Hooray for Tax Refunds Sale!

Besides St. Patrick's Day, the month of March also brings many of us our tax refunds - huzzah!

To celebrate, Cherie has decided that throughout the month of March, all 5x7 and 8x10 matted prints in her ArtFire shoppe will be eligible for a "buy 1, get 1 free" sale!

This deal will only be available in the Mystic Moon Media ArtFire shoppe. While Cherie loves Etsy and will definitely continue selling through the site, ArtFire does not charge as many fees, which helps keep costs lower and allows Mystic Moon Media the opportunity to occasionally offer phenomenal sales to our customers.

To take advantage of this sale, visit the shop by clicking here. After you have decided which prints you'd like, order half of them. Then, let Cherie know the name/size of the prints you want for free in the "notes to seller" area of your order. *Please note that you may mix and match print sizes, but we request you pay for the larger sizes on split orders. And yes, even her newest art pieces will be listed  and qualify for the sale.

There is no print limit, so happy shopping!

Company of Winter

The wee folk have been sighted - kind of.

Allow me to explain from the beginning. Around the first of the month, Cherie noticed signs of a wee folk infestation around her house. Cookies were replaced with pinecones, tiny muddy footprints were everywhere, items were disappearing.

Then Cherie began leaving them little tokens as suggested by our Facebook fans and the wee folk really made themselves at home. So much so that they created a secret home on one of her window sills.

Upon finding their makeshift home after moving a bookcase during a bout of spring cleaning, Cherie called me to come over and help her try to locate the wee folk before they make their March exodus to the outdoors. We looked and looked and looked some more. Under beds, in window valances, between kitchen appliances, in attic rafters - you name it, we looked.

Worn out, I suggested she just take a photo of the little house and we could post that to her Facebook page. After she snapped a few photos, we looked through them to find the best one to upload. Guess who decided to make an appearance:

Seems the lace, berries, booties, bell, and colored stones she laid out for them was put to good use. Cherie wants me to come over again tomorrow to resume our search of the wee folk, but I have a feeling that we won't catch a glimpse of them in person unless they want us to. For now, we'll have to settle for this photo.

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This piece of art was created with the help of our awesome Facebook and Twitter fans. Every time a person makes a comment on our "story of the month", they help influence the direction Cherie takes the artwork. Plus, one of the lucky folks who comments will win a free copy of that month's print! *Even if you make 290 comments, you are only entered once.  

A new creature adventure begins on March 1, so come and join us on the journey!

PS: Please excuse any grammar or spelling errors in this post. Spellcheck isn't working and I am exhausted from our wee folk search today. (Yawn)

Mystic Moon Media Mission: Fairy Houses Edition

As our Twitter and Facebook followers know, Cherie has had some unusual house guests over the past month - wee folk. They've made themselves at home, alternating between being surprising helpful to mischievous little stinkers.

It's nearly time for the wee folk to make their departure, as they don't like to stay indoors after mid-March, and some of the Mystic Moon Media fans have suggested that she create a special area in her yard to encourage them to become permanent visitors.

Since Cherie is juggling her art duties and trying to stay one step ahead of the wee folk, I've been asked to look for some fairy homes for her new friends and give you a homework assignment!

Please take a peek through my selections and then let us know via Facebook which one(s) you think Cherie should purchase. We also encourage you to let us know of any fairy house options you've seen or links to build-your-own fairy house tutorials.

Set of 3 fairy houses by Suzanne's Pottery Farm

Enchanted Acorn Fairy House by Enchanted Houses

Fairy Camp House by AdkGirl

Yellow Fairy House by In the Light of the Moon

Passionate Seas...

Ok... you asked and now you shall receive.  

I have been asked by some of my wonderful followers for awhile for "couples" art. 

In response to that I have created "Passionate Seas". 

My intentions on this painting were to show the love of the merfolk within the depths of the sea.  At first... they both were to be green, but after some time I felt that she would be better with the look of a "goldfish" and he in the darker emeralds.  These colors worked well with the blues and red highlights that were in the background creating a nice double split complementary color pattern... in other words... the colors "flow".

This will be part of a new collection called my "Beloved Collection".  This collection will (in time) include many different creatures... from merfolk to fairy folk.  Another is already in the works for this collection and will be released before the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Thanks again...
Cherie

Hot and Spicy

This is a sneak peek of a new art piece that Mystic Moon Media is releasing soon. Hopefully Cherie will be able to take time out of her very busy schedule soon - she is handling all art duties plus managing a wee folk home infestation right now - to give us some background information on her newest creation. 

This rendition of a merfolk couple is beautifully drawn, showcasing Cherie's distinctive mermaid stylization. This "hot and spicy" image would be a unique addition to any merfolk enthusiasts collection.

This image is titled "Passionate Seas" and will be available for purchase within the next few weeks. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page and Twitter feed for more details.

Follow that Rainbow

February - where did you go? In just a little over a week it will be March and you know what that means... St. Patrick's Day!

For some of us, that means plenty of green beer, corn beef, and cabbage. For others, it means reflecting on their Irish heritage. At Mystic Moon Media, we tend to focus on the little people or as they are more commonly known - leprechauns!

Our goal this year is to trap a leprechaun sometime during the month of March. Sure, they are usually out in full force for St. Patricks' Day, but rumor has it they like to stick around these parts until April.

Here are some ideas we've gathered for leprechaun traps. We'll keep you posted about our final choice on our Facebook page and we encourage you to try to humanely trap one of the little people, too - especially if you have children in the house.

The Edible Leprechaun Trap

Underneath the pile of gold coins is a trap door that the leprechauns fall through. They must remain in the center pit until they are released or you decide to serve the rainbow cake.

 Delicious and diabolical!

See Not Martha for instructions.

The PVC Leprechaun Trap

This trap uses PVC pipe, a pulley system, and "liquid gold" to ensnare a leprechaun. When they leprechaun tries to lift the glass for a drink, it trips the mechanism and becomes trapped underneath the cup.

See Steve Spangler for instructions.

The Leprechaun Hat Pit Trap

This trap uses a specially rigged oatmeal container. After the leprechaun climbs the ladder and grabs the gold nugget, it falls through the false lid.

See Family Fun for instructions.

Dressing for a Renaissance Faire

When people find out I frequent the Bristol Renaissance Faire, the number one question I get is: What do you wear?

My answer: Clothes. Then I explain how working at a faire is much different than attending a faire.

Workers have to abide by a dress code that often doesn't allow for much imaginative play. Clothes must be a certain style, length, and color scheme. You also have to factor in your social ranking. Plus, when it gets super hot outside, we can only shed so many layers. Those members of the Royal Court who I envy on colder weekends as they sashay around with velvet and heavy brocade become my objects of pity on 90+ degree days.

But for those of you who attend the faire for fun and games - the clothing options are endless! The only real rule you need to keep in mind is "Will I be comfortable in this all day?".

For some, that means tshirts, shorts, and sneakers. For others, it's dressing up as Captain Jack Sparrow. Frankly, going to a renaissance faire is a time when you can wear anything you want and not be judged. Cherie has been known to grab her camera and take photos of people in their outfits as they walk past. I mean, where else are you going to see a guy with cardboard Gladiator armor, a gaggle of elves, or a troll on stilts?

Here are some suggestions for items that can add a little more "flair" to your  faire-wear this summer. And you better make sure to stop in the Mystic Moon Media booth to show off your outfits!

Utilikilt for Men

Hobbit Feet

On Gossamer Wings - Posie Wings

Chainmail helm by Celestial Chainmail

Pirate Buccaneer Coat

Damsel in this Dress Steampunk Corset

Legend of Zelda - Link Cosplay

"Blood of Medusa"

Hello again... if you have been following our Facebook you most likely noticed the sneak peek of this new piece.

When I started this I wanted to draw something new for my "Angels and Demons" Collection.  I also wanted to include a mythical creature that I never drew  before... and so after some thought I liked the idea of a dark angel riding Pegasus.  Since Pegasus was born of Medusa in Greek mythology... I never pictured him to be the white fluffy type.

So this is my version of Pegasus and his rider... hence the name "Blood of Medusa". 

In the next few months I will be releasing a whole mass of new works.  To keep updated please follow my Facebook and Twitter Pages.

The 2012 Fantasy Fools Contest

The 2012 Fantasy Fools Contest has begun! 

Please carefully read through all of the information and do not hesitate to contact us if you have ANY questions.

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How to Enter

1. Send us an email to this address: fools@mysticmoonmedia.com. The email should include your full name and read "John Smith is a fantasy fool." Just remember to use your first and last name, otherwise John Smith will win all the prizes.
2. After you send us the email, you may begin entering the contest using the methods described below.

• Create a diorama based on an existing piece of Mystic Moon Media artwork. Take a photo and email the photo with your full name to the "fools" email address above. This will earn you 5 entries. You may only enter one diorama.
• Dress up as a piece of Mystic Moon Media artwork. Take a photo and email the photo with your full name to the "fools" email address above. This will earn you 15 entries. You may only submit one photo.
• Have a friend "Like" the Mystic Moon Media Facebook page and become a fan. After "liking" the page, your friend must comment on the Wall saying "Your name sent me." This will earn you 1 entry per new "like" and there is no limit to how many friends you may have "like" our page.
• Follow our Twitter feed or have a friend sign up to follow our Twitter feed. Again, have them tweet us with a "Your name sent me" message. This will earn you 1 entry per new follower and there is no limit to how many friends you may have follow us.
• Create a videotaped Mystic Moon Media product review for our YouTube channel. Email the "fools" address above and attach or link your video. Include your full name in the email. This will earn you 5 entries. You may only submit one product review.
• Create and record a skit inspired by a Mystic Moon Media piece of art. Email the "fools" address above and attach or link your video. Include your full name in the email. This will earn you 15 entries. You may only submit one skit.
• Create or find a craft tutorial that could incorporate Mystic Moon Media prints. Email the "fools" address and include a link or instructions on your tutorial project idea. Include your full name in the email. This will earn you 5 entries. There is no limit to how many tutorial ideas you may submit. 

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 Prizes

~ First Prize ~

11x14 inch print in an ornate 16x20 inch frame

One Small Journal

5x7 matted print
(all with your choice of art)

~ Second Prize ~

A necklace

8x10 matted print
(all with your choice of art) 

~ Third Prize ~

A bookmark

8x10 matted print
(all with your choice of art) 

~ 5 Runners - Up ~

 One (1) 5x7 matted print

*Winners will be able to choose from existing non-limited edition Mystic Moon Media art work for their prize.* 

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Official Rules

• The contest if open to any individual 18+ years old. Yes, even people living abroad may enter!
• The contest begins as soon as this blog entry is posted and ends at 11:59pm CST on March 31, 2012. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2012.
• Any photographs or videos submitted to Mystic Moon Media in relation to this contest become the property of Mystic Moon Media and may be used on their Facebook page, Blogger account, Twitter feed, YouTube channel, and monthly newsletter. Mystic Moon Media will not recreate, reproduce, or sell images submitted. We might laugh, though.
• Your full name will not be used if we share photos or videos of your submissions.
• The rules for this contest may change at any time and without warning.
• Winners will be randomly selected. We can't offer any odds because we have no idea how many people will enter. Just remember, the more times you enter, the better your chances get.
• Winners must take actual prize items and may not request cash in lieu of prize.
• By entering the contest you agree to all rules.