Mellanie Collins, Small Format Art and Portraits

New Gift Wrap Designs on Zazzle

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 18:23:00 +0000

Sketchy Cat by genxster
View another wrapping paper at zazzle.com

Bulldog Puppy Gift Wrapping Paper by genxster
Check out more Bulldog puppy Wrapping Paper at Zazzle

Since I've been getting more sales at Zazzle, I've decided that I might as well add a few more items to the shop. I really like this glossy wrapping paper. It's a nice weight (60 lb.) and the paper is recyclable.

I thought these designs would be nice for birthday gifts or for a just-thinking-of-you present. What do you think?

My Most Popular Measuring Spoons Themed Products

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 08:51:00 +0000

Measuring Spoons Recipe Journal Notebooks by genxster
Make customised notebooks online at zazzle.com

Measuring Spoons Personalized Stationery by genxster
custom printed stationery made at zazzle.com

Surprised by how many products with this Measuring Spoon drawing I've sold this year. I've sold quite a few pages of stationery since I put the product up a few years ago.

I've always liked this little drawing. I remember how happy I was when I worked out how to to create the metallic look of the spoons. Ah nostalgia.

A New Look and a New Focus

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:46:00 +0000

Looks like I've not made a post in literally years. I've taken the focus away from selling my work and focused on being a better artist and really finding themes I resonate with. I've been doing lots of ATC trades and gifts. Just finding my my, as you do. You can see my progress and latest ATCs and other drawings and sketches over at See. Draw. Share. or check out Mellanie Collins, Artist on Facebook.

I'll be opening an Etsy shop soon and working on stocking it with small format artwork: ACEOs, 5x7, and possible 8 x10 orginals. So pardon my dust while I get my house in order.

Thanks!

People Still Buy Mousepads!

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 20:33:00 +0000

Sketchy Cat (multiple) Mouse Pads by genxster
Find other Cat Mousepads at zazzle.com

Seems like whenever I decide to shut down my Zazzle shop, I get another sale. I was surprised to see this one. I didn't know people still bought mouse pads. This mousepad features an ink sketch of a cat that I did a few years ago. So cool to see that the old designs still sell.

New Original Artwork Bookplate Stickers

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 15:30:00 +0000

In the last few months I've added some new designs and experimented with some new products. I've seen a number of cute bookplate stickers on Zazzle, so I decided to try designing some of my own.

Colored Pencil Bulldog Bookplate Square Sticker by genxster

Little Chickadee Bookplate Stickers by genxster

Sketchy Cat Bookplate Stickers by genxster

African Grey Parrot Original Artwork Square Sticker by genxster

Green-Eyed Tabby Bookplate Square Stickers by genxster
View other Tabby Stickers

Yes, those are a few new designs I've added since April. I've added some birds and another new bulldog design. I'll be featuring them in the coming weeks. So stay tuned!

Rounding Out April with Another Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:27:00 +0000

This owl drawing is pretty popular. I just sold a set of coasters with this design last week. Woot!

Saw Whet Owl Coasters by genxster

Many thanks to Eric from Wadsworth, Ohio and to the lovely affiliate who guided him to my design! I'm having such a great year on Zazzle!

April Sales: Looking Good

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:51:00 +0000

After a lull in March, I'm getting more sales again! I sold one of these journals to a lovely woman in Hawaii:

Serious Cat Sketch Journal by genxster
View more note books

This morning I found that I had sold one of these owl coffee mugs to someone in Germany:

Saw Whet Owl by genxster
Create your own personal mug online at zazzle.com

One of my owl designs is featured on this Cute and Funny Owls page. Check it out. There are so many really sweet owl designs there.

This has been a great year for me on Zazzle and 2012 isn't even close to half over yet!

I'm working on another bulldog design. So very soon I'll have more new products to show you.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my work.

New Bulldog Design and Products!

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 21:18:00 +0000

Bulldog Watercolor Puzzle by genxster

I was looking though some old scans of artist trading cards I made last year and found this bulldog watercolor painting. I remembered how pleased I was with how well the nose came out. Well, I decided that this might be a charming addition to my shop.

Watercolor Bulldog Wrapped by genxster

My best dog drawings so far have been of English Bulldog puppies. I love drawing their sweet brown eyes and those folds around the mouth. If I continue I may just end up starting a shop devoted to them. For now I have new English Bulldog gifts items and practical items too including: laptop and tablet sleeves, iPad, iPod, and laptop decal skins, and assorted hard-cover phone cases. In addition to those there are postcards, coffee mugs, ornaments, keychains, and many other fun trinkets.

I'm having such fun building my shop and learning how to promote myself. I hope you give the shop a visit and check out all my current designs.

New Custom Spiral Note books

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Zazzle has introduced so many new products in the last few months. I've been stocking the shop with things that I think my customers might like. Here are some notebooks featuring some of my favorite drawings. There is a particularly intense pen and ink drawing of a grumpy house cat:

Serious Cat Sketch Journal by genxster

an original illustration of a saw-whet owl:

Saw Whet Owl Journal by genxster

and a black, white, and gray drawing of a pair of metal measuring spoons, a nice book to jot down ingredient lists or keep notes about your favorite recipes:

Measuring Spoons Recipe Journal by genxster

These 80-page lined notebooks are completely customizable. You can change the text or even the image if you like. Just click the orange "Customize It" button under the image to change the text, or add your own image. That's one of the cool things about Zazzle. You can find great items and fit them to your own tastes.

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

Measuring Spoons w/ Initials by genxster
See more Cooking Stationery

Happy 2012 everyone! This new year is off to a great start for me. I had another Zazzle sale yesterday! This stationery features an illustration of measuring spoons that I drew a few years ago. Thanks to Linda in Topeka, Kansas for purchasing 25 sheets!

More Great Shop News! Sketchy Cat Pajamas on CafePress

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:04:00 +0000

Sketchy Cat Pajamas by artbygenxster

Aren't these pjs cute? I just sold a pair on CafePress. Many thanks and Merry Christmas to the lovely Maia Peck from Ohio!

Another Zazzle sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:37:00 +0000

I sold another Saw Whet Owl design on Zazzle the other day. I find it so gratifying that out of all the zillions of products there someone found one of mine and loved it enough to buy it. I'm so pleased that this design is so popular. I think it's one of my better drawings for 2011.

Amplify’d from genxster.posterous.com

Just sold! Saw Whet Owl Necktie

Many thanks to Sabine from Leipzig, Germany. I'm so pleased that this owl design is so popular.
Read more at genxster.posterous.com

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/a1jjfo

New Blackberry Cases Zazzle

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:49:00 +0000

UPDATE: Save 25% on all mobile phone cases. That includes cases for iPhone, iPod Touch, or BlackBerry Curve or Bold. Just use code CASEMATESALE at checkout! Hurry coupon code expires Sunday, 10/16.

English Bulldog Puppy (Black) by genxster
Make your own blackberry curve cases

Zazzle now has BlackBerry cases available! How cool is that? When I saw them I went right to work adding some to my shop. The designs shown here are for Blackberry Curve 8520/9300. These lighweight cases cover the back and corners of your phone with a thin, but sturdy plastic shell. Even though the phone is covered you still have access to all of the ports and buttons.

If you don't like any of my designs, you can always design a Curve case yourself.

It's easy and fun to do.

One thing to consider is that unlike most other items on Zazzle which are shipped within 24 hours, these cases are made in 3-7 days.

English Bulldog Puppy by genxster
See more Bulldog puppy Casemate Case

I've just added this new owl design. I was making cards for an owl swap and I loved how this little owl drawing turned out. I cleaned it up a bit and added it to my shop. I hope to have a whole section for bird designs someday, but for now this is the first.

Cute Little Saw Whet Owl by genxster
Make your own blackberry cases

New Tabby Cat Items on Zazzle

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:08:00 +0000

Tabby With Yellow-Green Eyes Note by genxster
Browse other Tabby Cards

I've been spending most of my free time working on the Zazzle shop. I've decided to use this cat artist trading card that I made in Hood River to make a line of note cards, key chains, and coffee mugs. I'm proud of the drawing. I was so inspired by all the great new friends I made last month.

Tabby Cat with Yellow-Green Eyes by genxster
View more Tabby Keychains

This tabby cat drawing was created with colored pencil, watercolor pencil, and gel pens for highlights. I was so excited when I finished! It's the best cat drawing I've made to date. I'd love to know what you think!

I have more designs on the way so stay tuned!

And That Was August...

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:33:00 +0000

I can't believe that August is practically over. Many of my friends, teachers and students, are back in the classroom already. I've had a wonderful summer and I'm sorry to see it come to a close.

The best part of my summer was my trip to Hood River Oregon to meet up with some folks from my favorite mail art trading site: ATCsforall.com. The event was called the Oregon Live Gathering and it was a regional meet-up for members from Oregon and Washington to get together, do some live trading, and trade tips and techniques. I'm the one in the baseball hat.

There were about 28 of us in all. It was fun to meet artists I'd traded with for a couple of years and I enjoyed watching people work, whether it was drawing, painting, collage, or mixed media.

While I was there, I made this card. It's by far the best cat drawing I've done. I traded it at the event, but at least I have this picture. I think it might make a good design for my Zazzle shop.

Now that fall is here I have swap cards to make, a sketchbook to fill for the 2012 Sketchbook Project, a bit of travle and some Christmas gifts to make. Winter will be over before I know it too.

Cool Sunglasses Iphone Case

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Sunglasses Ipod Touch Case by genxster
Browse iphone 3 cases

Zazzle is now offering Ipod Touch Cases for sale, so I added a few to my Genxster's Studio shop. I was pleased to see that my Sunglasses case has been featured on Sandyspider Gifts Blog. Thanks Sandy! You are a star!

My Latest Post at See. Draw. Share.

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 20:30:00 +0000

I've been working on some cat sketches. This is my favorite so far.

Amplify’d from genxsters.wordpress.com

Pen Sketch: The Cat Next Door

© 2011 Mellanie Collins
Read more at genxsters.wordpress.com

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/a18zqj

Sketchy Kitty Design on Zazzle

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:55:00 +0000

Sketchy Kitty Hoodie by genxster
View more Cat T-Shirts

I've been working on some simplified cat drawings and this is the one I like the best so far. I used a dip pen on paper. I thought I'd try it out as a design for products in my Zazzle shop. I'm hoping to add more cat designs to the shop soon.

May Was A Blast

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:26:00 +0000

I've been have a great time this May. I made a trip to New York to visit friends and to see the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette.

It was a great show. The choreography was great and John Larroquette was so funny as Mr. Biggley the company president. I'm glad he won a Tony for his performance. It was well-deserved. Daniel Radcliffe as J. Pierrepont Finch, the uber-corporate climber was cute, but it took me a while to warm up to his odd accent. He seemed to be working so hard on his American accent and then working it into the odd character voice he used for the show. I found it distracting at first, but he looked so earnest and performed so well that by the end I had let that initial feeling go. I was impressed by his dancing ability. In the Harry Potter movies he generally looks uncoordinated and a bit, well, flopsy. But in this production he keeps up with the dancers very well. The audience loved him and I thought he was very charming. I loved the period costumes, it looked like it was set in the late 50's or early 60's and the simplfied set. The choreography was excellent. If I didn't live on the other side of the country I would love to see it again.

Me In front of Hirschfeld Theater trying to look like a skeptic : )

A week after we got back from New York we got to see Tony Bennett. But I'll leave that for another post.

My First Lens - My First Earnings

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 05:15:00 +0000

I made this lens in March and I found that not only will I receive earnings for April, but someone made a purchase a few days ago. My first affiliate sale! I'm finally seeing how this whole Squidoo thing works. I'm having fun, learning a lot, and now I'm making a little green stuff on the side. Now to make more lenses and try to apply all of those keyword research tips I've been reading.

Amplify’d from www.squidoo.com

Great Gift Ideas for Hedgehog Fans

Having trouble finding a gift for a hedgehog lover? Even though these adorable little critters have millions of devoted fans, they aren't exactly in the mainstream. Finding a gift featuring one of these adorable critters isn't as simple as taking a quick trip to the mall.

image credit: goldersbug from Golders' Stuff on Zazzle.com

See this Amp at http://amplify.com/u/a14p1u

Working on My Zazzle Shop: Bulldog Mug

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:38:00 +0000

English Bulldog Mug by genxster
Join Zazzle's artist affiliate program

My poor Zazzle shop. Is there anything sadder than an abandoned storefront? I'm working on some redecorating and adding some new products. Here is the first of many. I drew this bulldog originally as an artist trading card by request. The English Bulldog image I used as a reference was a public domain photo so I figured I would edit little multi-media painting and put it on some Zazzle products.

I think it turned out pretty well. Now I only need about another 200 products, a banner, update categories...(sigh)

Where to Begin?

noreply@blogger.com (Genxster) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 21:04:00 +0000

Self-Portrait in style of Matisse

pen and ink on paper, 2.5"x3.5"

For about four years I have been blogging on See. Draw. Share. posting drawings, talking a little about what inspires me, etc. I was doing okay until I lost momentum last year. I just never felt I could truly write satisfying article to go with my images. As much as I wanted to write about my drawing process and what inspires me to draw, I could never feel that anyone would care.

So I decided to start over with a new blog. A blog about me! I do other things besides draw. I'm a bit of a reader. I love classic movies. I have hopes and dreams. I hope that as I express myself more effusively here, I will find a new voice, a real voice, and I will be able to improve my drawing blog.

So, you have been warned...