New Artwork & Clocks Added!
Current mood: working

The newest stuff added to the Charcoal Shoppe! Limited edition plaques, wall clocks and a new deer necklace!

Everything available at www.charcoaldesigns.com!

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Goodbye Heath Ledger

I have lost friends and family members to drugs and it's an unfortunate but sometimes unavoidable thing in life. No matter how much you care about someone or keep an eye on them they are going to leave us.

Currently listening : Warsaw By Warsaw (Joy Division) Release date: 21 November, 1995

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Susan Beal’s New Book: Bead Simple
Current mood: accomplished

The year was 2006, and it was my very first craft show (evah!) and not only was there a cameo appearance by Jennifer Perkins herself (host of Craft Lab and Naughty Secretary extraordinaire!) but Susan Beal of Susan Stars (and writer of my favorite blog: West Coast Crafty!) asked me if I wanted to enter a submission for her upcoming book Bead Simple! Of course I said yes and once I understood the project (hehe, say yes first, understanding comes later) I crafted away and made some button/buckle brooches for Susan's book!

Images courtesy of Susan Beal:



Well now I can't believe that time has gone by so fast and the book is coming out this March. I got a sneak preview of the book and demo projects at last November's Felt Club and let me tell you the necklaces were stunning in person!!



Susan's book comes out in March of 2008, and you're gonna' love it!

This is my image of the buckle brooches I submitted for the book:

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Voting Has Begun-The Great American Craft Off!
Current mood: anxious

The Great American Craft Off is On Like Donkey Kong! I have two entries in this competition. Vote for Charcoal Designs and have a place in my heart forever!!

You can vote once a day, everyday! So don't be shy and give it a try!

I'll keep everyone posted on the results! Thank you everyone!!

Click Below To Vote For 'Elvis & Apple Pie':


Click Below To Vote For 'Love Is...Freedom'


Tip: You can vote once a day for both entries!! :D

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The Great American Craft Off!
Current mood: crappy

I absolutely LOVE to enter craft contests. It's like a personal art assignment that a stranger gives to me and I comply. haha. Seriously though, it gets me to think outside of my box and make somethings that I usually wouldn't. For instance there is a contest goin' on called the Great American Craft off and of course the theme is America! I just entered one design (you can enter as many as you like) and starting Jan.9th, folks (just like you!) can begin voting on their favorites. I hope that you keep Charcoal Designs in mind when voting! I'll keep everyone posted! :D

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Derby Dolls This Saturday Dec.8th!

Charcoal Designs & Kustom Voodoo will be representin' at The Derby Dolls this Saturday! We will have our infamous wears for a sale!! Bring Xtra cash...not just enough for beer! :D

Come one come all...but drive carefully, the roads will be slick!



If you've never been to a Derby Dolls bout you are in for a treat. Not only have I spotted such celebs as John C. Reilly (serioulsy!) and Patricia & Alexis Arquette (and also punk legend Shawn Stern of Youth Brigade) but the beer is moderately priced, the girls are scantily clad and this weekend lead singer John Easdale of Dramarama is gonna' sing the national anthem...no doubtedly he will punk it up! Good Times fa sure!

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Modest Mini Pins Are Back!

Modest Mini Pins are back and only $2!! Buy one now and the purchase price will be donated to Toys For Tots! This is a great organization that gives toys to kids who might not otherwise get anything for Christmas!

We sold over 35 Mini Pins At The Felt Club craft show a couple of weeks ago, earning $70 for Toys For Tots thus far!

There are 20 Mini Pin Images To Choose From!



Also spend over $25 and get free shipping from now until Jan.1st!!

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Viva Le Mutt!

I've never met a pitbull I didn't like. Dogs rule! And these posters kick butt and take names! www.obeythepurebreed.com.





My dog is actually a mix of chihuahua and australian cattle dog and I actually think their are benefits to not having a pure breed dog, for instance they are less likely to develop hereditary diseases and problems, but all dogs rock, it's the puppy mill owners and pet store owners that do not rock. Viva le mutt!

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Early Times

Sharing is Caring...Some pics. of my earlier years.



My dad and I at Big Bear, CA. I guess I dug robots.



My Mom, big bro (this was before I was born) and dad. My dad is sporting some awesome chops there. And no, contrary to popular belief, my brother is not Russian.



I'm rockin' that Chicago shirt, it was my favorite. My bro was literally trying to kill me a few frames after this pic. was taken...let's see some of those action shots, eh. Look at him just eyeballing his prey.



My two great grandma's (Ida & Laurencia) and my bros first b-day party. Rock the little hat Stevv! Two minutes after this picture was taken, my two great grandmother's reportedly had a dance off.

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Pumpkin, It Won’t Be The Same Without You!

Our cat Pumpkin was hit by a car last night around 6pm about a half block from where we live.

We got him about 5 years ago the day after Halloween, hence the name 'Pumpkin'.

I'll never forget Pumpkins excessive meowing (even when we gave him everything he could possible want!!) and the time he climbed my curtains as a kitten and we cheered him on as he almost reached the top! I also won't forget Pumpkins extra thumbs (dew claws) and how one got infected (which is common with cats with extra toes) and he had to have an operation and had a cast and cone on his head for weeks.

It was just last Wednesday that Pumpkin went on a walk with me and my dog, yes Pumpkin would follow (or lead) us the whole way!

Mike and I will miss you dude man, and always love you!

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