If you need a to-scale example of the size of the shield I showed you how to make, here you go!
This shield is just the right size for my cat, Ferdinand. He is ready to go in to battle with the most ferocious of foes! Watch out!
Hi-yah!
Tag: cat
NEW Birthday Cards Added to my Etsy Shop
As I was looking for a birthday card for a friend’s youngster the other day, I found myself at a crossroad between “girly” and “just-for-boys”. It would seem that most children’s birthday cards are highly gendered and pretty sarcastic. I wanted a nice card for a nice little girl who isn’t into princesses or shopping yet. There were none to be found.
I took it upon myself to make a set of three birthday cards for boys or girls (and unisex!) that are cute but not overly-cute; boyish but not brutish. I mentioned them in an earlier post…
It’s no secret that I like cats. I designed these cards to have a retro feel with the bold, iconic illustrations of boy cats and girl cats. I gave each card a hand-lettered message that says “Birthday Girl or Boy” and “Happy Birthday” for a gender neutral option. I am very pleased with how they turned out.
Wish “Happy Birthday” to a boy or a girl (or adult!)
*Also available in lime green and other colors!
Blues and greens for the Birthday Boy
Pink or red for the Birthday Girl
I styled the design after 1950’s-style cartoon characters with the simple eyes, bold lines, and bright colors. Each cat is holding a cupcake in one hand and a present in the other. The hand-lettering gives the card an informal feel that lends itself well to children’s cards. They are, however, not overtly childish, so you could send one to an adult too!
They are available in my Etsy Shop and every card is printed by me and hand scored. Each comes with its own envelope. Other custom-colors can be created upon request.
The Cat’s Meow
This really is the Cat’s Meow!
I designed this package this week. It was made using Photoshop and Illustrator and was an exercise in package design and branding. The concept behind this project was to make a package for an herbal tea that would also fit within a larger “Cat’s Meow” brand.
I wanted to come up with an iconic look with a nice color palate that would stand out on the shelves. Porthole-style circle on front and side of label showcases the herbs that are featured in this herbal tea, making it easy for customers to pick what best suits their needs. I have more fun ideas in mind.
Look for more to come!
Sneak Peek of New Projects
Howdy! It’s been a while since we last chatted. I’ve been quite busy with work and also had family visiting, so I apologize for the delay.
I’ve been working on a few fun new projects recently and I’d love to share a sneak peek of one of the newest projects I am working on! This is a new drawing that I will be printing very soon! Stay tuned for more process photos and other sneak peeks of other projects in the same “series”!
Halloween Time is the Best Time
I love Halloween, if you couldn’t tell from the last few posts….
I’m getting in to the Halloween Spirit with some of my newest artwork. This new Pink Toe Press Exclusive screen print is just in time for Halloween!
The print is based off of a pen and ink drawing that I drew recently. It is printed with Speedball Acrylic Inks on a heavy, smooth Bristol. Measuring 11 by 17 inches, it fits perfectly in any room! Next time I am going to try the print on orange paper and on T-Shirts. Stay tuned!
Cat Calavera
Calaveras, or Sugar Skulls, are a mainstay of the holiday Dia De Los Muertos. Molded from sugar, traditional Calaveras represent the sweetness of life and the sadness of death. I’ve always loved and been fascinated by this holiday ever since I was young. My Spanish teacher in primary school was raised in Mexico, and she introduced us to the holiday and its traditions.
Living in Southern California, I really enjoy visiting Olvera Street during the Dia De Los Muertos celebration. It’s something I look forward to every year. Death is a sad part of life, but I think that celebrating someone’s life is a good way to start when mourning someone’s death. This Calavera is of a cat’s skull. I was inspired to make this drawing because a friend’s cat passed away a couple weeks ago. Drawn using markers and pens, this drawing is nice and colorful. I think this would make a lovely card or tattoo design. Or both! Who knows, maybe I’ll Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos in style by getting this awesome tattoo.
Halloween Cats
A little while ago I posted about a Halloween Cat drawing that I’d made. Now I think I know what I’ll do with him: make a pattern for paper, textiles, and more! Look at how happy they all are:
Time to make some Halloween bags and T-shirts. I’ve got my screens ready!
Getting Ready for Halloween
Halloween is my favorite time of year!
I really like all parts of the Holiday…from the costumes to the candy, the haunted houses to the changing leaves. As you know, I like cats too, so this little drawing really makes me smile. This grinning cat is ready to celebrate Halloween with you. I sketched the ideas for the drawing with pen and ink, then made this version digitally.
I can’t wait to turn this in to a screen print. I think it would make an awesome print or tote bag. Stay tuned for more Halloweeney fun!!!
Ground Control to Major Tom
“Can you hear me, Major Tom?” …Major Tom-Cat, that is.
I hope all is well. I’ve been a little spacey lately what with all the pain meds they had me on after my accident. It’s been almost a week since I was doored in a cycling accident sending me to the hospital with a whole lot of injuries. I had to take a few days off work to let my body and mind reboot. I’m still in a lot of pain, but at least I’m alive, right? Nothing like a near-death experience to make you reflect on life and what you’re doing with it. With my few days off (I was in far too much pain to even think about going to work) I was able to relax a bit and take some time to meditate…and nap.
Honestly, sometimes I feel like I work all the time…between my two part-time jobs, managing the shop and the other at the studio, my freelance work, and my personal projects, I don’t really find myself having much (if any) free time. Granted, I do enjoy what I work on… but the hours I work can be a little rough. However as an artist, I get so pleased when I see a project that I like through to completion. That being said, I think I should be better at taking time to relax and enjoy myself. You only live once, and who knows what is going to happen next.
Although I most certainly wish it came in a different package, I think that I really needed a break for more than just a physical healing time, you know?
-P.
Pink Toe Press
Pink Toe Press is the name of my online shop and my printing press… I’ve been creating a lot of work under the name, and recently decided to really push the “brand.” I recently decided to create a nice little logo to put on my invoices, blog, website, and other Schwag and promotional materials. I even have a sticker on my Laptop.
Page Redford 
