Review -- Kooky Pets by Koldo Barroso

Have you ever wanted to meet the warm fuzzy hiding out in the crawl space behind your heart? How about finding out what your imaginary friend from childhood became? Perhaps they come from the Kooky imaginarium, described and illustrated by the talented Koldo Barroso in his new book, Kooky Pets. It was a pleasure to get a peek at Koldo Barroso’s new illustrated book of imaginary friends, which contains the kind of illustrations that reward a second and a third look.

These creatures are the kind I associate with a Gothic sensibility, like Edward Gorey’s spooky but fun illustrations combined with a Froudian sense of the odd in the shadows under the bed. Mr. Barroso develops this world with clever histories both of the Kooky Pets themselves and the mites that study them. The joy exemplified by these creatures is summed up best in a line from the book, which states that Kooky Pets can bring out the best of us and “turn a list of errands into holiday plans.”

Since this was developed in collaboration with readers of Mr. Barroso’s website, the illustrations and the stories are remarkably consistent in exploring the themes of taking pleasure in and taking care of thing such as reading and art and not taking oneself too seriously. One of my favorites was the AuroBora, a creature who made of a wreath of itself so that it could cling to its banana peel tail.

I’m sorry that I don’t have an example of the artwork (that’s what I get for having to do this on a laptop while traveling), but I recommend that you visit Mr. Barroso’s website for examples of his drawings and to keep up with his latest projects.

Happy reading!
Chrissa

Fairy Tale Week at Paperback Dolls

Hi Friends,

I just wanted to give you a quick reminder about Fairy Tale Week at Paperback Dolls. I'll be a guest, Wednesday, November 17, 2010, blogging about using fairy tales as inspiration. I’ll also be giving away this yummy candle, Supernatural Fairy Tales’ signature candle, Blueberry Spell, by Studio 3B.

I hope to see you there!

Dorlana

Steampunk in Color

by: Linda Lindsey

Thanks for having me on your blog. I've been sewing for 33 years and costuming for 21. Most of that 21 years was with the Society for Creative Anachronism making Medieval and Renaissance historical clothing. A couple of years ago, I heard about Steampunk but thought that the last thing I needed was another sewing hobby. Then about a year ago, a friend of mine mentioned that she wished she had a Circus Steampunk skirt. I couldn't resist the challenge and made it for her. And I was hooked.

Most people discover Steampunk by reading something like Cherie Priest's novel, "Boneshaker". They get hooked on the cool alternate history and then put together a costume or two. I got hooked on the cool costumes, then read a few books, and am now writing a Steampunk novel. I'm just backwards that way.

After making a costume for myself and shopping around for bits and bobs, I realized that there were two unoccupied niches in the market. There were no women's Steampunk hats, only top hats or mini top hats, and there were no carpet bags, a Victorian necessity. The other thing that bothered me was that everything seemed to be in shades of brown, like a sepia photograph, even though Victorian loved bright colors. So, I started my Etsy shop with a few colorful Victorian hats, added some slightly steamier ones, then added my line of Steampunk carpet bags. Every once in a while I'll put up a skirt or something else that I just had to try and make.



One of the things I picture when I think of Victorians is the carpet bag. When I started looking for one, there were very few available, decent looking, or affordable. So, when I happened to find a pattern and a supplier for the hardware, I went to town.

When I first started searching for Steampunk items, all the hats I could find were top hats or mini top hats and in varying shades of brown. I love color, just like the Victorians did, and thought there might be others out there who would like Victorian lady's hats in a variety of colors.

I usually make my hats out of remnants, but even then, there is always enough fabric left over to make a matching reticule.

Find Linda Lindsey’s creations at: Rosewood Stitches
Visit Linda on Facebook

Steampunk, Fairy Godmothers, and Blueberry Spells

Hi Friends!

What a busy and fun November this will be! On the blog this month,

• Steampunk Accessories by Linda Lindsey
• A short story, “Fairy Godmothers Unite!,” by Katherine Sanger
• Chrissa Sandlin reviews, Kooky Pets, written and illustrated by Koldo Barroso
• I will also be posting chapter 2 “There was a Dear Little Girl” from Silverweed.

Meanwhile, I’m excited about being included in Paperback Dolls' fairy tale week. My article about using fairy tales as inspiration will be posted in the second to the last week of November. I’ll be sure to post a reminder when my article goes live because it also includes a Studio 3B Blueberry Spell Candle Giveaway -Yay!

And speaking of giveaways, the Bloody Kiss’mas Giveaway Extravaganza starts December 1st. This awesome event will be hosted by Paperback Dolls and is presented by Wick’d Reads and VampireWear. There will be 13 days of prizes, including my Silverweed eBook :) You can go here: http://www.wickdreads.com/bloodykissmas.htm for more info and for a list of prizes. JFay of Wick’d Reads and Jo of Vampire Wear will be talking about the event on Nov. 2, on Reign Radio with Kimmi Jae, at 7:30 pm central. If you have a chance, stop by and listen and hang out in the chat room. I’ll be there, along with other Bloody Kiss’mas participants.

Last but not least, I’m a Nanowrimo (National Novel Writing Month) participant! I’m writing a Snow White inspired YA novel, and the widget on my sidebar will keep me on track and focused on my word count… er that is the plan anyway. Even though 50,000 words is the normal goal, I’m going for 65,000. Which if you’ve read any of my books, you’ll know is a lot of words for me – lol. Yikes! Wish me luck. You can follow my progress and and/or share yours on Twitter .

I hope everyone has a family fun-filled Thanksgiving!
Love and Laughter,
Dorlana

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