Welcome to Ms. Mysterioso's Muddle Shop

Agatha Moonhouse is back!

2011-11-29T09:36:00.000-08:00

After many months of putting Agatha Moonhouse (a mini mystery series) on the shelf, I have finally dusted her off and started a fresh.
I was going to tell Agatha's story as a teenager, but I think I will start her career in the eyes of a ten year old. They say 'write what you know,' and I definitely understand being ten, hell I don't think I ever grew up past then!
Here is the newest installment-Agatha Finds A Clue!

If you would like to use this image, just ask. Please don't use otherwise. Thank you.

Success!!

2011-11-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

This last Sunday, I joined the band of arts and craftsmen at the Encinitas Arts & Crafts Faire, and I can tell you it was a blast!

Ms. Mysterioso's first booth

Julie and Kate showed up at 6am from Long Beach to help me! So blessed to have amazing friends!

Lollipop gift tags

My ever constant reminder that I am one of the luckiest people around was tapping me on the shoulder all day long. Friends and family came out to support me in droves and I met some very interesting and fabulously strange folks throughout my day as I manned my booth of illustrations and and a hodge podge of glittery things to sell.
One woman came in to talk about how it took three times for her hair to be straightened and actually stay straightened. She talked at my friend Julie and I for ten minutes, said her piece and walked away.
I understand, sometimes one has to vent about bad hair days.
I learned a lot that day. Besides how one straightens one hair. One lesson that was most clear that day was that I have to get better at selling. For instance:
When a customer came up to my booth and said they would like to buy a print I actually said, "Really?!"
Not a great marketer, to say the least.
I got better by the end of the day, but I have to admit my stomach would give a little flip every time I sold something-- A little shocked and happily surprised.

Christmas cards. 'Santa is comin' to town...You've been warned.'

Wine tags

I am definitely going back to my little booth in the Spring, manned with new found knowledge and more glittery things!

Lollipop, lollipop oh lolli lollipop!

2011-11-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Season's Greetings! Yeah, I said it.
It's here!
Just wanted to show you the beginnings of my lollipops which will become gift tags, ornaments, a lollipop flower in a lollipop garden, anything you want.
Here is the first batch-

Loves me the glitter!

Oh, hello holidays! Can I get you a drink?

2011-11-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

What's everyone going to do to stay less chaotic, be joyous and remember the spirit of the Holiday season?
Yes, drink troughs of alcohol!!
I like it. Excellent answer.
So, I would like to hear from all of you, my twelve fabulous viewers, and tell me your favorite drink concoctions for this holiday season.
Whoever wins will receive a drunk dial from yours truly telling you how fantastic your drink is;)

Cheers!

Happy Holidays!

Double dog dare!

2011-09-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

Beth, Marco and Pig received a challenge.
That brat Margery Fennel said,
"I double dog dare you to ding dong ditch the old haunted house on Craggle Street! Bet you won't!"
She cackled as she sucked on her giant jawbreaker. Gross.

Backing out of a double dog dare from Margery Fennel was not an option.
So they slowly walked to Craggle Street, hearts in their throats, when they saw the house--
black, with two chimney stacks on top that looked like horns of a giant beast.
"Beth said with a shaky voice, "It's just a house."
"Yeah, this is a cinch." Marco said, wrapping his ghost sheet around him for comfort.
Pig just stood there frozen.
They walked closer to the front gate, when the pitch black of the beastly house opened an eye,
someone had turned on a light!

Don't forget to blow out the candles!

2011-09-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished product of the Daily Scribble #14.

In honor of my friend Rachel and Lady Marion's birthday today! I wish you both nothing but the best of love, life and delicious cake! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Don't forget to blow out the candles!

Before

In honor of the birthday girls-Lady Marion and Rachel K Estrella...

2011-09-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

I will make this doodle for YOU!
Mind you this doodle was done a while ago and I haven't used it, so I didn't subconsciously draw a birthday shaped doodle--whatever that means.
I sound very defensive. Alas the doodling BEGINS!

Found out today!

Cecil the Cyclops, and the worst party evah! Doodle #13-DONE!

2011-08-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Poor Cecil.
Not only did Bloody Betty (the ghoul of his dreams) string up with Morbid Mike (moody asshole), he contracted a putrid pustule on top of his head just when it was his turn to play 7 minutes in the coffin with Gutted Greta! She's not Betty, but hey.
Oh and just to top off the night, his head transporter broke down and he had to call his brother Trevor to give him a ride home.
They'll be no living with Trevor after this.

Poor Cecil. Lucky #13

Lucky #13! Let's doodle this!

2011-08-24T11:20:00.000-07:00

I love Halloween, if you haven't picked up on that one, and it's comin' around the mountain soon enough. So, let's get those spooky, oooozing, macabre doodles started!
Hurry Baaaaaaaack.

Lucky #13

Agatha Moonhouse talks to a ghost

2011-08-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

The experiment continues!
I'm very excited about my next attempt at this hybrid medium of illustration and scenic design because I just got tutored by the wonderful and talented, Mr. Andrew Dickey on lighting and camera settings that will definitely prove useful during my arty spirit walk.
Teaching me anything technical is a major challenge, and I thank you Mr. Dickey for your patience and enthusiasm! Cheers to you too Kaef!

Here is the next illustration I will put on stage-Agatha talks to a ghost!
Let's see what comes out of this one shall we?


Rough sketch of Ag, Pete& Charlene

in shadow

The experiment continues...

2011-08-14T21:20:00.000-07:00

Ok, so my quest to make use of my degrees in scenic design and illustration, has created a sort of Frankenstein attempt at storytelling. Here is my very first hybrid.
I used my story of super sleuth Agatha Moonhouse as an example. I put my illustrations on a stage and made a theater production out of it. These are pictures with limited lighting resources, but hey it's a beginning. Enjoy!

***Btw, if you want to see a real master at this go visit Elly Mckay @ www.ellymckay.com. She's unbelievable!


Agatha Moonhouse #1

Little play on the shadow man-
I'm going to ask for photography lessons this Xmas.

A new medium

2011-08-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm conducting an experiment and I hope you'll follow along.
I'm putting my scenic design background and my illustrations and fusing them into one.
I wonder how this is going to come out? Another mystery....

Agatha Moonhouse rough sketch

Agatha Moonhouse in shadow

See what happens next.

The Bluebird of Happiness

2011-08-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is my first original painting I will be selling-ever.
I usually sell prints, but I thought I would up the ante and sell the original artwork. I really love him. His name is Henry and he was having a particularly bad day until a wave of peace swept over him when a bluebird landed on his head. Check out Etsy this afternoon, he will be listed by 2pm and ready to brighten your day.

Henry and the Bluebird of Happiness

An Unexpected Garden

2011-08-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

This plant has been a fabulous source of surprise and mystery (two things I don't mind so much). It was originally a Calla Lily bought at the sexy Home Depot five years ago, but it has proved to be much much more. Check out the mysterious surprise I found this morning...


Behold the Magic Mushrooms (fairy not included)

Daily Scribble #12 Fishy Love

2011-07-29T09:19:00.000-07:00

When two fishes fall in love...

Fishy Love

Daily Scribble #12

2011-07-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Oh so many days between doodles-apologies!
But here is Daily Scribble #12-Let's Doodle This!

Blue doodle #12

I'm back and hitting the ground runnin'!

2011-06-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

Seattle.
Awesome, fun and very, very green! Feels a little 'Englandy.' The England I remember when I was seven and spent the summer in a cottage just behind an ancient cemetery.
I think I must live there one day and have a garden where 'tea' parties are a weekly occurrence, and the ladies I invite are not really ladies but more of a gaggle of broads who are too loud and like wearing hats.

Englandy

Hittin' the Road!

2011-06-15T22:53:00.000-07:00

I am off to the beautiful city of Seattle where I will frolic and explore underground cities and have too many drinks with my fella. There is a possibility of moving there one day, so this trip I will have my eyes peeled for cozy neighborhoods and hidden coffee shops I might want to adopt as my own one day.

I will doodle once more before I head out on that jet plane. Until then......

The Daily Scribble welcomes The Frog Princess and her Starspeckled Pig Puppy

2011-06-14T22:33:00.000-07:00

Oink! Ribbit!

I have been ridiculously absent!

2011-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

So much going on in this ol' noodle. So many changes, so many possibilities...
I froze.
I am awesome under pressure.
But I'm back with a vengeance and a new doodle to be drawn, so keep your eye out for a new masterpiece, or piece of something...Let's Doodle This!

See you tomorrow all gussied up!

The Daily Scribble # 10!!!!!!!

2011-05-07T08:38:00.000-07:00

Let's DOODLE this!

This is how I started off my Sunday morning...

2011-05-01T17:21:00.000-07:00


Not bad:) Actual coffee stain on my counter.

The Daily Scribble #9

2011-04-30T07:58:00.000-07:00

My challenge was to see if my very good friend Christopher could make this scribble look like our very good friend Sean (Samma) better than I could-here is his genius Scribble.


Christopher's ode to Samma

Mine will be posted today. I think Chris24 might win. (Nail biting has begun).

Daily Scribble #9

2011-04-26T08:46:00.000-07:00

The Challenge

Mr. Christopher Inserra has challenged me to a 'Scribble' off! Well, actually he just said he could make any scribble look like our friend Sean (aka Samma). I believe I can do it better.
However, Sean has been Christopher's muse for many years now, so I might choke on my words. No matter, the game is afoot!
LET'S DOODLE THIS!

Need a Scribble!

2011-04-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

Calling all artists and non-artists (no such thing), I need your doodles, scribbles, accidents with a pen to keep the Daily Scribble going. If you have a scanner or a mailman, we can make this happen. Let's doodle this!

Daily Scribble #8-Introducing the Stained Glass Mars Monarch (red strand)

2011-04-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kieran! It is my prettiest.
Introducing the Stained Glassed Mars Monarch (red strand). Found in the Mars ozone, circling the stars.

Before

After

Book-In-A-Week-Reached my goal!

2011-04-11T12:08:00.000-07:00

Created a story about Mr Rumples and his ladylove Gemima. I think I really got something here! Next B-I-A-W challenge is in two weeks and I'm going to finish it then and hand it over to my writing group to see what they make of it.
Truly amazing how giving a story some time and focus, without judgment, creates a nice, cozy place for the characters in your head to come forth and tell their story. I highly recommend it and will do this again and again. Soon I will post the story for you to read, but it's still at the 'closed door stage.' A little more tweaking and I will be brave enough to share.

Daily Scribble #8! I think this will be my masterpiece!

2011-04-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my nephew Kieran for the scribble-awesome!

Soon-to-be-masterpiece

The Daily Scribble #7 The Good Tooth Escapes...

2011-04-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here we go folks! The Good Tooth Escapes Tooth Decay! Clever tooth, he got away from the ultimate sirens of the molar: The Purple gooey gumdrop, the sweet sunshine sour, the rainbow raindrop and of course, the simple but sinister, chocolate kiss!
What a good tooth!


The Good Tooth

Before (Turn to the right in your mind)

The Daily Scribble numero 7

2011-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

Let's doodle this!!

Thanks Loey for the Doodle

Book-In-A-Week is a rockin!

2011-04-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is fantastic! No judgment, just my butt in the chair and writing it out! Finished three pages of my new story and discovered a whole new storyline that just popped into the ol' noodle while writing. First time in a long while I felt this inspired to write. Oh joy of joys, what a feeling!

Daily Scribble #6-Nessy makes a friend

2011-04-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Before

The Loch Ness Monster and his new pal Henry

Daily Scribble #6

2011-04-03T14:31:00.000-07:00

What is around the corner for this unsuspecting scribble? Find out!

Unsuspecting Scribble

Mr. Rumples' Very Interesting Day

2011-04-01T09:32:00.000-07:00

Mr. Rumples thought it would be another ordinary day,
however....
Add a key wrapped in a note telling Mr. Rumples to 'Find Me'!

Needless to say, Mr. Rumples had a very interesting day.
To be continue ...

This is the very beginning of a story...let's see what happens.
I'm very curious.

Book-In-A-Week

2011-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

Not sure if you all remember, but I vowed to join a club that pushed me to write-- I am a demon of gettin' things done when I'm under the gun!
Well, I did it.
It's a group called Book-In-A-Week and they have a vast community of people that support the cause of busting it out, no excuses. My time starts on the 4th of April where I will set my goal and report my progress to my fellow BIWers. Neat huh?
So another dream begins...how cool is that?
Keep you posted!

And the adventure begins...

Night, again

2011-03-25T07:55:00.000-07:00


Night with more stars

Or we can add a few more stars. What about this one?

Night and Day

2011-03-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

Soon to be on Etsy...Night and Day.

Night

Day

I Like the Brady Bunch aspect of these two, but am a little distracted

by the drippies on Night. Looked nice live, but seeing it printed hmmm? What do you think?

Chaelen Designs: The Truth About Snow White

2011-03-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Chaelen Designs: The Truth About Snow White: "This is the first of a series of fairy tales, fancifully retold and illustrated with some of the best things I've found on Etsy recently. Ea..."

This is a fellow 'Etsyan' who wanted to use my illustration 'The Grotto' for her story on her blog. Needless to say, I was very honored and appreciative. The story is lovely and the items she has found on Etsy illustrate her story beautifully! Thanks again Chaelen

The Grotto

Weigh In--Booyah!

2011-03-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Alright! Down 2.2lbs means I got the little star sticker with a '5' emblazoned on it! Five pounds gone from the gut! It also means I have cut out 17,500 calories out of my diet. Incredible. I don't feel deprived? Well, that is a small lie. Sometimes I feel quite deprived and annoyed through this journey. The pity parties are also pretty epic-- I think I will make hats for the next one.
But I'm happy and a little proud.

Daily Scribble #5-See the Drama!

2011-03-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

Daily Scribble #5 is finally finished%
The outcome possibly inspired by the drama of the cough that I am sporting right now. It sounds like I will die soon, and in a Nyquil induced dream I just had, I am living in 'Little House on the Prairie' times, and Doc Baker has the only medicine that will cure me but he is stuck in Mankado(sp) delivering triplets that are all breach. Like I said, Drama.

Before

Enjoy!


The Drama

A wee bit sick

2011-03-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

The last daily scribble will be delayed until I get over the muck that is coursing through the ol' bod.
Happy it's a Sunday and gray outside-somehow that gives my mind permission to turn into a slug and get well. See you tomorrow:) and please avoid the muck if you can.

Ian Axel - This Is the New Year

2011-03-17T14:49:00.000-07:00

Daily Scribble #5

2011-03-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my nephew Ryan, for the scribble. Let's see if I can dazzle you with my artistry;)

Let's doodle this!

The Daily Scribble #4-Finally!

2011-03-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Alright folks, here it is! The Daily Scribble #4, actually the Scribble(s) my fella obliged me a few days back. I separated them so we could view them a little easier.
#1


Before


After--'First Parachute Drop'


Before


After-Go Team Go!

Before

Fashion Week

Thank you!

2011-03-16T07:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you all for your great suggestions! It really helped me a lot. Much, much appreciated:)

New Magical and Mysterious listings to buy on Etsy!

2011-03-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

If you feel so inclined, please check out the shop on Etsy. Two new pieces up for grabs and I would love you to have them:)


Blanche Sees a Spell

Agatha Moonhouse, DetectivE

An Arty Taste Test

2011-03-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Need your opinion lovelies.
Starting a series with pictures of strange small children that live in a haunted mansion together. Each one has a gift and a personality very unique to them and will be named accordingly. Might turn this series into dark alphabet illustrations, but we'll see what you all think first.
This first set of pictures is a about a boy named Monroe, who likes everything just so.
Just So Monroe.
Which do you like best? Comment please, feel free.

Add caption

#2

THANK YOU!

The Daily Scribble #4

2011-03-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

I asked for one scribble and I got 4! Thanks Barrett for the inspiration!
Okay folks, let's doodle this!

Will this be the Opus of all scribbles?

Quack, moo and BOOOOOOO!

2011-03-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

This day needs to be folded up tight, packed inside a musty old trunk, and thrown overboard while on fire. The end.
I actually feel better now.
Thank you friends and a goodnight <3 princess

The little princess is off to bed now because she is being a wee brat.

The Daily Scribble III--Boogie gets the Christmas spirit

2011-03-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

When holidays collide!
Boogie gets the Christmas spirit and steals a tree for his own haunted mansion. He doesn't seem too guilty about it either.
I think this scribble says more about me than Boogie. Don't judge too harshly;)
Thanks Janel for the scribble:)

Boogie the ghost gets the Christmas spirit

Daily Scribble III

2011-03-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

Thank you Ms. Janel for sending in this darling doodle!
Let's see what mysterious scenario I can create with it by tomorrow.
Let's doodle this!

Doodle #3

3:30am and blossomed

2011-03-12T05:01:00.000-08:00

Dreams! Whoa!
On a stage covered in soil, in a park with long, I'm talking LONG knitted socks on my feet that climbed up to me knees.They were of many colors, like Joseph's coat, and the toes were planted in the ground like tulips.
I couldn't move.
I had a following of folks who thought I was fairly interesting because I had rainbow socks planted in the ground. One girl had gone as far as to plant her own socks in the ground. She had been my neighbor for a year and I still wasn't sure why she had planted her booties in the ground, but I was happy for the companionship. Then one day a man came up to me and my planted companion and said,
"Move. You've blossomed."
My friend and I looked at each other and she shook her head no. She shook it so slowly that it looked like she was trying to screw it off her neck.
I looked at the man and he nodded. I shifted my feet back and forth and the ground started to crack underneath me. I looked down and the soil parted revealing a wooden stage. My socks were punctured through the stage taking on the shape of old tree roots that tear up sidewalks. I shifted again and the stage splintered and broke open. Underneath were a crowd of people holding on to my socks. When they saw me they screamed with so much rage I thought my ears would burst. I pulled up with my feet--hard and desperate now trying to get free. They yanked and clawed, and I pulled and pulled, but I couldn't do it. I couldn't get free.
Then my planted companion leaned over to me and said,
"just take off the socks."
The idea seemed impossible to me.
But I grabbed the top of one sock and pulled down. The edge was sticky and felt like rubber cement. Residue and dirt stuck to my leg as I pulled off the sock, my legs stained with color from the dye of the wool, but then, I was free. Simple.
Then I woke up...dang! I don't know who the man was or my planted companion, but I am ever so grateful to them for pulling me out of the ground.

The Daily Scribble II--ALIEN CAPTURE!

2011-03-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished product of yesterday's daily scribble--ALIEN CAPTURE!
Poor fellow. Just wanted to take a look around Earth and say 'hi' and this is what happens to him. Not to worry, he gets even in the end.

The Daily Scribble II

2011-03-09T09:24:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend Barrett, obliged me with this wonderful scribble this morning--thank you love.
Dig it!

Come back tomorrow and see what hatched out of my brain

Tiny Stories

2011-03-08T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hello!
This is an introduction to another page called 'Tiny Stories,' ( Find stories under fat cat picture).
This is the journey of me losing 40lbs of yummy food that has somehow stuck to my frame!? The medium I will be using as a guide is Weight Watchers--going to meetings and tracking online and struggling with the old voices that can't seem to find its way out of the ole noodle.
I would love anyone to join in the discussions and the mystery that is the human brain and why we do some of the things we do.
It began a few weeks ago for me Down 6lbs, up 2, and down another.5. The rollercoaster ride to change! I can't do it alone. Let's do this!

Naughty and Nice

2011-03-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Okay, so my bff, Kaefer, suggested I do a series of diptychs to sell on Etsy. I love this idea because it has a theme and a structure, and sounds like something I would like to hang up on my condo walls.
Side note: Even though I am an artsy fartsy type, I function better with a smidge of structure. When I'm free-wheelin' I'm a nut and get absolutely nothing done.
I have begun the process of sketching different themes. First will be Naughty and Nice. Pretty obvious, I know, but it's turning the brain in a good, creative direction.
Here are the very first rough sketches....


Nice and Naughty

Let's see what happens next...A mystery oooooh ahhhhhhhhhh;)

The Daily Scribble in color

2011-03-05T09:52:00.000-08:00

So here is the finished product of yesterday's scribble. It was inspired by my best friend Kaefer who just basically rocks in every way! Here is before.....

and after

The Daily Scribble

2011-03-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

As a illustrator, I tend to get a little blocked when it comes to ideas on what to draw or paint. The brain gets stuck in the mud and keeps spinnin' its wheels.
But there is a solution!
THE DAILY SCRIBBLE!
My sister came up with this idea for me many moons ago, and it works beautifully.
It's simple. You take a scribble that you doodled, or your friend doodled, your boyfriend doodled, your girlfriend doodled, or your kid doodled..., doodled is a great word!

and create a quick masterpiece by the end of the day. Do this daily and the ideas won't ever dry up. Well, in theory.
Would love to see your masterpieces!

ETSY!!!!!!

2011-03-03T13:23:00.000-08:00

Hooray!
Sold seven prints today and feeling high! It's incredible to think I can be happy when I work. I totally get the seven dwarves right now...."whistle while I work...da,da,da,da,da,da,daaaaaa!"
How does one write a whistling sound? Hmm?

Etsy is up!

2011-03-02T20:21:00.000-08:00

My Etsy store is up and running! Hooray!
I sell prints of my illustrations, so if you enjoy the art please check it out.

And....

2011-03-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

I will also be taking on the task of writing a book in a month. Using a book called, what do you know,
Book in a Month by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, Ph.D.
Very excited about this endeavor because the speed of the exercises in this book will push through the swampland of doubt and insecurity and hopefully create a beginning, middle, and end kind of story.
Now, be warned, the writing may possibly stink, but I will have a fully fleshed story by April 7th, 2011. The date of this challenge begins: March 7, 2011.
Anyone with me?

Oh, hello!

2011-03-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the very first blog of my entire life!
Wait, I just lied to you, not a great way to start. Apologies.
I had one blog and wrote exactly three entries for it, so it was only a white lie, dear reader.

What will I be writing about you wonder? Probably not thinking that at all, but I'm indulging myself.
I will be writing about mysterious happenings around my neighborhood--
Formula:
a quiet suburb ='s possible menacing and strange goings on.

or

a quiet neighborhood ='s absolutely nothing is happening.

I prefer the former, but only if the 'menacing' part is the cozy kind of menacing--like an Agatha Christie novel. This is my neighborhood.