John Adams

2010-02-23T20:43:00.000-08:00

I didn't want George Washington to get lonely so I painted John Adams today. John Adams was the second president of the United States. Click Here To Buy This Art Card

Don't Forget Your Sock Monkey Olympic Gear!

2010-02-23T10:06:00.000-08:00

Get your Sock Monkey Olympic t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs and other gift items!
Click for: Ice Hockey, Snowboarding, Curling

Daily ACEO Art Card #53 George Washington

2010-02-22T19:04:00.000-08:00

Today is George Washington's birthday. Happy birthday President Washington! Click Here To Buy This Art Card

Daily ACEO Art Card #52 Jason Friday the 13th

2010-02-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid my friends and I loved to watch scary movies. Back then Jason was the top scary mofo! Click Here to Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #51 Purple One Eyed Dog

2010-02-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #50 - Gregor Mendel

2010-02-19T17:01:00.000-08:00

Today's Illustration Friday topic is: propagate. Gregor Mendel studied the propagation and behavior of different varieties of peas. He is know as the father of modern genetics.

Daily ACEO Art Card #49 Purple Robot

2010-02-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #48 Angle Abstract

2010-02-17T19:13:00.001-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #47 Super Mario Bros.

2010-02-16T18:40:00.001-08:00

I made this art card by first carving a tiny little wood "pixel" stamp. I then stamped each pixel, one at a time, with acrylic paint. Click Here To Buy It

Tacky Tuesday - Old Man Painting

2010-02-16T13:08:00.001-08:00

I just bought this framed painting yesterday at my local thrift shop. I don't know who this man is but we have started to call him Captain Mel. I love finding painted portraits. It makes me wonder who the person is, who painted them, and why did it end up in a thrift store?

Daily ACEO Art Card #46 Luchador Wrestler Robot

2010-02-15T20:32:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

New Sock Monkey Print! Snowboarding

2010-02-15T17:53:00.001-08:00

I've been inspired by the Winter Olympics and created a Sock Monkey Snowboarder. Just in time for today's snowboarding events! Click Here For Prints

Stop Motion Animation - Wire Puppet Build

2010-02-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

Moving forward on my stop motion project I've been researching ways of building figures. You can buy armature kits, but they can be as much as $150! Seeing as how my budget for this entire project is about $50 I needed something much cheaper. I found a tutorial online and built an armature using wire and epoxy putty, it cost me $8.00. By the way, epoxy putty is awesome and I will be sure to keep some in my tool box from now on.

Daily ACEO Art Card #45 Cut Paper Sock Monkey

2010-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

Stop Motion Animation Masters

2010-02-14T16:01:00.000-08:00

In preparation for making my stop motion piece I've been watching a lot of stuff from the Quay Brothers and Jan Svankmajer. Awesome!

Daily ACEO Art Card #44 Squirrel Surfer

2010-02-13T19:34:00.000-08:00

If I ever start a punk surf band I am going to name it Squirrel Surfer. For now I'll just paint squirrel surfers. Click Here To Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #43 Creepy Clown with Moving Eyes

2010-02-12T19:59:00.000-08:00

Here's a fun twist on my ACEOs: a clown with movable eyes and mouth! I was inspired to create this one when I saw a creepy cast iron clown piggy bank at an antique shop. His eyes and mouth move when you pull down on the arrow. Click Here To Buy It

Illustration Friday - Adrift

2010-02-12T09:51:00.001-08:00

TGIF! This week's Illustration Friday topic is adrift. Here is a Sock Monkey pirate adrift at sea. Prints and T-Shirts are available.

Daily ACEO Art Card #42 Abstract Doodle

2010-02-11T18:36:00.001-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

I am Being Born - Experimental Stop Motion

2010-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

This is a short test clip for a stop motion piece I'm working on. I've never done anything like this before so it's all new to me. I'll be documenting my progress.

Daily ACEO Art Card #41 Sad Panda

2010-02-10T18:15:00.000-08:00

Click Here To Buy It

Daily ACEO Art Card #40 Blue Vespa

2010-02-09T19:00:00.001-08:00

Watercolor and ink on Arches watercolor paper. Click Here To Buy It

Illustration Friday - Muddy

2010-02-08T20:28:00.001-08:00

This weeks topic for Illustration Friday is muddy. My interpretation is a muddy dog in mid-shake. This one was challenging, I just couldn't think of anything at first!