"Where Books Come to Life" by Andersen M. Studio

Check out this amazing stop-motion promo by Andersen M. Studio:

Flipback Books

I came across this video at the Casual Optimist blog! and I knew I had to re-shared it!. 

I'm really digging the little flipback books because as someone who takes public transportation, bikes and walks, this little book would be so nice to carry when I don't want my usual book to weight me down or if I'm in the mood for some light reading and/or if I need a little extra room in my purse :) After all I carry a lot of things!!!

I would also love to see little artbooks or little comics printed in that format, I think it will be fun to read and look, what do you think?

Though I have to disagree with this ARTICLE from the Guardian, I really don't see how this little book could kill the kindle, and this ARTICLE shows that I'm not the only one who thinks that way.

Since they were released here in Europe, I'll see if I can get my hands on one and I'll share my opinions about the real thing.

Enjoy the rest of your monday!

Haas & Hahn's Murals

Last Murals of the week, I promise.
These are the murals of Haas & Hahn, it sure gives a different personality to the town no? Who would have though a mural could be a positive change.


From their site:


"Haas&Hahn is the working title of artistic duo Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn. They started working together in 2005, when they filmed a documentary about hip hop in the favelas of Rio and São Paolo for MTV. Inspired by this visit, they embarked on a journey to bring outrageous works of art to unexpected places, starting with painting enormous murals in the slums of Brazil together with the local youth."


I Love, how as artists we have a wonderful way to start change for the good.


Read an article about them HERE


Visit their website @ http://www.favelapainting.com/home

Links for Japan

You know the term "I'll believe it when I'll see it"?


I have to say the more I read and watch on the news about the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis in Japan I still find it hard to believe it happened, sadly it is happening.  It's in moments like this when we need the support of others and I love and admire how quickly we all try to reach and help people we don't know, people we have never met, a country we have never been and yet we help because we know they are humans like us. 


Stories about a little kindergarten girl fundraising with her art, bloggers coming together, a mentor and friend artist Daniel Lim aka Fawn Fruits donating 100% of his proceeds from his "Sweet Imperfections" show to relief efforts in Japan, my good friend Zakka Nouveau creating the project Stitch + Connect about the strength of connection through her stitching to fundraise for the non-profit of your choice, and artists creating prints and plush. All to help and so can you.


There's also the classic: The red cross: HERE.
HERE's a great site on non-profit organizations that are reliable and trustful.


Hope I didn't sound preachy, just wanted to share links or more options on how to help. If I did sound preachy, just ignore me.

Links Soup for the Soul

I wish you all a very happy weekend, but before you go off to weekend mode I want to share with you this 5 blogs that will not only tickle your funny bone but give you the same effect of indulging in the deliciousness of chocolate.


MY MILK TOOF:
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your milk teeth came alive? here you can find out!  It's AAaaalliiiveeee, AAAaaLLllliveee!! 


COLOR ME KATIE:
A girl who is a walking rainbow, wait no! She does not walk instead she skips down the street. Taking bright colorful pictures and creating wonders with papers. Also she is mother to Moo, not a cow but a cute cat that can fly.


BOOKIE WOOGIE: 
Oh my god, what can I say?other than I wish that was the name of a step dance I would very much learn to do, this is cutest place to see children books being reviewed by 4 very cute and smart children who love the written word. Never grow up.


CALCIUM FORTIFIED: 
I never truly appreciated screencaps until I bumped into this blog. It makes me laugh so loud my mother thinks I'm watching modern family again. It's full of funny comments and travel pictures and a whole appreciation for milk. Let's all drink in the name of the cows, because without those wonderful mammals we would have never gotten blessed with the perfect liquid to dunk our double stuff Oreos.


& SO ON:  
A blog of few words, but her images share so much more from smart, funny to wow. She loves to say 'ello and wishes to have a british accent .  She can do kick-ass design, as well as kick your ass 'cuz she can climb walls, believe it 'cuz I seen it. 


EWWWW BOOGERS SMELL NASTY: 
Oh hell yes they do, don't act innocent we all have picked our noses and smelled our boogers sometime in our lives. So move on and come read a girl's hilarious thoughts and the other's crazy illustrations. What a wonderful marriage of creativity.

Best Illustrated Children's Book 2010. Check Them Out!

So I came across the "Best illustrated Children's Books 2010" article and I really want to check them all out. I am familiar with Peter Brown's "Children make terrible pets" why? because it was once upon an afternoon a friend an I wandered into a Barnes and Nobles, walked to the children section, saw the book from the display, took it and we started reading, and giggling, and loudly kept giggling all the way to the end. I added it to my list of books to buy in the future when I get a bigger bookshelf and we left happy.


Here's a pic of the cover:

To read about his process creating this book, head over to one of my favorite blogs: Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast a fun blog about books.

Have a great week everyone!

VAcation! Texas to LA to Portland

Ooooof So much to do! I have to finish a book, start packing, then off to a road trip with the parents to LA where I will see my wonderful friends and family. Then off to a road trip to Portland. So I want to do all  this calmly so I will take a break from my blog. As soon as I'm settled in Portland you will all hear from me :).

I Write Like...

I came across this fun program that analyzes your writing and tells you who famous writer you write like. Let's see who do "I write like", by posting one of my blog post. The result was...

*Drum rolls*

CORY DOCTOROW

I never read any of his books, but if I write like him we must share good humor.

Then since this is getting really famous there's even a funny version known a "I actually write like".

Here was the result I got from it.

*Drum Rolls*

Like a drunk working through issues.

yohoohohohahahahaa

Try it and let me know your results!

I Write Like

I Actually Write Like

I am an INFJ but write like an ESTP!

That's right so I took the Bryes-Miggs personality test and discovered that I'm a:

INFJ

The website where I took it describes me as:

"INFJs are warm and affirming people who are usually also deep and complex. They're likely to seek out and promote relationships that are intense and meaningful. They tend to be perfectionists, and are always striving for the Ultimate Relationship. For the most part, this is a positive feature, but sometimes works against theINFJ if they fall into the habit of moving from relationship to relationship, always in search of a more perfect partner. In general, the INFJ is a deeply warm and caring person who is highly invested in the health of their close relationships, and puts forth a lot of effort to make them positive. They are valued by those close to them for these special qualities. They seek long-term, lifelong relationships, although they don't always find them"

I read it and think yeah that sounds like me!, but then I took the blog analyzer and came out being an:

ESTP!

Here what wikipedia says about it:

"According to Myers-Briggs, ESTPs are hands-on learners who live in the moment, seeking the best in life, wanting to share it with their friends. The ESTP is open to situations, able to improvise to bring about desired results. They are active people who want to solve their problems rather than simply discuss them."

And the blog analyzer website says the following:

"The active and playful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time..."

I'll read it and think, ok some of it applies but the rest does not apply to me!. I'm not into physical out-door activities, I mean I SUCKED! at P.E. ( I tricked the teacher that yes I ran the 4 laps but actually ran 2, by hiding behind runners so he would never spot me) and yes sometimes I keep my problems to myself because I like to solve them on my own first, but if I realize that I can't I'm always open to discussing it with friends for a second opinion. And I have no problem in sitting still as long as I'm doing something like reading or painting.

So what does this mean?
I'm suffering from a split personality? 
I have a double soul? 
I'm possessed?
I don't know myself?
I don't write the way I act?




Or maaaaaybe ESPT + INFJ = Gemini? yes that must be it.
But has given me the curiosity to re-read all my blog post.


Share me your opinion, what personality you feel best describes me? I'm curious.
Also share me your personality trait :)


To find out what you are go HERE.
To have your blog analyzed go HERE.

Hope Everyone had a Happy 4th of July Weekend.

Today I've come to realize that sometimes the people you love the most can also hurt you the most. To cheer me up I posted here some of the pictures from the trip I took yesterday with my parents to Galveston, Tx. I hope to feel more like myself tomorrow.

Phrases for the Week

I'm all settled in my new home(at least until I move to Portland), which means I'm back to blogging regularly. In the process of cleaning, packing and unpacking I came across this paper:

This is in spanish, but here is the English translation:

:The knowledge man should not forget:

The biggest obstacle..............................Fear

The most beautiful day..........................Today

The biggest mistake...............................To give up

The worst flaw.......................................Selfishness

The worst bankrupt................................Discouragement

The best teachers....................................The Children

The most ugly emotion...........................Envy

The most beautiful gift............................Forgiveness

The biggest knowledge...........................God

The most wonderful in the world............Love

The sweetest happiness...........................Peace

I don't know where this paper came from, but I'm glad I found it. It is now glued to one of the pages of my sketchbook. Thought It would be nice to share it and welcome this new week, have a great week everyone.

Side note

Sorry for not updating lately,when moving from one place to another is hard specially when you just canceled your internet :/ , but as soon as I'm settled I will get back to updating regularly.
Have a good weekend everyone :).

D.I.Y Recycling taking a vacation.

As you know, I'm in the process of packing before moving again. (wow feel like a nomad) so I will start the D.I.Y. Recycling until I'm settled in the other house. :)


If you are a fan on book covers check out this amazing book process from artist Joy Ang . It's going to inspired you to do a pencil rendered sketch and edit it in photoshop :)

http://theanthologyproject.com/theanthoprocess.php 

PS:I Decided to go back to courier instead of helvetica :)

Look! I got featured on a blog!

Hello everyone, hope you had a good weekend. I did, my painting "Las Luciernagas" sold (Thank you Adam). But if you are interested you can request a print HERE. I really like how part of the profit goes toa non-profit, when done with my current projects I plan to submit another painting for sale.


Also my painting "The Swan Maiden" was featured on "The Fairy Tale Cupboard". Being a Fairy Tale fan I was honored blogger Claire Massey asked to use my painting.(Thank you!)If you love fairy tales, storytelling, beautiful illustration, writings about fairy tales, informaton, events, exhibitions and more, then you will love this blog.
Again if you are a fan of fairy tales you must check it out, if you are not a fan of fairy tales CHECK IT OUT you may find a new passion.


Here is the link: http://thefairytalecupboard.blogspot.com/


Also my computer charger died on me, so I'm on my brother's computer and I miss my Mac already, I'm so ackward on the P.C.(where's my command button?)


See you guys tomorrow :)

Look I won a book. Ask me a question. Read amazing interviews

Hello everyone:
We wont have a D.I.Y this week , I have some lovely guests visiting from my hometown I must attend to, but here are a few quick announcements:


LOOK I WON A BOOK:
It's always so exciting to win things, but for me even more super exciting when is a book. I won this book from a giveaway giving by Booklicious. A blog that covers all things book from reviews to amazing reads, beautiful book covers, amazing bookshelves. I truly recommend to check it out @ www.bookliciousblog.com. Here's my book:

ASK ME A QUESTION:

If you are wondering why randomly a question will show in my blog with an answer from me? Well is because I have joined Formspring, where you can ask me any questions and i'll gladly will answer it for you. You can do it so by going to the side bar of the blog I have the little question box or @ http://www.formspring.me/byromina

READ AMAZING INTERVIEWS:

I have become contributor for the blog A BAD CRIT, a blog for the underdogs. A blog that shows artists who are on the rise and are not known as widely as the artist we heard about all the time. 

Check it out is very inspiring @ http://www.abadcrit.com 

Enjoy the rest of your week :)

Happy Spring

Happy spring for everyone, I know is not officially spring, but here it feels like it. The grass is already showing its green and in the mornings the sun warms my room right away, waking me to a sunny day instead of a cloudy one. So I'm excited because that means, more time outside than inside,and time to out winter clothes away.
I borrowed this beautiful picture from Waynel's photography via FLICKR . Isn't it beautiful? so I HAD to share it. He has the most amazing bird photograpy, next time I need to draw birds I will use his photos for reference.

First Quotes

I hope everyone had a good weekend, I spent it fighting a cold and sore throat, and I'm thankful today I woke up 85% better. Tomorrow I will be 100% myself.So tomorrow I will work on last week's ecollustration, but I will post it with this week ecollustration. Now a few months ago, I started a reading journal,where I write down quotes I get from books I read, I would like to share some of them:
"The reason  as to why we differ from the animal kingdom is self-awareness, it drives our ongoing efforts to understand our very nature"-Human by the Smithsonian Institute
"I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life's a bitch. You've got to go out and kick ass" Maya Angelou on Getting in touch with your inner bitch
"For many people the religion in which they are raised is religion, and they take no deep interest in other religions, even those to whom their religion means a great deal rarely know much about its history"
"Religions need to be seen as a whole, as living bodies that develop in relation to each others"-From Religion in four dimensions
"The search for truth will continue as long as there are human beings with curiosity...This is due to the attitudes and working processes of those whose mission it is to define truth: philosophers, artists and scientists"- John Langdon in Wordplay
"Astronomy compels the soul to look upwards and lead us from this world to another" Plato in Wordplay
"History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes"-Wordplay
"What we call the beginning is often the end and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from" T.S Elliot in Wordplay"
One of the reasons I love to read is because I love quotes. They are the sentences that I feel carry wisdom that make you stop and reflect or bring out a reaction from you.

"I would like to thanks my family and friends, my supporters, my blah blah blah"

It's been a good weekend for me, so I'm in a very good mood. :)
I submitted my blog to the delightful blogs directory and was accepted. Show your support by visiting it, rating, or leaving a sweet comment. While you there you should check out the other wonderful blogs they have listed.
Just click the icon and it will take you to my delightful blog page:

That is not all, I was also awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award:

This award was given to me by Davinah (thank you!) from the Daybysnap blog. Go check it out is a blog that always carry a smile on it's face , beautiful photography,  and motivation. The beauty of this award is that I must share 5 random facts about myself, so here we go:

1: I always carry 3 things with  me no matter where I go: My sketchbook, a book and  pen or pencil.

2: I'm half deaf, which sometimes gives me the ability to change your sentences from "want candy?" to "ants can see?" 

3: I love to laugh, anytime, anywhere, so yes when I'm older I will have more laugh lines than you.

4: Chocolate lover for life. 

5: I'm a big fan of flea markets, craft fairs, estate sales and garage sales. Good finds for cheap!

And now I must award 6 other blogs, so here are 6 blogs of close friends of mine, that update regularly. Now you can always see under my links all the blogs I highly recommend to visit, so check them out too, so much inspiration and motivation out there, I love it. 

1:And so on : The blog of Graphic designer Taryn who shares her quirky side by sharing videos, photos, images that will make you smile, laugh, think and surprise you.

2:Chadilaksono : The blog of a designer/ photographer/ cook that will share the recipes of good design, beautiful composed photography, delicious cooking, great moments in her life and share her finds in the internet.

3: Jawcooper : The blog of illustrator/zoolustrator who creates new creatures  that you wish really existed. She will blow you away with her amazing drawing and painting skills. Sometimes with the help of her assistant rupert she gives away free art

4: Mimsill : If you love children and landscapes you will love her blog is filled by both from her sketchbook that she takes to never miss a chance to sketch.

5: Chee-z : If you love all things cheesy this graphic designer/photographer/movie maker will be your best friend.

6: Jules : We like to call him the next James Jean with a twist of spice. A blog where you can see the process work of illustrator Julian Callos, who will make you drool with his painting, they are so good you wish you could eat one.

Sharing is caring

Well this blog will now be updated everyday because from the usual posts of "From my library to yours","Ecollustration of the Week", "Ecollustrator of the week" and "D.I.Y Recycling" comes a new category "Sharing is Caring". "Sharing is Caring" is me   sharing great news, inspirations and anything worth sharing.
Today's Sharing is:

WWW.TWOLEAVESANDABUD.COM: It's winter and Texas is a bit colder than what I'm used to from when I lived in Los Angeles. Then Also I wake up at 7:30 in the morning and something warm is appreciated. I asked a tea guru( a good friend of mine who's quite a tea-fanatic) what sort of tea is good and she recommended me Loose tea, not dusty Tea from the grocery store. I came across this tea sampler at Homegoods. It's packaging caught my attention (a company that shows good and creative packaging, will always beat the others not so beautiful packagings)I love how each bag, where the tea is stored, its clear so you can see the tea and it gives you the the recommended time to steep your tea to get the best of the flavor. I was a fan of the organic chamomile, the alpine berry, and the peppermint teas. When you are done with your sampler you end up with a lovely bamboo box you can reuse as a mini file cabinet or address file cabinet( I plan to use it to file the business cards I collect).



So tea lovers and tea-beginners I recommend to check out their website as well as their blog .


Have a good day everyone