It’s been a while, and I can’t really afford to test them out, but I put up a shop at CafePress again (and also Zazzle which should have more up shortly.). If you have any specific requests or suggestion, please let me know!

First thing : I know, it’s been a while. See, immediately following ECCC, I got the plague! Well, not really, but it was a serious virus that lingered as respiratory irritation for about 2 months. To top it off, while starting the cold, i took Nyquil, and found out just then that I am wildly allergic. In addition to having a horrible virus, I also had respiratory distress and hives! yay? And following the illness, I have developed some sort of pain that they thought might have been a hernia or cracked rib (which seemed natural with all the coughing forever and ever). I’ve finally got actual diagnoses with empirical evidence that I do indeed have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (hello enlarged Ovary!), and Diabetes (thankfully a mild case). They’re still investigating a lot of other things (like fibromyalgia, IBS,…), but right now, I am so beat! That’s a lot of sickness and pain, and I am tired beyond tired. I’ve been using most of my creative energy on designing fabric patterns, and the random bit of art. My WordPress and ComicPress installs are also having some issues, and I must rely on my techie friends to have free time to figure out how to fix things. And at some point this year, I expect a 3rd volume of my art books to be out on Lulu!

On to funner stuffs!

Back in early May, I was ever so lucky to attend w00tstock 2.0! Back in Feb., I was also fortunate enough to see Jonathan Coulton/Paul and Storm, and when looking at w00tstock, I mean… I just had to go! In fact, I’m also Paul and Storm Minion #293, a fact I forgot when standing in line for autographs, so like a dummy I couldn’t have them sign it “To Minion #293″. I kept going back and forth in my head between 293 and 296.

ANYWAY…

This here is the amazingly adorable, sexy, smart, fast-talking Hank Green. I’d never heard of him before, and now I am completely addicted. I’m just now sort of coming around to his brother John. Perhaps I’d like John more if he also sang. Hank’s rap about w00tstock is so fabulous!

And the amazing Molly Lewis, who has a great song about Stephen Fry that is much like she read my mind!

Oh, Mr. Savage…

I’m a huge Mythbusters and Adam Savage fan, so I was tickled to pieces that I actually got to see him live, AND get an autograph. I gave him the line art for this piece because I didn’t have enough time to color it before the show, and I got the compliment of “You’ve been paying attention!”. I wrote more about it here, but it was a nice nano-moment of validation. I spent a lot of time being told I was stupid, untalented, and on and on, so that was a good thing for my ego!

You can find a few w00stock videos on my YouTube channel.

I, like many others, have discovered Spoonflower, a DIY fabric printing service. In order to sell fabric via this service, you must first order samples. I document below the designs I tried, and how the samples turned out.

About the sample images: The upper left is generally the original graphic, the upper right is generally how it looks printed on each fabric, the bottom left is generally to show the underside and show through, and the bottom right is generally to show how it looks held up to a light. The center is generally a more accurate color representation (scanned as opposed to photos).

Printed on upholstery-weight twill, Pattern setting: half-drop repeat

Printed on Quilting Weight, Pattern setting: half-brick repeat

Printed on Quilting Weight, Pattern setting: half-drop repeat

Printed on linen-cotton canvas, Pattern setting: half-brick repeat

Printed on Organic Cotton Knit, Pattern setting: basic repeat

This last one is a character from my children’s book.

These are the fabrics I have up for sale, but on my Spoonflower Profile, I have a lot of other concepts posted. Given that I don’t have endless funds for sample ordering, I’d love feedback and requests (I may or may not be able to honor ‘em, but I’d still like the input) for what folks might be interested in.

My favorite fabrics are the Knit and Twill, but the canvas is pretty appealing too. The twill seems by far the best at getting details to show up, and the canvas is pretty crisp with details.

OH HAI INTERNETS! I HAZ UR JOEL. DO NOT PANIC.

Topataco had a pre-con party at Arcane Comics in West Seattle.

How and why did I go? What con am I even talking about?

So, Joel Watson of Hijinx Ensue fame needed a couch for crashing, as he will be workin’ the Emerald City Comic Con. Having kinda been there and done that, it seemed natural to offer. And so, I am swept away in the rush of comicness that is invading Seattle right now. Don’t worry, I’ll set him free when the experiments are complete make sure he gets to the con on time.

Update:

Joel responds: “That’s the same thing Leeloo said to Corbin Dallas Multipass”

And in my glee that anyone gets that subtle joke, I made this to respond. This is Joel, finding a special appreciation for Seattle *ahem* that allows him to save us from a terrible burning death under the horrible daystar that came out today.

I love The 5th Element, I really do!

Last night, I had the immensely good fortune to attend a Jonathan Coulton (link) performance, with Paul & Storm (link) opening, and special guest, Molly Lewis (link).

What an outstanding show! This was my first chance to see any of them live, and boy oh boy do I wish with all my heart and soul that I could also see w00tstock (link). Nerdgasms would most surely abound! These sorts of opportunities don’t come along often for me, so the specialness of having finally been able to go is magnified. You can peek at the awesome concert that was by checking out Seattle Geeky’s YouTube coverage (link). You can also view Paul & Storm’s gallery of throw panties here (link). Enjoy!

Ever heard of Hourly Comic Day? If not, now you have. Here is my effort!

My submissions to Skull-A-Day! You can also find the cross-stitched piece here.

In the interest of directing folks who pop up from time to time… I made a Facebook Fan Page for myself. Have at it!

During the week of Thanksgiving, I was hosting friends from afar, and as a treat, they took my partner and I to see a Teatro Zinzanni show.

(Deviant Art Link)

The show features a variety of acts, and I could be in love with Beaumount & Caswell ! The whole production from the wait staff, the meals, the performers, the decor… just everything was masterful and wonderful. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends! This wins Thanksgiving forever!

Just a quick one. You can find it on DeviantArt, too.