Mystic Moon Media Blogspot

The 2012 Fantasy Fools Contest

2012-02-02T07:59:00.000-08:00

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

~ Second Prize ~

A necklace

8x10 matted print

~ Third Prize ~

A bookmark

8x10 matted print

~ 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.

Phineas and The Secret Contest

2012-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, Cherie and I found a baby hippocampus on the shores of Lake Michigan this month. We didn't know where the poor thing's mother was and couldn't stand to leave it alone to fend for itself, so I ended up taking it home until we could figure out what to do with it.

Neither of us knew much about hippocampi and starting asking our Facebook fans and Twitter followers for words of advice. They helped pick a name for him, recommended food, and suggested types of suitable hippocampus habitats. And after we had learned that a mermaid must take ownership of hippocampi before they reach adulthood, we received a lot of great advice on how to deal with the merfolk of Lake Michigan. In other words, Phineas wouldn't be around today without their help.

On Saturday, Cherie and I made the trek back to Lake Michigan with a nearly full-grown Phineas. This required the help of close family and friends, plus a truck with an XL bed. After a short drive to the lake, we waited until the area was deserted and placed Phineas in the water. Within moments, his mermaid caretaker emerged. She accepted Cherie's thank you gift of an emerald and fishing net necklace, looped a harness around Phineas' neck, and disappeared into the water.

Before they left, Cherie was able to get a quick image of them as a reminder of our not-so-little Phineas.

Available for sale in the Mystic Moon Media ArtFire and Etsy shoppes later this week.

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You are probably wondering about the secret contest. This was such a secret contest that none of our followers even knew about it!

Whenever someone would comment about Phineas, we made two lists. One list was for Phineas suggestions that Cherie could work into the art piece. Essentially, all of the people that played along with us helped to create this image.

The second list was a list of names of the people that remarked on Phineas' progress. Those very same people unknowingly had a chance to win a free Phineas print. One name was randomly selected from the list and that person will be receiving their print within the next few weeks.

Here's the neat part - we have decided to continue this no-longer-a-secret contest. All you have to do to enter is participate in our Facebook and Twitter story each month. Not only are you entering to win a free print, but you help influence the art! *Each person only gets one entry, even if they make 183 comments on the story during the month.*

Another story will begin in February and we hope you'll join us on our new mythical creature adventure by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

Anti-Valentine's Day Fantasy Gift Ideas

2012-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Today's selections are for those special fantasy-loving couples or single friends in your life that couldn't give a rip about pink hearts, flowers, and sweet nothings.

Broken Heart Leather Mask

Masquerades n Bonesaws on Etsy

Necklace Pendant

Snarky and Sweet on Etsy

Custom Zombie Drawing from Photo

The Art of Kris on Etsy

Anti-Valentine Fairy Boy

Tracy's Garden Fairies on Etsy

Love Sucks Mug

In a Glaze on Etsy

Just a little hint - if you still want to give those pals a little gift for February 14th and none of the selections above seem right - you can't go wrong with a dragon!

Pro-Valentine's Day Fantasy Gift Ideas

2012-01-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up, dear friends. We know not everyone is a fan of this particular holiday, so we are going to make this post for all you pro-Valentine people. Tomorrow, the anti-Valentine's Day advocates get the spotlight.

Without further ado... here are some suggestions for your favorite fantasy art lover (or yourself).

Set of 2 ACEO Valentine's Day Dragons

Art by Hannah on Etsy

Heart-Shaped Magical Mushroom Fairy Necklace

A. L. Designs on Etsy

Dragons in Love Sculpture

Kristiina Meiner on Etsy

Spencer the Dragon Sculpture

Billy Dylan on Etsy

Mermaid Valentine Postcard

Renae Taylor on Etsy

We still have that free gift with purchase offer going at Mystic Moon Media, so give your sweetie and yourself some love by purchasing from our Artfire or Etsy shoppe before the end of January ;)

Faire Favorites: Entertainment Edition

2012-01-22T18:44:00.000-08:00

While it might only be January, the folks at Mystic Moon Media are already gearing up for July and the opening of the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Cherie has been one busy lady. Journals and Books of Shadows are being hand-constructed, new art work is being drawn, and hundreds of prints are being matted and framed in anticipation of the faire's 25th season.

Another reason we have the faire on the brain: Adam Crack. He is a fire whip performer who has been entertaining the masses at Bristol for the past few seasons and we've received word that he will be appearing on the Conan O'Brien show this upcoming Tuesday, January 24.

The Mystic Moon Media Bristol shop staff has a few favorite faire acts and Adam is on the list.You can't go wrong with whip cracking and when you add the fire element = one exciting show.

Adam Crack - "Adam performs sophisticated, high-energy routines, featuring Adam's dry humor in spoken material, anecdotes, historical or educational stories. And yes, there is room for audience interaction in his shows, always more than just a series of amazing tricks. Routines include single-handed whip cracking, double-handed multi-crack demos, stunts and tricks including balloon popping, candle snuffing, paper cutting, flower snipping, whip dancing, wraps, fire whips, and much, much more." - http://www.winrichwhips.com/adam-crack.html

Other favs include:

Tartanic - "Dressed in kilts and sunglasses, Tartanic gives its audiences a barrage of sound from not one but TWO Highland Bagpipes, and three percussionists. Imagine one dancer, six drums, six drones, 18 notes, fast fingers, high comedy, flying bagpipes, taste-defying stunts and scorching hot music played at over 120 beats per minute with driving speed and high-volume, all brought to you by five men without pants." - http://www.tartanic.net/band

Barely Balanced - "Come watch as Margret, Cameron, and Jimmy, or as you will come to know and love them,“Small,” “Medium,” and “Large,” balance precariously on top of each other, contort their limbs, and juggle knives as razor sharp as their wit. They'll incorporate a cornucopia of circus props into the fun including: Chinese yoyo (of death), rolla bolla (of doom), and hula hoop (of no particular threat). They may even use one of their favorite and most unpredictable props- YOU!"
- http://www.barelybalanced.com/Bios.html

Christophe the Insultor - "I am Christophe the Insultor, Archbastard. I make my living insulting people for money. If you find any part of this site insulting to you personally, you owe me money. Means for you to pay your debt will be provided on the page where I sell things." - http://www.insultor.com/

Now if you'll excuse us, we have a DVR to program for Tuesday evening!

Fantasy Food

2012-01-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

Today I posted a link on the Mystic Moon Media Facebook page that shows people how to make unicorn poop sugar cookies. Yes, it is gross, but it's also funny.

This got me wondering if there were any other fantasy world inspired recipes. The answer was a resounding YES!

Here is a little list of links for you to click through when you want to try a recipe that brings a bit of fantasy to life.

Elven Lembas Bread from "The Lord of the Rings"

Butterbeer from "Harry Potter"

Princess Leia cupcakes from "Star Wars"

Dragon Snot

Pumpkin Pie Kor'Kron Krumkake from "World of Warcraft"

Budget Light Frame Tutorial

2012-01-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a unique way to display your favorite Mystic Moon Media artwork!
The main supplies for your budget light frame include:

two identical deep, non-ornate frames - make sure they have prop arms and are not just for wall display
2 or more battery-operated tea light candles
a utility knife
a pen or pencil
hot glue gun and or a strong craft glue like E6000
your favorite Mystic Moon Media print
items to "fancy up" your frames (optional)

Supplies

First, separate all of your frame pieces. Remove the backs of both frames. You will only need one of the frame backs for your final project. Place the candles on the frame back and trace circles around them. You will be be cutting out the circles out of the backing with your utility knife . Space the candles on opposite ends of the frame back. Tip: Placing the candles too close to the middle of the frame back will end up making the large "Do Not Reproduce" stamp on the print visible.

Tracing candles

After you cut out the circles, place the tea candles into the holes making sure the on/off switch is on the outside of the frame back (the part we see when it is assembled). Take your glue of choice and glue the candles into the holes. Add a little extra glue if you accidentally cut the holes a bit too big.

Glue candles securely

Okey dokey, now attach your print to the glass of one of the frames. I put a little dab of glue on each corner of the glass and then gently pressed the print down. Make sure the glue is hidden by the frame. Now remove the glass from the second frame. You won't be needing it. Attach the back of the frame that contains the print with the front of the frame that has no glass using your glue of choice. After the glue is dry, attach the frame back. Remember, you only need one frame back.

Frames glued back to front and attaching back

The hard part is all done! Now you can turn the room lights off and turn the tea lights on for a soft glow. However, you may want to add a little pizazz to your light frame. Tip: Dollar stores have great decorative supplies, but don't get your frames from them. They aren't deep enough.

We glued some moss strips around the edge of the frames to give it a woodland feel. If you were to use a mermaid print, adding some seashells or netting could look cute. Whatever you decide, be creative!

In the middle of gluing on moss strips

Other notes: We used 8x10 prints, but you can experiment with different sized prints and amounts of tea light candles. Be sure to get the type of candles that have replaceable batteries. If you find deep enough frames, you could also use other types of low wattage lights from craft stores to create your own twist on a light frame.

Our favorite light frame (so far)!

Zazzle Update

2012-01-05T11:38:00.000-08:00

We recently asked our fantastic followers on Facebook what kind of Mystic Moon Media products they'd like us to sell in addition to our current goodies and they came up with quite a list for us!

Besides working on new art pieces, Cherie has been busily adding products to the Zazzle shop, many of which were requested by you.

Select designs are available on t-shirts, iPhone cases, trinket boxes, mouse pads, mugs, post cards, and more! Keep checking back at the Mystic Moon Media Zazzle store to see what other goodies have been added.

Sneak Peek...A Sketchbook Snapshot

2012-01-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

If you are a Facebook fan, you may already know that once we hit 275 likes we unveil the newest art piece and begin our contest. Need a peek of what this art may entail?

Well, here is a glimpse of this little winter fay's beginning...

If you want to see more of this wonder... pass this link to your friends and don't be afraid to like us!

http://www.facebook.com/MysticMoonMedia

Dragon Decor - Living Room

2011-12-22T11:56:00.000-08:00

Many of our customers share a love for all things fantasy and have whole sections of their homes dedicated to mythical creatures. While we would love for you to decorate your entire home with Mystic Moon Media art, we know that variety is the spice of life, so we found you some great dragon decor ideas that would complement our Season of the Drakon line.

The Pampered Stitcher

Firehorse Stain Glass Studio

Woodwork Fiddler

Mystic Moon Media

The Technology Brownie

2011-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:00

Hi, Everyone!
I'd like to introduce myself as the new technology brownie at Mystic Moon Media. That would be the sprite-type of brownie, not the delicious chocolaty kind. Though I am a little nutty...

My job is to keep you updated about the new things happening at Mystic Moon Media. If you are reading this blog, then you are probably already a fan of Cherie's artwork. It takes her anywhere between 16 - 60 + hours to create a new art piece, which doesn't leave lots of time for Facebook posts, Twitter feeds, blog articles, newsletters, and so on.

Fear not, Cherie will still be giving everyone sneaks peeks of new projects and interacting with her customers through Facebook and Twitter on occasion. And do we have some awesome sales and contests in store for you!

I feel honored to be part of this fabulous fantasy art community and look forward to getting to know all of you.

Let the wild rumpus begin!
Jones

Ent Maiden - Inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's Tree Ent's

2011-11-21T19:30:00.000-08:00

I love "The Lord of the Rings" and the "Hobbit" and anything that J.R.R. Tolkien has dreamed into our little realities! In these stories Treebeard always seemed to be looking for a partner in his life... a female Tree Ent. What would one look like? Is she beautiful? Well after some thought, I decided to create such a creature! Why? Why not!

Here she is "Ent Maiden". I depicted this tree like creature standing in the forest blending in amongst all the beauty of nature. I feel as a Tree Ent she is very in touch will all the earth around her... and enticed by her majestic beauty... butterflies and moths are drawn to her. Prints of "Ent Maiden" Can be purchased in my Art-Fire and Etsy shop and is part of my Random Creations Collection.

The Winners Choice!

2011-11-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...

At the beginning of October we had a drawing for all those who has entered my emailing list. The winners had choose there items... and here they are!

First place winner, Ashley H., choose her handmade XL book to be made in reds featuring "Hawk" from my Warrior Fay collection! Believe it or not... this is the first book that I had ever made with any of my Warrior Fay... and I have to say, nice choice!

Second place winner, Aaron N., choose the lovely print

"Clover" from my Children of Myth collection.

And last... but not least... Madison T. choose the print

"Crow" from my Celtic Collection.

I want to thank everyone who had entered! I had fun with this one and hope to have more drawings like this in the future.... that said, I think I will keep the man eating bird out of the next one.

Until later...

The Great Paper Debate

2011-11-09T18:19:00.000-08:00

Hello chaps!

As some of you may already know... I seem to be having...well... paper issues, which has started "The Great Paper Debate". It all started with my larger books. I have changed the image paper to a glossy water resistant canvas. I did this because I feel that the image is richer when printed on the canvas, it has a great texture and... well... being water resistant is always nice for those minor spills.

This process of looking for the new papers to print the images on for the books seemed to spill in my art reproduction. As of now, I have always printed my art on luster photo paper. This is a type of paper that you would get at a photo studio. It is a lovely paper that has a nice weight to it and prints crisp images. But there was a problem with it... and that is it's sheen. In most lighting... it creates a glare (sheen) that makes it hard to see the image.

Well, after testing many papers, I found a professional matte photo paper that I love and will use to print my art from now on. This paper is amazing when printed. All the colors are rich and deep... yet the image is crisp and clean. Under glass... you can look at the image from any angle and see its rich, crisp colors without glare. Since it is a matte photo paper the glare that the luster paper produced has been eliminated.

So once again... out with the old and in with the new!
As for my Mystic Portraits, they will still be printed on the same photo paper that they always have.

Until later...
Cherie

2012 Zodiac Collection Calender

2011-11-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

I know.. I know... you guys like calenders. Things to hang and scribble on. This year I listened to all of you that asked and created a 2012 Calender. I used my Zodiac Collection for the images... fitting for a calender. These can be purchased in my Etsy and Artfire Shoppes.

I wanted to have it printed on something a little fun and for that I found this gold metallic paper. When the light dances across the paper it gives the images a really nice shimmer. They are coil bound with a plastic back and front for its protection against a year of stabbing, scrapping and jabbing of a roller ball pen.

If you are looking for something for that friend or family of yours that is obsessed with the fay... or just want a little fantasy on your walls... this may just be the item for you!

Fairysteps - Fantastic Fairy Footwear

2011-10-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

Hello dearest Ren Faire peeps! If you were at my shop this year, you most likely heard me whine about getting a new pair of Ren Faire shoes. Sometimes some of the simplest decisions are very difficult for me. My poor workers heard me complain all season about it... then the next thing I knew the faire was over and no shoes.

Well... I found this wonderful artist of shoe mastery on Etsy named Ren Cuming.

She makes the greatest Renaissance Shoes ever! And here they are!

I love these!

Well... after some thought and getting over my fear to purchase these shoes without trying them on... I bought them. I am so glad that I did! The quality of these shoes are just tops. She uses a nice thick sole, great for "off roading" at the faire. Also... the leather is a really nice quality and I love the velvet laces. The cut of the shoe, which she calls "Puck", is wonderful for that little fairy quirk that one may have.

The only thing is... I HATE pink! But for some odd reason I love these shoes. So you know that she makes a fantastically fun shoe if she was able to get me to buy them in pink!

And I know what you are thinking... sitting at your computer... you need a pair too!

Well... if you are in the market for some fun, fancy, fairy footwear, fly over to Fairysteps!

Until Later...

www.fairysteps.co.uk

The SALE is ON!!!

2011-10-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! Wanted to let you know about my book sale that has just started today.

To bring you up to date, I would like to inform you of some changes. Since the first creation of my books, I would print an image from my collection on a matte paper and then have it acrylic glazed. For the past summer I wanted to change this and give it more of a traditional "fabric" like feel.

So... with my little mind buzzing... and after many attempts of printing, I decided on canvas!

Now all my images for my XL Journals/ BOS are printed on a water resistant canvas.

I love the finished and polished look that it gives and I love the texture.

That said... out with the old and in with the new.

So from today on, I am selling all my acrylic glazed and imperfect books at incredibly low prices!

All discounted books are sold in my Etsy Store... Here are some examples!

My clearance books are priced from $55-$75

and

My imperfect books start at $49!

You can view all my books at my Etsy store!

Hurry... while supplies last!

Sketchbook Snapshot- Female Tree Ent

2011-10-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Right now I am working on a strange little idea. I am a big "Lord of the Rings" fan and was wondering what a female Tree Ent would look like. I think that they would be opposite of a male Tree Ent. I think that they would be beautiful with moss growing on them with long twigs and branches for there hair. At first glance, I think that they would blend into the forest, but looking more closer you would see a beautiful yet strange figure... possibly emerging out of what would be a tree trunk... hm...

Artist Envy: Schin Loong

2011-10-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

First of all... are you on Etsy? If not... go there now and sign up! There are AMAZING artists on Etsy (some questionable ones too)... but the majority of these artist have talent and I am envious!

Today’s spotlight is Schin Loong. Truly amazing! I just love her skill in digital painting. And her subject matter... how does she think of it?

I am an ACEO (artist trading card) fanatic... I am truly addicted... and I have a few of Schin’s jewels in my collection. My first was “Moth Eater” and my favorite . Schin says “This painting represents death and the end of all things. The moths brings the beautiful woman news of a death and she sheds a single bloody tear.” I feel that with the color palate of earth tones and golds she makes this a very soft and heartfelt piece. I can simply imagine the moths whispering to her. I just love it!

For some of my other jewels by Schin... I have “Rose Eater” and “The Brief Glimpse” just to name a few. My newest one... “The Blood Eater” is up there on my fav scale with Moth Eater. The softness and fluid in the way that Schin paints the subject is what brings this one home for me. You can feel as if you are there floating beside her. The way she paints the shadows and light makes you feel that you can just reach in and touch the subject.

Well I hope that Schin paints for a long time. Her work just makes fills me with wonder... and the world will be less without her art to inspire! Also... I will need more ACEO’s to add to my collection! Thanks Schin!

Please visit her Etsy and Website to view more of her work!

Sketchbook Snapshot- New Wiccan Art

2011-10-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to my sketchbook snapshot! What is sketchbook snapshot? Well this will be a weekly update of whatever I have drawing during the past week. Some of these sketches will be completed into final works and some not. As I have stated in some past blogs... I grow tired easily of some of my drawings and that is when they get cast aside until they strike my fancy again.

I have been asked for some time for some new Wiccan art... and at last... I have started. I first wanted to start with reinventing my pentagram. I have created a “twiggy” one in the past. I hate that one. I loved it when I first created it... but now I don’t. I never seem to be happy with my own work. Well, I wanted to create something thicker and more substantial so I drew a new pentagram. I love Celtic knot work so I sketched some behind the pentagram. I think it gives it depth and interest to it... what do you think?

I will be leaving the pentagram plain for one option, but I would like to add to it like my Celtic Collection. Since familiars are so important to us, I would love to add some creatures. I am definitely adding a snow owl. I can picture it landing on top of the pentacle. Possibly a fox or a snake... any other ideas?

Winner!!! For our email Newsletter Drawing... is it YOU?

2011-10-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

First of all... remind me next time I do a drawing to hire some kid to cut the little paper strips! That said, thanks to all that entered! I greatly appreciate all of you that support my art!

As for Puddle... she had a diva moment this morning and she wanted nothing to do with the box.

So we went for the recliner instead.

Here is the play by play...

All over your emails were cut into tiny strips and dumped onto the recliner. Then Miss Little Attitude "Puddle" was placed in the middle. Immediately she reached into the pile and snagged one!

After snagging one she flew to the arm rest...

And tried to bite me when I took it from her...

This daring grab and dash (on my part) happened three times... and here are are winners!

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First Place of a Custom BOS/XL Journal is:

Ashley H.

(first four letters of email: miss)

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Second Place winner of a 8x10 Matted Print of their Choice is:

Aaron N.

(first four letters of email: wuss)

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Third Place winner of a 5x7 Matted Print of their Choice is:

Madison T.

(first four letters of email: vlad)

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Once again thank you for all that entered!

I will email the winners shortly!

Once the winners make their decisions on what art they want I will post it!

Mystic Portraits: Waiting List

2011-08-31T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

This year has been great... and that is due to all the great customers that I have! Thank you all for your support in my art. To this day, it still shocks me to see all of you loving my art as much as I did creating it. So thank you!

With that said... I would like to inform you that due to the high demand that I have for my Mystic Portraits... I am fully booked until March 2012. Since I am booked so very far in advanced, I will have to put a freeze on new orders for portraits.

If you are interested in a portrait please go to my website...

Click Here to go to www.MysticMoonMedia.com

and fill out the form. When I start taking new orders again, I will contact you.

Thanks so much for your intreast in my Portraits and your understanding on this matter.

Cherie

Enter to WIN!!! Your fate is in her little claws...

2011-08-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

Love my extra large handmade books?
Always wanted one... but it was never a good time?

Want to try to win one?
If that answer is YES, then your fate is in the little claws of my parrotlet “Puddle”!

All you need to do is...

Sign up for our emailing list on your left and confirm!

And that’s it! Now you just entered our drawing!
(You can also sign up on my "Follow Us" page by clicking here.)

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~ 1st Prize ~

a Handmade Custom XL Book (a $105 value)
The winner of this book can choose:
• Any cover art from my art gallery or photo pocket book •
• The color handmade paper on cover •
• The color of the ribbon binding •

~ 2nd Prize ~

one 8x10 Matted Print (a $20 value)
The winner of this print can choose any art print from my art gallery.

~ 3rd Prize ~

one 5x7 Matted Print (a $15 value)

The winner of this print can choose any art print from my art gallery.

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What does this have to do with the bird?

Well here’s the answer! How the drawing will work is... everyone who has submitted their email into my email list by midnight September 30, 2011 will be printed off onto a list. This list will then be cut up into little strips and placed into a box... Puddle then will be let lose upon these little strips.

The first strip that she tries to annihilate with her razor like beak, I will bravely reach in and snag from her. Thus being first place... second and third place will follow in the same manor.

Please note: When it comes to little paper strips, Puddle transforms into a evil abomination that violently hoards and will try to dismember anyone that tries to take one from her. For those loyal to my art... I will brave this abomination!

On October 1, 2011 at noon I will let you know who won! The winners have five days to respond to my email... or the death defying process will have to begin again. Please have mercy and respond to my email!

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Legal Brouhaha (Please Read):

When joining my email list your emails will not be sold or shared with anyone! I send a email newsletter out about once a month or so with new works, updates and sales. You can cancel at anytime. Your email address must be valid to be eligible for any prizes. I have the right to kick anyone out of my email list and deny them of any prizes if there is misuse to this drawing.

Examples of misuse: Submitting your email 100 (or more then one) times. Emailing me everyday until October 1st to see if you won, or any other annoying spamming habits one may inflict upon me. I do not spam... so... please have the same respect. If you are already on my email list you need to do resubmit once to update your subscription to my newsletter.

Thanks for supporting my art... and Good Luck!!! (I know I will need it!)
~ C.Gerhardt

Bristol Faire is Almost here!!!

2011-06-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... the days are drawing near to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, in Bristol Wisconsin.

I am getting excited and nervous. Every year I feel like I will not get everything done in time and yet I seem to pull it off. I guess I do my best work under pressure... either that or I am just the queen at procrastination.

That said I have finished my 2011 Mystic Portrait Show Piece and would love to give you guys a sneak peak before Bristol's doors open next weekend. Here it is...

I would love to thank miss Scarlet Blue for being a wonderful model for this years portrait. She truly is a kind soul and I had fun creating this portrait for her.

If you or a loved one would like to be in your own fantasy custom Mystic Portrait please feel free to contact me.

Thanks again...

Cherie

Risha...

2011-06-22T18:36:00.000-07:00

Risha... this one is a little hard for me to describe... and there is months in her making. She is a little more personal then other works... and to be honest I was not going to make her public at first.

Risha is an angel near and dear to my heart. She has been thrown into darkness pulled down within the depths that surround her. She is bold and honest creature and her eyes are filled with sincerity. All she needs to do is look up to the light to know that she is not alone.

Puffer... from the "Children of Myth" Collection

2011-06-16T17:49:00.001-07:00

Hello! I just finished another piece for my Children of Myth Collection. His name is "Puffer". My husband thinks that it is a stupid name...but I like it and that's what matters;).

I knew that when I created my boy mermaid that I wanted to include a puffer fish. I love puffer fish... even though most are poisonous... and I just love the idea of a little mere-boy scaring the little creature. I added the clown fish just to add more color and pull your eye to the bottom of the painting.

I am happy with how it turned out... even though this one was a little hard for me. The color scheme is very difficult for me. It is way out of my comfort zone of dark earthy colors (which is what I normally like to use) and I just had to keep redrawing him until he is just the way that I wanted him. I have about 23 hours in this one.

Thanks for reading my little bit of nonsense. Any questions please feel free to contact me. Take Care!

Cherie

...and her name is "Oceana"...

2011-06-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Oceana... pronounced oh-see-AH-nah. She is the newest addition to my Children of Myth Collection.

In Greek, the name Oceana means from the sea. If you are following me on Facebook... you might know that I did not think of a name for her right away. With many suggestions (which I greatly appreciate) I deiced to call her Oceana. The reasoning for this is because most of my color inspiration came from a photo of Kefalonia island in Greece.

When I think of Kefalonia island I think... sea turtles. That is where I imaged "Oceana". A little mermaid playfully swimming among the turtles.

Look for new works??? This month I will be introducing many more new works. I have many that are on the verge of being finished. Thanks for keeping updated with new works and supporting me with my art!

Blessings...

Cherie

Spider Lace

2011-05-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...

I have many paintings in the works right now. Thirty-two to be exact. I don't know if I will ever finish them all. Sometimes I have the attention span of a three year old... it seems. I loose interest in a great deal of my paintings. Yet, not all fall through the cracks. Here is one that I finished the other night. Her name is "Spider Lace".

Spider Lace is one that I had running through my head for a while now. When I think "fairy" I think of two different creatures. One is a biting, deformed, nasty, little creature with wings. The other is of elegance and beauty.

If a fairy is elegant and beautiful, I feel that it would not wear "normal" clothing as us humans view it. I think that these creatures would see the true beauty around them in nature and create there clothing from this beauty. With that thought in mind... spider webs would be appealing to fairies. The would also be practical for these creatures because of there strength.

This is what sparked my thought process on this creature.

As for the orb that she is staring at... it is just that. I wanted her to see things that we, as humans, do not normally see. An energy of some sort... or spirit.

Well... here is "Spider Lace" if anyone has questions or comments, just ask... I love to here feedback.

Thanks again...

Cherie

Hoot!

2011-05-19T09:53:00.000-07:00

Hello! I have finished the next of the "Children of Myth" collection... and I just love this little guy! I am naming him "Hoot" and I think that it fits him.

I wanted to do a little fairy boy with an owl. I loved the idea of these two being best friends. I pictured this little fairy with similar patterns on his skin as the owl, the two looking very much alike. I always see photos of little owls sitting upon a fence posts and I liked the idea of the two of the sitting there... looking for trouble.

The colors of the sunflowers just enhanced the colors in the owl and the fairy boy and accented well with the rust in the barbwire.

I wanted to show more steps on how this was created... but when I get going on a painting.... I lose track of what is going on around me. I also lose all track of time! So when I remembered to save the steps it was too late! I also drove my husband crazy on this one... because while I was painting I played the same 8 songs over and over again in my iTunes. Hee...Hee!

Well that's about it.. until next time...

Cherie

May Sale...

2011-05-06T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hello again! It is getting to be that time of year again... Renaissance Faire time! I am starting to go stir crazy. I just love the faire and around this time of year, I just can't wait until it's here!

Well... until July... I will be at the Baraboo Fair on the Square on May 14, 2011. If you are by Wisconsin Dells that Saturday come check it out! If is a free fair with lots of great artists and great food... and you can't beat the price!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BOGO....
For the month of May I am offering a buy one get one free (of equal or lesser value) on all my matted prints. You can purchase all my prints at my Artfire and Etsy stores. At check out just make a note of which print you would like for free!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As the days draw closer to Bristol Renaissance Faire I will have many new works for you to view. I will keep you updated! Thanks again for all your loyal support!

Cherie

How To: "Clover" The first of the Children of Myth Collection

2011-04-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Sorry that it has been a little while.

I have been working on three new projects.

One is a new website, my Zazzle store and my "Children of Myth" Collection.

Here is "Clover" the first of this collection.

This is the first of a least a set of four. This little girl I call "Clover". I loved the idea of a little fairy sitting in a field of grass with a little hare. I started to sketch her a few months back.

This was one sketch of thousands that I have saved.

Many people ask me...how do I draw...or... what is my process. It is very hard for me to explain this because I don't think into it like other artists do. I just start with an idea that is in my head and then I sketch. Sometimes I do what I call free sketch. This is where I start drawing shapes and lines and see what comes of it... sometimes nothing...

sometimes I sketch something useful.

Here is the starting sketch that I used to make Clover. I am embarrassed to show this to the public... because I know that it looks like a mess. Yet, it does look like something to me and this is the foundation that I built my painting from. Here is step 1:

Next is step 2. In step two I take the rough sketch above and start making it more pronounced. I darken the lines and start adding detail.

Next is step 3. In step three I start by filling in the shapes with different tones and blending them together I start to develop the main subjects and elements of the painting. I start with the faces first. If I do not get the face the way that I like it in sepia I do not finish the painting. Also, if I loose interest in the subject I throw the painting out.

This normally happens in this step.

Next is step 4. In this step you can see that I have finished Clover

and the hare in sepia tones.

When I start a painting, I always work in sepia tones. I will make my whole painting this way.

When I have it the way that I like it that is when I add color.

Here you can see they are ready for color.

Next is step 5. In step five I have added color to the subjects that I have drawn. I add this color with transparent layers that I brush onto the subjects. For Clover alone, I will have over 300 layers of color that I flatten several times through this process. After they are colored I add the other elements like wings, rocks and grasses to the image.

This image shows me adding the wings and grounding the subjects with shadows.

Next is step 6. In step six I just fill in the rest. I add... add... and add detail. I will drive my self nuts over the littlest things. A little more white here... a little more shading there. This final process is where I really go crazy with the layers. I would create about 10 layers then flatten them. I will do this over and over again until the painting looks the way that I like it. Here is the final Clover.

Well... that shows you the how to... I hope. If you have any questions let me know I will try to answer them the beat that I can. Thanks again... and I will keep you with updated works.

Free Gift Month...

2011-03-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

March is free gift month at Mystic Moon Media! With every order at my Artfire, Etsy and Official Website I will give you a free gift!

I just want to thank my fans in supporting my art! Thanks again!

New Handmade Journal in Etsy!

2011-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I am now selling photo pocket XL journals / BOS. These are great if you are like me and love to change your mind all the time.

If you are looking for something special for a wedding or hand-fasting this may be the item for you! You can take the photo of the happy couple and slip it into the front. All your gusts can sign the book and you could even pass it around and have each one write something special... thoughts and wishes... for the happy couple.

These books also make a great Book of Shadows for those who have a hard time deciding on the artwork. Any 5x7 photo or artwork can slide right into the top of the book. You can change it as often as you like!

Click Here To View This Book In Etsy!

Well thanks for viewing my new books... I am in the works of a new collection... and some old...until then!

Cherie

"Within The Deep"... New for 2011

2011-02-22T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here is my first finished piece of 2011. I have been working on this one for a while now. I call her "Within the Deep". This piece is part of my Random Creations Collection.

I had started working on her a few months back. I had a vision of a mermaid deep in the waters camouflaged within the plant life. The idea of mermaids just fascinate me! To be half fish... to swim down in the unknown... the depth of the ocean to explore... so with that idea I started sketching. In the beginning stages of a drawing I always sketch and then blend/paint in a sepia tones.

Here is a small glimpse of that:

As the painting develops... I then add color.

I am starting to work out of my comfort zone with the choice of color. This is very challenging for me to use different color combinations. On "Within the Deep" I have deiced to use a split complementary color scheme of Yellow-Greens, Violet and Red. I chose these colors because... well... violet is my favorite color and the yellow-green of the seaweed was a great match.
The pops of red was just the little unexpected elements.

I really enjoyed painting this one. I hope that you enjoy it too. Thanks for supporting my art!

Marketplace Weekend...

2010-08-04T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Sorry I have not chatted in a while. We have been very busy with the faire and trying to keep up with everything is just crazy. I receive about 100 emails per day... so if I do not get back with everyone right away, please bear with me.

I wanted to let everyone know about Market Place Weekend at the Bristol Renaissance Faire this weekend. If you spend $200 in the Marketplace this weekend (August 7 & 8) you can take the receipts to gust services and receive 2 free tickets. That said we will all be having great sales this weekend.

I will be discounting all my 2009 Journals this weekend. Normally they are $15 now they will be $10. My buy two get one free deal will also be accepted on all discounted items. I will also have various prints on sale as well and a few Book of Shadows.

So... if you getting a little stir crazy and want to do something this weekend stop by at the Bristol Renaissance Faire to find some fun, fantasy and deals!!!

2010 Mystic Portrait Showpiece

2010-05-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... I am proud to announce my 2010 Mystic Portrait Showpiece... showpieces!

"Fire and Ice"

Ice... is modeled by Allison Jorgensen

Fire... is modeled by Alex Elaine

I choose to create Fairies this year with their pet dragons... I loved the idea of opposites of fire and ice to show the range of work that can be created.

And I created the small dragons, because they are so cute!
They can be easily added to any portrait child or adult!

For those that are not familiar with my Mystic Portraits...

they are fantasy pieces of art that are created with a photo.

From there I build the art by drawing on top of the image to create the look that you are after.

You can see more of how I create these images by clicking on this link.

Please understand that these differ from my Fantasy Art.

These are all custom and I do not sell them to the public...

just to customers that contracted me to create them.

You or a loved one can be placed in a portrait similar to this one...

Please for more information please visit my website...

Mystic Moon Media

I want to thank Allison and Alex for modeling for these portfolio portraits!
These two were great to work with and would recommend them to anyone!

2010... Where is it Going????

2010-05-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone... time seems to be flying by... to me it felt like a week ago it was January!

I have been working around the clock getting ready for the Bristol Renaissance Faire and hope to see all of you there at the Faire. I will have some new collections for this 2010 season... here is a sneak peak to my "Warrior Fay" Collection. I created this collection because I wanted to show the world of the Fay in a different light... and protectors of their kind... this one I call "Raven"

My "Celtic Collection" is a very interesting collection. I add to this collection every year. This year for 2010 I have added "Griffin"...

Griffin and Raven will be available in all print sizes for the Faire. Griffin will be available in a Book of Shadow as well.

I will also have my buy 2 get 1 free sale at the Renaissance Faire again this year... this excludes BOS and Mystic Portraits.

Thanks again for keeping in touch...
Cherie

Busy... Busy... Busy...

2010-03-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy here at Mystic Moon Media!

We have our new website up and running. I am very happy on the way that it turned out and I hope that you agree. It allows you to view everything that I have in a new way allowing for easy navigation!

I also have opened my new ArtFire Shoppe! All the items that I sell on Etsy (and more) are now sold in my Artfire shoppe. I am not going to close my Etsy Shoppe... because I love Etsy... but for those that do not can now have an alternative to purchasing items like my Book of Shadows in a different venue.

www.MysticMoonMedia.artfire.com

What I am working on....

Right now I am working on building my Zazzle Shoppe. Zazzle is awesome with all the different products that I can offer you from tee-shirts to mugs... not only that there are a great deal of wonderful artists that you can purchase from. The artwork is just amazing!!!

Artwork Creation...

I am working on my Warrior Fay collection... and it is turning out nicely!! As soon as I can give a peek of what is new I will!

Well... Thanks for reading all my dull Blah...Blah...Blah....;)

Cherie

February Mystic Sale...

2010-02-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I have some great sales during February!

All sales end 2/28/2010

Mystic Portraits--
Reorder a 8x10 or a 11x14 through 2/28/2010, get a 5X7 for Free!
Just go to:

Mystic Moon Media Reorders

and reorder now!

Fantasy Art--
Purchase any two prints GET ONE 5x7 matted print for FREE!
Just go to:

Mystic Moon Media's Website or
Mystic Moon Media's Etsy Shoppe
and purchase the two prints that you would like. At checkout just state what one you would like for free.

Also... My OOAK Hand Woven, Hand Beaded XL Book of Shadows is $50 off this month only. This is one is near and dear to me. This book took endless hours over an entire winter to create! Normally $285 NOW $235!!!!!!!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19829700

Blessed Be-

C.Gerhardt

2010 What's New with the New Year?

2010-02-05T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

Thanks so much for a wonderful 2009 season. I meet a great deal of new people at the fair this year and what fun we had! Thanks for coming out to the faire and experiencing the faire with me.

New Printer- Yippee!!!

We have a few new exciting things going around here so far in 2010. One thing is that we now can print in-house up to 11x14... how does that affect you? Well when you approve your Mystic Portrait or place a reorder, it can be printed immediately and shipped to you asap. No more waiting 1-2 weeks before your prints can be printed! Yeah!!!!! (Sorry but this makes me so very happy!)

New Journal Design-

Okay, Okay... after about what seems like making about a million journals, I feel that there needs to be a change... so this year there will be a new journal design... what it will be I am not quite sure... still in the trial phases. But... as soon as I decided I will post it for you can see.

Digital Painting Collections for 2010-

In the works right now are some great collections for 2010. My first collection is...

• Warrior Fay- This collection will show the fay as protectors and warriors usually not portrayed in the faerie realm.

• Season of the Dragon- I wanted to create a dragon for each of the seasons; Summer, Spring, Winter and Autumn. Each dragon and the elements of the painting will represent all that you will see in it's season.

Thanks reading though all this babble.

Blessed Be-

C.Gerhardt

Bristol Renaissance Faire 2009 Update

2009-08-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Unfortunately I will have to keep this short and sweet...This is a crazy year for me at the Bristol Renaissance Faire. With our new shoppe at the front of the Farie this year has been keeping us busy!

The Faire is trying new things this year to entice people to come... and for us who are working there, we are having a blast. On July 25th there was a costume contest and we had seen everyone from a cardboard knight to Rainbowbrite. Though we were not there personality to judge this contest there is one person I would love to show you. This one won it hands down in our shoppe and he was the best that we have seen at the Faire.

Isn't he just great? I just love the pink ribbons in the braids of his beard!
Well anyway...

For those looking for a deal... From now to the end of the Faire we will have our discount selection. This selection will be all our discontinued items and misprints that all of our customers will be offered to at a steal.

Thank you once again for reading my blog...
and... I look forward to seeing all of you at the Faire.

Welcome... it is about time I caught up with technology!

2009-06-30T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...
Thanks for visiting my Blog. I know... fantasy artist that works only with digital media and no blog... whats wrong with that picture? Well here it is. First I want to say thank you for all your wonderful emails. I wish that I can answer all of you... but now a days it is becoming very difficult. So I hope that this is good start to answer those emails.

First... yes it is true. We have purchased a permanent location Bristol Renaissance Faire. We are now located at 22 Farnham Way E. When you enter the faire at the main gates we are the second shoppe on your right. This was the old Mask Shoppe that has been there for many years... and don't worry the Mask Shoppe is still there too just in a new location.

Also... I am introducing a new collection of artworks... my "Zodiac Collection". This collection is a combination of my love with the Fae and my love of the stars... please feel free to view it at my website at: http://www.mysticmoonmedia.com/subpages/art.html
or
at my Etsy store at:
www.mysticmoonemdia.etsy.com

Who is WE? Are you the only Artist?
Yes, I am the only one that creates the artwork... but my business cannot function without the wonderful help of my family. If it was not for my supporting husband, my daughter (my joy and soul), my Mother and my three wonderful yet sassy sisters... I would not be where I am today. When I say "we" I mean all of them. And I greatly appreciate the blessing that they all are to me in my life.

Do you really draw your art... or is your work cut and paste?
Yes... I draw. ALL my artwork is created on the computer and believe it or not... I DRAW all of it. I work on a wacom tablet and I start all my artworks with a sketch like on paper... then I keep drawing to create the piece that I want to achieve... to see an example of this visit:
http://www.mysticmoonmedia.com/subpages/artt.html

My Mystic Portraits start a little different... I start with a cropped image of my client. I turn that image all into sepia tones... then from there I DRAW in all the clothes, background, wings and elements that the client has asked for. Then I recolor the client to give it a seamless effect. When I use this photo of the client... it is just a foundation to create the portrait on top of. To see an example of how a portrait is created please visit:
http://www.mysticmoonmedia.com/subpages/mpt.html

Why is your Mystic Portraits priced higher then similar portraits on eBay?
Well... that's because I DRAW all the elements in to create a piece of artwork. I do not simply cut and paste. I draw a custom background, clothes, wings and elements onto a sepia tone of your image. I just don't stick a pair of butterfly wings on the image of you or your child and leave them in the clothes that you were wearing. I transform you into this fantasy world... This is very time consuming and a portrait can take me anywhere from 4-6 hours. My longest portrait that I have created took me close to 40 hours.

Why do you not like to discuss a portrait before a deposit?
I feel bad for this... I used to discuss the creation of a portrait before I required a deposit... but due to the large amount of emails that I receive (over 100 a day during faire season) I had to stop this. I would spend hours discussing about a portrait with people that never purchased one. This time could have been used to go towards those clients that did purchase a portrait. This was not fair to those who purchased a portrait with me. So I am truly sorry if this causes any inconvenience with anyone.

What about your book?
Yes... I am in the process of creating a book with my Mystic Portraits... but this project is in its beginning stages. I know that we wanted to release it in the summer of 2009... but at last my planning was a little of. It is still being created and I will contact everyone pertaining to this project in the near future... thanks for you patience.

Well here are a few questions answered and I will try the best that I can to keep you updated with all my unanswered emails....

Thanks again for those who made my first season at the Bristol Renaissance Faire a "hoot" and I cannot wait to see all of you again!

Thanks
C.Gehrardt