You guys. It’s been too long. Well, I guess I don’t really feel that way, I honestly hate blogging. I love the projects and I love sharing them and communicating with all you guys but… taking the pics, writing the post, pinning the stuff, promoting on social media… it’s all way to much for me. It just steals the joy away from the creative process. And I’m not in this for money, I’m in this for the joy. I mean, duh, I want money, but not at the expense of being a miserable bag of blogging bullshit.
So, here are some updates since I last posted in August… I redesigned the site, which I LOVE (have a peek around). I drew all of the elements myself and in the process of doing so, I remembered what I wanted to be when I grew up: an artist. I’m not quite sure how I forgot that… I got an architect’s drafting table for my 12th birthday. I had my own set of cartoon characters that I would draw all the time. Shit, I even got into a gifted and talented magnet school in 2nd grade because of a drawing that I did for some silly recycling campaign. I also distinctly remember being told that I should come up with another idea because artists don’t make any money. So, maybe that’s where I lost it.
So, for the past couple of years when people ask what I do, I typically just tell them housewife/DIY blogger. I’m proud of the housewife title, I work hard for that; blogger not-so-much. I just don’t like all the crap that comes with it. I want to be an artist. So, how do I become an artist?
Like this.
Hi. My name is Dena and I’m a fuhggin’ artist.
There.
I’ve learned that if I don’t call myself an artist, no one else will.
Okay, now that that’s outta the way, back to the site updates. I still have the Etsy shop but am now hosting the shop right here on Hearts & Sharts, complete with secure checkout. I’ve done a whole series of drawings based on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and they are available as prints, instant downloads and t-shirts.
But wait! There’s more! ( use your infomercial voice)
I also made the illustrations into fabric and gift wrap patterns! They are available right here on Spoonflower.
I will have some printable to/from matching printable gift tags to go along with the gift wrap, as well.
Here’s a little behind the scenes of the Griswold prints and patterns along with the delicious Spoonflower gift wrap.
If you love the Griswold prints, I’ve also made a listing for the entire pack so you can get all 9 in one purchase OR you can try your luck in the giveaway! (see below)
For those of you just don’t give a hoot’s patoot about all this other schtuff and are just here for the giveaway, here ya go! You’ll hafta hop over to IG to enter and read all the legal bullsh but here’s a little peak at what all you can win.
The winner will get the entire Griswold Print Pack from the Shart Shop as well as lots of other handmade goods from some very talented makers AND a $150 Etsy shopping spree. So, get over there and enter!
Good luck!
Ohhhhh….. I just realized that I can call myself a shartist, instead of just an artist. Wait, does that make it sound like I Jackson-Pollock-Poo all over a canvas? Because, yeah, that’s hilarious.
Its so inspiring to see others follow their passions and talents. Great job on your art work. And thanks for sharing you story. 🙂
Thank you, Audra! I’m pretty excited about things to come. Hope you have amazing holiday season!
dena it has been a long time, I thought you were dead…. I wish I could enter but don’t have the means to follow ig, but loving all the cool stuff and new bloggy….. and I have loved every piece of art you have done and shared over the years, have missed you and your sense of humor xx
You are my favorite. Seriously. You are my absolute favorite. Thank you so much for your continued support! Muah! xoxox
Welcome back, it has been too long. I like the new look. And heck yeah you are an artist. I figure your blog is your gallery so go for it, I wish you much success.
Thank you so much, Debra!! “Heck yeah, I’m an artist!”… I gotta work on saying it with confidence. Thank you again!