Holiday Bazaar at The Note

What's more awesome than Bands and Burlesque?! Howabout adding a Pinups for Pitbulls Holiday Shopping Bazaar!!! That's right this upcoming Saturday (Dec. 10th, 2011) I will be a vendor at the Bazaar with all my Artsy Bullies Schwag! I've been a sewing fool lately! Holiday Stockings, Eco-friendly coffee cozies, Pitbull Couture Purses, jewelry and other fun ideas that seem to come from my head to hands with in a matter of hours!

Here's the flier with the details:

And here is a glimpse of some of the goodies for sale:
Purse:

Coffee Cozy:

Stockings (Many more to come!!!)

Necklaces:

I also have made a bunch of Purse Hangers and some passport wallets! I still have some T-shirts and left over cufflinks from my Jammerdesignz shop! I guess you'll just have to come on out to The Note to get some fun handmade gifts for that Bully Lover in your life!


I hope to see you there!

November 4th Gala- Pinups for Pitbulls

Space is limited tickets are expected to sell out fast! Be sure to get yours early!! Come hang out, dance, eat bid on art, learn a thing or two and look fancy all at the same time!

In case you have no idea who Pinups for Pitbulls are... here's our Mission Statement:

"Pinups for Pitbulls, Inc; (PFPB) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
PFPB works to educate the public about the history and temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier and pit bull type dogs, to raise awareness about Breed Specific Legislation & Discriminatory Laws (B.S.L & B.D.L) Founded in 2005, by Deirdre “Little Darling” Franklin, PFPB has worked to reestablish the defamed reputation of Pit Bull type dogs as America’s premier companion animal, war hero, and therapy dog."

www.pinupsforpitbulls.org

Sept 8th Art Auction

Here's my submission for this show! Come on out for a fun time!!! Then be sure to join us that weekend at the Roar of the Shore in Wildwood.





Chalk Pastels on black paper.

"Paisleys and Pittie"

The human problem.

Sometimes dogs are just dogs. We as people are the ones who create these situations for them. Dogs can not be classified without humans. So a dog acting out of frustration or fear is simply that... Not necessarily an aggressive dog. They do not spite us, they do not hold grudges. They are all individual personalities and deserve a chance. So when a situation is created by humans where a dog may perhaps be fearful, frustrated and have no place to go... If they "act out" (or just act like a dog) it should not be the dog's fault. No rash decisions should ever be made based on what you feel society may think... If the thought that a dog may be unfit to coexist with our reality, perhaps a certified animal behaviorist should be called in for a professional opinion. Acting out of rash emotion causes more lives lost rather than proper solutions. Proper ways to re-evaluate said situations, scenarios that cause the dogs to "fail" education is the key...... To quote Gandhi "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

With that being said, I want to share the loss of a beloved dog.






Milo you will be missed forever, I tried to advocate and plea for your life... I loved you even if we met only for a few brief encounters. You were a misunderstood character with an unknown start to this world. You Were found abandoned, starved, you were nursed back to health by people with only love and light in their hearts...then the failed adoptions started... sorry my words held no bearing on that dreadful day. I can promise you from this moment forward I will always trust my instincts. I hope the rainbow bridge is everything this world wasn't may you run free and be loved.

Sorry that this world failed you.

A Slide Show....

With summer upon me, I have been quite busy with work and my extra time has been spent doing some summer things! While I am still drawing and creating, lately I have been doing more outings than being cooped up inside. The outings also include some events with Pinups for Pitbulls check out the events page, perhaps I'll get to run into you at one of them!!! So for your viewing pleasure I have posted a slideshow with some of the art of the past!!!

"Pitbull Haute Couture"

My mind never sleeps... This style handbag was screaming the loudest Saturday night during my slumber and then again when I was trying relax during my bi-weekly massage sunday.... I made the 1st one modeled after my youngest pittie, Pikey. Note his ears, I don't think he'd be able to have both "normal" at the same time... Ever. It's just his charm.


This is my first attempt at this style bag. I love it for it's size to fit all my stuff! This one was my learning curve. For the next ones I'm going to make; I enlarged the head a bit to fill the frame and am experimenting with different fabrics and trimming.

This is the 2nd one I made for a very dear friend, Little Darling, founder and president of Pinups for Pitbulls. Using her favorite color "glitter" in mind and her 2nd favorite, pink. I created this one of a kind "Pitbull Couture" purse just for her <3
I will be making more, with a variety of faces and silhouettes for the center piece. Each bag will be one of a kind and sewn by little 'ol me!!!

Now if only I could tell my brain to take a nap sometime... I definitely don't have enough time in a day/week to do everything I want!

-<3

3 PitBull Moon

9x9 acrylic on wooden plaque

Behold the powers of the 3 Pitbull Moon plaque. The most important is the ability to mask any pitbull type dog that is subject to discrimination, to appear to the 'hater' as nothing more than a dog. One who is full of love loyalty and companionship. The person will not see the fear or myths, just the love that lies within.

This painting isn't based on any 3 specific dogs, just 3 pitbull types, all colors and mixes. I painted this for an art auction coming up in June to benefit Pinups for Pitbulls.

Here's the Facebook event page. CLICK ME!!!!


Behold the 3Pitbull Moon!

Spring!!

Sometimes you have to just stop and enjoy the moment! Tuesday I had the pleasure of seeing Milo (#35 painted pup) for the 2nd time in 2 weeks. He's a sweet pup with a little rough start. He's in a "rehabilitation" program to help him become a little more of a gentleman! I must confess, I love this dog. Here he is taking a moment to smell the grass <3

Maya a Sanctuary dog.

3"x3" acrylic on wooden plaque.

I was asked by one of my tattoo clients if I could paint a dog she helps sponsor. Maya is currently in a sanctuary. I don't have much more information than that. So today's entry is short and sweet. Just like Maya <3

Got this info on miss Maya:
"Maya is indeed a sweetheart. She came into the rescue I was working with a few years ago and it became clear that she had withstood some type of abuse and did not trust easily. I remember walking her and she'd occasionally bump me with her whole body as if to say, hey I'm here, don't forget about me. She deteriorated in our shelter facility and became more afraid, so we had our behaviorist/trainer work with her and she made definite progress. She would put on a big scary show if someone she didn't know approached her though. She never hurt anyone, but she also wasn't ready to live in a home. Long story short, some people wanted her euthanized because she was deemed "unadoptable" but really she just needed the right environment. So now she is in a wonderful sanctuary where she's safe and getting her needs met. It's an expensive place and the funds we raised don't cover all of it. "

Art Prints

Due to the success and great response to my ACEO cards on the Facebook page, and in my Etsy shop. I have also decided to put the artwork up for larger prints.

Clicking the picture above will bring you to my Fine Art America store!

So far since January through your help and this project we have been able to donate a little over $500 to dogs in need! Thank you so much for your continued support!!! I also have some T-shirts in the works... I know I have some in my Cafe Press shop.. however these will be a special run, Olive/Military green with a brassy printing! Stay tuned!

&hearts- J

#35 "Milo Bartok"

3"x5" Acrylic on wood.

Milo needs a new home! Won't you help? Here's what is written in the note on the Pinups for Pitbulls Facebook page:

"Meet Milo Bartok! He really needs our help finding a foster/adopter/rescue ASAP! He's a healthy, young (~2yo), energetic neutered male AmBulldog mix in need of rehoming due to his family undergoing a personal matter unrelated to how wonderful Milo is. Milo is a well adjusted dog who adores people and attention . He's a very smart dog, highly trainable and eager to learn! Milo has been spending extensive time in his crate and needs a new home where he can flourish and stretch out his legs.

If you can help please contact pinupjen@gmail.com. Thanks!"

Here's the Link to Milo and other pictures of this handsome boy!

Valentine's Day love for Zuko!

3"x3" acrylic on wooden plaque

This little lovebug is one of the many dogs that benefit from this very project! Art is the Pits has helped sponsor Zuko in the past and present. &hearts

Zuko is currently in boarding in Trucksville PA. He is in desperate need of a foster or forever home! His sad story began when his old "Owner" (I use that term very loosley) decided he didn't want the sweet little boy... He said if the shelter wasn't going to take him, he was going to just let him go in the wild... Geez, some people! Bully Breed Rescue stepped in and rescued Zuko from the shelter... However not having an open foster, Zuko is in boarding. He may be safe from death row, however this isn't the life a puppy like Zuko needs! Maybe your Valentine's gift is to open your heart and home to this precious boy!

contact: bbr.fostercare@gmail.com for more info on Zuko!

Visit his Petfinder page to see more pictures and get info on fostering or Adopting Zuko &hearts

ACEO or ATC "Artist Trading Cards" Pit Bull style!

What the heck is an ACEO or ATC you ask? Well Wikipedia defines it as:
Artist Trading Cards (or ATCs) are miniature works of art about the same size as modern baseball cards,[1] or 2 ½ X 3 ½ inches (63 mm X 89 mm),[2] small enough to fit inside standard card-collector pockets, sleeves or sheets.[3] The ATC movement developed out of the mail art movement and has its origins in Switzerland.[4] Cards are produced in various media, including dry media (pencils, pens, markers, etc.), wet media (watercolor, acrylic paints, etc.), paper media (in the form of collage, papercuts, found objects, etc.) or even metals or cloth. The cards are usually traded or exchanged rather than sold.

Ok so with that being said... Here are my first 4! What I am going to do with these guys still remains to be seen... I will most likely offer ltd ed. signed prints of them to benefit rescue... All matted and ready for a frame of course but we are getting ahead of our selves!

"Tank" has this to say about BSL:


Have you ever noticed that sharing your life with a Pitbull type dog is like a skeleton in the closet? Or rather yet a little secret society... that one only admits when another says they have one first... Pikey is my little "Secret" in this one:


Stan would have been a rough an tumble gangster back in the day....Perhaps not but he's look super sweet in a fedora!


I always imagine Pikey as some sort of super Pittie... here's proof when he was about 12 weeks old.. he radiated positive energy!


Keep an eye out for more of these!!!

I also started a Fine Art America Profile!!!

Jamie Schwartz

With in it's virtual walls you will be able to purchase prints of plaques. Portions of the proceeds will be donated. It's a great way to get your favorite Artsy Bully with out the large original art ticket!

As always thank you so much for supporting this project and sharing in on the Pittie Love!!!

Tattoos and Love

Picture Frame plaques, acrylic on wood. 2 display options, either hang on wall or stand on a hard surface!

These 2 plaques are being donated to Pinups for Pitbulls to do with as they please. So keep an eye out for them maybe at an event sometime soon! An Auction perhaps? As I know more I will let you know!



Speaking of events... I have decided to be less of a hermit this year. (This may not mean much to you, if you don't know me... However let me assure you it IS a big deal!) Also being that I am in this year's 2011 Calendar as Miss October a bunch of these ventures will most likely include some sort of benefit/fundraiser for PFPB. I support many rescues, however I am honored to be part of such a great bunch of ladies!!!

For the 1st outing, I will be helping at the Pinups for Pitbulls booth at this year's Philadelphia Tattoo Convention on Sat & Sun (2/5 & 2/6) At the table, I will have some of the featured Art is the Pits Plaques for sale. Proceeds will be donated directly to Pinups for Pitbulls!!! There will also be some buttons and zipper pulls for sale!!!




The 2nd outing I have planned will be on the 19th of February at The Note in West Chester PA. The event is "A Second Chance at Love" a fundraiser to benefit Pinups for Pitbulls!
Here are the details!



142 E Market St, West Chester, PA
Doors: 8pm Starts: 9pm
$10 adv/$15 day of show, 21+w/ID
Visit The Note website for tickets! http://thenotewc.com/

*Burlesque & Sideshow acts *Punk & Rockabilly Bands *Silent Auction * Raffle *Pinups for Pitbulls Merchandise & 2011 calendar *Pin Up Girls & more!

BURLESQUE BY:
Little Darling, PFPB Founder (Backhand Burlesque, PA)
L’il Dutch (Dutch Oven Burlesque, DC)
Maria Bella (Gilded Lily Burlesque, MD)
Candy Mayhem (Backhand Burlesque PA)
Marla Meringue ( Sticky Buns Burlesque, MD)

SIDESHOW BY: The Olde City Sideshow
www.oldecitysideshow.com

MC: Hot Todd Lincoln (DC)

BANDS:
Wrath of Typhon
The Handsome Petes www.myspace.com/thehandsomepetes
Top Soil www.topsoilpunks.com
The Gerunds

Sponsored by:
Swig Bartending and Events
www.swigbartending.com

To donate items for raffle or auction, email Events@pinupsforpitbulls.com


This has been such a great journey for me! Over the past year I have really been blessed to meet many wonderful people in the rescue world! While I feel I am not nearly as active as they may be, I feel I can do my small part here on the sidelines, creating art, sharing stories and donating much needed funds! I am really looking forward to what the next year has in store and I hope it's as rewarding! I intend to live a life full of positivity... There is no room in my world for the dramas than man can sew. &hearts

"Winter"

3x3 acrylic on wooden plaque.

Winter is the first in my "Bullies de los Muertes" series... A part of this blog that I will tribute to those pups who never made it out of the shelter... If you think it's morbid please go read up a bit on the Day of the Dead holiday.

This is a way that we can celebrate these dogs forever... While they are running freely on the Rainbow Bridge

Here is Valerie's story about Winter... Inevitably she was the one that inspired Val to start getting really active into animals... just this year the 19 year old formed the Princess Buttercup Foundation.
"Winter was a deaf Pit Bull at a kill-shelter in NJ. She was at the shelter for a few months before anyone showed interest in her. She was a wild-child on the leash; she liked to play Tug-O'-War while you were walking her for the first 30 minutes or so. But, eventually I was able to teach her that that was not going to be tolerated anymore. :) She was full of life, but was dog-aggressive, which kept her behind shelter bars. Whoever originally had her, probably didn't know much about Pit Bulls, or even more so... deaf Pit Bulls. Deaf Pit Bulls are like any other dog; they need love and training. The only difference is they learn through body language and touch. They don't need to hear to learn. They are just as smart and just as good as any other dog could be, but pay attention better and are more aware of their surroundings. They can see more than other dogs possibly could, they feel the vibrations around them, and feed off of the energy surrounding them. They are great dogs. Winter was a great dog. However, two people decided to take her life away from her and broke a promise they made to Winter. Working with and knowing Winter was an absolute pleasure and life-changing experience, but losing her was an absolute tragedy. It was a losing battle trying to save Winter. The Two Big Bosses who demanded Winter be killed had their minds set and nothing would change Winter's fate. Winter will always have a spot in my heart. She will always have a spot in the volunteers' hearts who also tried helping Winter break out of the shelter. She has taught me to NEVER give up on a dog, no matter what people say and no matter how many people doubt you. She has given me an appreciation for deaf dogs. She has inspired me. I love you Winter. May you rest in Doggie Heaven, where you are surrounded by love and peace."

****

Winter:

#33 "Buka"

3"x3" acrylic on wooden plaque

Meet "Buka" is it wrong I love saying his name? BukaBukaBuka! I saw his face last week and put the picture on my desk top.. I have been looking at his sweet face everyday. He is too cute! He also is listed as URGENT in Philly ACC...

Here's what they have to say about Mr. Buka:

***"Buka (11879521) is an adult pit bull terrier mix. Buka was found running the streets of Philadelphia and found by a police officer who brought him to the shelter. Buka showed no interest in cats. He did well during his dog meets, but he did best with a very friendly dog. He avoided the dog that was obnoxious and jumping all over him. Buka already knows sit and is very treat motivated and would do great with an owner who will teach him basic obedience. Buka is a very sweet boy who needs a new home. Do you have room for him this holiday season?
Photos at:
Other Pictures of Buka:
1
2
3

These animals are located at Philadelphia's animal control shelter, ACCT. They need immediate adoption or foster care.
ACCT is located at 111 W Hunting Park Ave and is open 365 days a year. Please check www.pspca.org for hours.
To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800, email nsmith@pspca.org or jsweeney@pspca.org, or send us a message"****

Here's hoping that his life isn't cut too short due to being in the wrong place...maybe you know someone who is interested in this beautiful boy!

#32 "Pirate"

3"x5" Acrylic on wooden plaque!

AAAAAAaaaargh, matey! Here be "Pirate" as I was lurking around today, looking for my tuesday rescue pup...I found his picture on the Bully Breed Rescue page while I had already printed the photo and ran a few errands... thanks to a bunch of networking, by the time I got to painting "Pirate" he was in the process of being sprung from the Brooklyn AC&C!!!! Thanks to Urgent Part 2 for posting far and wide, he was happened upon by his soon to be Foster mom!!! Hooray! This Pirate's tale doesn't end in the gallows!!!


This is what was listed under his photo:

****"RESCUED!!!
Pirate came to the shelter on 12/24/10. The medical staff feel he is around seventeen months old and weighs in at a healthy 51 pounds. He also did a really good job on his shelter behavior test getting a rating of “Mild”. Pirate is handsome, charming, and he is great help! When the volunteer had trouble with a kennel door, he immediately came to her rescue! Nudging the volunteer gently with his head as if asking "can I help?" Pirate helped opened the door and proudly walked into to play with all the snow he found in there. Pirate seems to be loving to all dogs. He had to greet each dog with a wagging tail on the way out, and although it was during the afternoon hours, our Pirate walked very nicely on his leash calmly and controllably. The volunteer also found Pirate to be very loving, attentive and affectionate. He has oodles of kisses to give and has a magical calming effect about him. He really believes this could be his year – please lets help him make sure it is. "****

If you would like more information on "Pirate" please contact Pibblesnmore. if that link doesn't work you can also try this one to their fanpage: PMAR