MLmayko & More

Digital Painting & Photo Manipulation

2008-07-02T16:53:00.006-04:00

This is one of my favorite art styles, I really love remaking photos into something new and straight from my mind. When I first started this I didn't know how it was going to turn out, mostly because its been awhile since I've done a digital painting/ photo manipulation. Frankly, I think it could have come out a little better. Anyways, I also wanted to say that the original is "Not" under my name (copyright) so I don't take any rights. This was just a practice...and also a reference as to what I can do.

Here's more if your interested...

Scary.....but Beautiful

E.T. Model (My Favorite!)

Golden

Hello....Been A Hot Minute...

2008-07-02T14:18:00.002-04:00

C'Hello!!

I know it's been awhile since I've updated my blog....didn't really have much to update so I thought I might just leave it like it was. I updated my Cafepress store with some Hippie shirts, since....yes I am a hippie by nature and I'm also mellow. So I just fit into that category and I don't mind.

Let me also say that I don't believe in taking drugs to be happy or in love with life. In my opinion a real hippie is one who is sober and lives the righteous way.

So...with that written, please go visit my site if you believe in the same concept...and even if you don't I do have some other things you might be interested in.

http://www.cafepress.com/tinimanga

Thanks.

LiLa - Coming Along

2008-03-03T12:17:00.004-05:00

I've been working on my new doll for a month or so now because I've been some what sick, and taking it easy for some days. Allot has happened that distracted me on my work, but now I'm focusing all my attention on this.

So, this is how she will look. I wanted to put some real glass or plastic eyes in her but I couldn't find the right size for her...I know that kinda sounds weird since there are so many sizes of eyes out there, but really none fit her right and correctly.

Maybe, if I could find something like a tutorial on how to make plastic eyes then that'll be great. For now she looks good to me though and that is what really matters. right!

LiLa's head is looking pretty good...I just need to finish the hair! I don't have much to say, only that I'm still busy trying my best to end up with a good finished project and make sure that it looks alright to me.

Bye for now... MLmayko :)

Test LiLa Doll

2008-01-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since my last post, I finished my original doll and made a test doll just to see how it will look when it was finished and complete. I've learned that instead of drilling the eyes out, I'll just paint them on instead. It took me longer than I expected to finish this doll mainly because I don't own a ball joint doll and I've never made an actually doll before, but this project was very fun and exciting and I would do it again if I get the chance. Actually making the doll from of clay with my illustration was very fun, I also wanted to make sure I got every single detail right before making any molds or even saying that I was complete with the first part.

This is my test doll, and it's also an example of how my dolls will look now. It is a ball joint doll, I seem to be getting into ball joint dolls for some months now, there are so versatile and completely customizable. Here are just a few pictures of my first doll, although she is a test... She looks pretty good.

LiLa Project

2007-08-12T12:23:00.000-04:00

Hi there, yes yes I've been gone for some time now. I now have evidence I my for you.. this is what I've been working on, LiLa. She is a ball joint doll from a illustration the I created last year. She will stand at 10in and is about 5in wide. Right now, I'm in the stages of making her molds and they are almost complete. So I've totally crossed over from the tiny little origami dolls that I made and completely gone to the dolly land :)

This is a pic of her being complete as for sculpting, I was finishing up her left eye (that's why it's darker than the right.) Now I'm working on completing her head molds and that part will be finish very soon.

Anyways, I'll update you on whats been going on with her in a couple of weeks because It's very fun but takes allot of time to get a perfect look.

Bye for now,

MLmayko

Etsy Shop Closed...

2007-07-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

For all of you that have been watching my Etsy Shop, I'm sorry to say that it is no longer UP. I closed shop a couple of days ago. I've also mentioned that I am currently working on a new project... so this will mostly be taking all the time I have when I return. (My dear TiniManga store is still open at Cafe press. If you would like to support me, please take a peak at it!)
Thank you :)

Updates: It's taking me longer with this new project because I want it to be nearly perfect, and I'll keep working on it until it is in the standards that I prefer. May I also say that this is a personal project that I've always wanted to get my hands on...

MLmayko

Newness!

2007-06-25T19:21:00.000-04:00

Hi guys, I know it's been awhile since my last time posting....I do have a good reason for it....
For these last past months, I've been working hard on a new project (I'm starting on another chapter of my business.) That I'm sure a lot of you will love. For now, I must keep it a secret untell final productions, but I can give you a tip though... it will be something that you can "Fully" customize :) and stands at 10".

I'll be back soon with pictures and I'll start commission work on it soon, and it will all be done here on my blog. Thank you so much for the support :)

MLmayko

New Doll

2007-04-23T01:46:00.000-04:00

New Balloon Doll

I spent two days creating a new doll for display. She's made practically with the same items I use to make my other origami dolls with, so that saves on materials. She is about 2.4in tall (5cm) including stand and bows. She actually came out pretty well...please tell me what you think of her...should I make more or quit while I'm ahead :) no but please tell me. I would love to hear your opinions.

I would also love to mention that I've recently updated my TiniManga (cafepress) store with new characters, so please stop by and you can leave any comments here as to what you think of the store as well.

http://www.cafepress.com/tinimanga

See you soon :)

Little Adorables

2007-04-19T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I just wanted to post up the most adorable kittens I've ever seen, well... ever owned at least :) They are two and half weeks old and they are little sprinters :) seriously.

They were born in my closet on April the 3rd around 12:00 am to 2:00 am. Tell me what you think of them, and I'm no expert on the type of cats...but if anyone knows what type of cats they are then I would love to know.

Anyways, untell next time my friends :)

MLmayko

Words of Encouragement

2007-04-17T15:09:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say that Etsy, the online crafting store were anyone with a gifted talent can share there crafts and abilities with the entire world is the greatest.
I was unaware for awhile how many people from different countries join the Etsy community to share there passions. I was limited to thinking just that when I first decided to start a shop there.

I had to gain my courage and just go for it, that’s something my mother and I were talking about yesterday. If you have a passion to do something then "do it" no matter what other people say about you and try to discourage you. Ultimately you’re not doing it for the non-believers, so put them beside and all thoughts of them gossiping and snaring at you in a big pile. Say a prayer for you new venture as well as for yourself and step out there.

In the end you'll wish you took that chance (maybe a rare chance for some people) to learn for your self if it would have worked out. I was so scared to start my business that I put it off for three years, thinking I could just find something else to do, but the thought just kept eating at me so I finally came to the conclusion of excepting it and started my business in devours.

I'm writing this to encourage any one out there. I also wanted to say, if you keep at it and persevere it will work.

Many blessing to every one and I'll see you soon. :)

MLmayko
http://mlmayko.etsy.com

Hina Matsuri (Washi Ningyo Part1)

2007-04-04T16:03:00.000-04:00

I wanted to write this article on Washi Ningyo (paper dolls) for some time now. Hina Matsuri is a very ancient and beautiful ceremony that takes place in Japan every year. There are many types of origami dolls with their own unique meanings. If you have looked around in my shop you will notice that my dolls are very unique from some origami dolls. The dolls I make are a mixture of two styles, Hina and the miniature toy origami dolls.

This little article will help you learn more about the well known origami day for young girls. I hope you will enjoy this article as much as I enjoyed researching and learning about the wonderful world of Washi Ningyo.

--------------------------------------

Hina Matsuri

Hina Matsuri (Dolls’ Festival) or Momo-no-Sekku (Peach Blossom Festival) is a Japanese custom and art form in which young girls take their paper dolls out for display around the house called Hina Ningyo “princess/girl dolls” these are more like ceremonial dolls then everyday Origami Ningyo and are mostly used for this occasion. The Japanese festival also known as “Girls’ Day” is held on March 3. This is a spacial day for a young girl. The dolls represent a girls youth and give her good luck for marriage and a happy future.

Parents or loved ones by these dolls as gifts and keep them in boxes on tell the festival day. You can still buy Hina Ningyo in Japanese stores, I even sell Hina Ningyo in my shop every-ounce-in-awhile. They are great gifts to a young friend or loved one. I make all my dolls from traditional Japanese paper called Washi and all dolls are custom made and are one-of-a-kind.

This custom began during the Edo Period in Japan, but it originally came from an ancient Chinese tradition. People believed that the dolls can contain evil spirits, and at the end of the day the girls and their family would leave their dolls at the edges of lakes or put them in boats so they would get carried away by the sea. Taking all their troubles with them for better years to come.

Updated Shops & Everything Else

2007-04-01T13:23:00.000-04:00

Strawberries & Cherry Blossoms, can't get much sweeter than that. My new VG Doll! This is the second doll that I'll be adding to my etsy shop around April 5-10. I have two more I'll add as well, and I still need to work on some more dolls for the shop. My shops inventory is getting larger which is good :) I had to make this doll, she is so cute don't you think? I fell in love with her kimono as soon as I saw the washi paper. I really like Japanese Paper Dolls as you can tell, and I want to get really good with making them. Of course all of my dolls are original and custom made, no two are alike. I think in the future I might start doing some commission work, so you can have a speacial made doll if you wanted. I don't know about that market so tell me what you think about the commission idea and I'll prosue it.

New updates for my Cafepress shop. I added one of my dearest illustrations. Introducing Ava-KO (Avater Child - KO in Japanese means child). This is Chewie's older sister, I really like the outcome for her. I'll be making avaters out of her so I named her "Ava-KO" I think a perfect name. I've added her to some mugs and stickers in the shop along with Chewie. I've always wanted to make t-shirts, mugs, and all kinds of things with my funny/abstract characters. I have alot more designs and I'll be adding some of my chibi anime charaters to the shop as well.

Sakura Doll

2007-03-30T15:19:00.000-04:00

I Know it's been a while since I've updated any pictures of my dolls, I've made some new lively colored dollies for you all. I just took these pictures of one of the latest additions to my Vaguer Doll collection. This is the perfect season for sakura (cherry blossom) kimono patterns, so I thought I might as well show you what I've been up to.

I'm so sorry if the picture is poor, I've been having some back pains recently so I haven't been able to do allot for two weeks now...and it's really annoying. I'm not able to complete all of my task and such so please bare with me. I have to check it out, so I'm going to my doc this week coming... (hopefully I can get some pain meds to help.)

All the new dolls will be added to my etsy shop on the 5th or 10th of April (four in total !!) I need to spread them out because I was only able to make such a small inventory update (I hate this!!!!). So sorry guys, I'll get back to work ounce this pain goes away.

Anyways...I don't want to sound anymore depressing...

This is my very own mini sakura vase. I made it out of ceramic clay and painted it with cherry blossoms. The little flowers are from my backyard aren't they cute kawaii, kawaii!!!. I think I might make more vases and use them for background decoration. What do you think?
Oh yeah! If you would like for me to make some mini vases for you then email me, I have plenty of ceramic clay laying around and I don't mind at all.. :)

Let me know what you think about the new doll, I'll add more pics of the other ones later :)

Till then...!

Coming to CafePress

2007-03-29T11:53:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I finally set up shop at cafepress everyone! I've always wanted to make t-shirts, gift cards, etc... and now I'm finally able to do so. My first design would have to be my favorite custom character I made. His name is "Chewie" that's right, if you go to my shop on cafepress..then you'll know why I named him like so. He's a really cute goth/punk plush doll and he wants and needs your lovin'. I plan on making more designs so don't get discouraged if your not satisfied. Just check back on and off and you never know....:) Anyways, I thought this might be a good idea in the mean time while I still get some origami dolls together in my Etsy shop. Don't worry I haven't forgot about that :)

Here's my Cafepress shop: http://www.cafepress.com/tinimanga
you can also find in at the sidebar

Saturday to Saturday 30% Off Sale

2007-03-26T09:56:00.000-04:00

Vaguer Doll **Etsy Shop**

I'm having a special Saturday sell at my etsy shop. The sell started this Saturday past and will end next Saturday so go and check it out! I'm giving a 30% OFF sell to "ALL" of my dolls in shop, the prices are great for my clean-out special. This is my first ever sell so I know allot of you will love it, and whats not to like from all the beautiful and special dollies.

You can find my link with thumbnail pictures or go here: http://mlmayko.etsy.com
I hope that you will enjoy the wonderful kimono patterns a lush colors of my Origami Dolls.

Until next Time :)

Buzziiee Beeee!

2007-03-26T08:56:00.000-04:00

I've been quit busy these past days. If you have notice my newly updated blog, I've remade and added some good things to it. I've also added my favorite sites to the link section as well as my Etsy shop mini page. I know it's been a couple of days since my last post and I promise I'm making it all up to you guys.

I've been busy making some new dollies for the shop...and I must warn you that they are super cute. I think you all might just adore these new dollies that I'm preparing, they have some super delicious kimonos...but you'll just have to wait and see.

Website News

2007-03-19T19:42:00.000-04:00

I'm going to be deleting my website soon, yes I've decided to wait on updating it and just focus on my Etsy shop. It doesn't mean that I wont have a website, but at the moment I'm mainly just focused on some other things. I will be working more on my web design though...

I hope you all liked the semi-tutorial on making a light box....didn't get too much feedback on it to know for sure. Anyways I've been thinking about doing my volunteer work again. I need to find some out-side work while my other things are going on (need to balance my time...)

On tell next post then :)

LightBox Tutorial (somewhat...)

2007-03-15T17:47:00.000-04:00

A light box can be made out of almost anything, you just have to know how to make one. There not difficult to make and only take about 30 to 10 minutes if your crafty. I made this lovely box out of a toilet paper box, yes that's right, a card board box everyone :) As you might know, a light box can be used to take pictures of any item that will fit in it.

Materials:

Card Board Box ( you can use white paper from your local store that may carry art supplies or some simple school supplies (Kroger, Walmart, something like that...) Use something that is sturdy, but is bendable.)

Long White Paper ( This will be for your background in your pics, so you can choose whatever color you like. Make sure it's something that wont take away from your item that you'll be taking pictures of.)

Ruler

Scissors

Tape (clear tape is better)

Recto Knife (if you don't have one of these than you can use a regular knife, not too sharp...and please be safe. If your under 16, then I recommend you have an adult to do this for you.)

Cut the box in half or to the desired length you'll like. Use the recto knife to cut two windows into both side of the box, make sure their the same size and are adjacent from each other. Make sure that the paper will fit inside of the box then tape the top portion to the box and let the bottom curve down.

As you can see, the inside of the box is uneven. So I used a left-over tile to keep the inside sturdy. Use something hard and make sure it doesn't have any bumps or cuts.

Flip the paper back over and your finish :) Now all you need is two small lamps with some fluorescent light bulbs. I hope I didn't miss anything... if I did... then leave a comment and I'll add whatever is needed.

Happy Light boxing !!

Sayuki & Lightbox

2007-03-11T21:37:00.000-04:00

I took some pictures of Sayuki a couple of minutes ago. I made a REALLY simple light box out of cardboard and wanted to see how well it worked. I need to thank and Etsy friend for suggesting to make one. The picture came out pretty well, I just need to buy some florescent lights because I had to do some retouching in Photoshop.

Isn't she so kawaii on her woodblock and all :)...I think I might use this picture for my website...

If you would like for me to post a tutorial on how to make a very simple light box, then send some comments. It's not really a tutorial though, I'll just post some comments on how I made it, what I used to make it and of course some pictures of my cheap but crafty light box. I have to say it works pretty well :) so I'm happy!!

Spring Doll

2007-03-09T13:11:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I made a colorful doll. She reminds me of Easter with all the pretty colors, so I posted her up on my shop for sell. This Spring will be beautiful and I thought I should make a wonderful doll to go along with the season. What do you think? I like the dolls with different hair colors, it gives them that unique personality, plus I didn't want them to look like the average origami doll with black hair...thats all you see, but ofcourse I make dolls with black hair aswell. I have a doll in my shop with pink pastel hair that matches her kimono. They also remind me of Anime Characters if anyone is into Anime :)

Problem Fixed

2007-03-08T15:49:00.000-05:00

I think I've fixed the problem with my blog. It was on my computer... to many cookies I guess, so I've deleted some things and resigned into my blog and it works just fine now. I've gotten alot of good comments on this blog. The main reason I started this was to progress on my Origami Dolls, and hopefully gain some fans. Don't worry, I'm still working hard on them, and at the moment you can find them ounce again at my Etsy shop (http://mlmayko.etsy.com). Last month was great sale wise, I made two sales on my birthday so I'm filling good :). Please visit my Shop if you would like to buy a doll. I'm giving some of my practice dolls away for $7.00 so go and check it out. See Yah :)

Blogging Problems

2007-03-06T12:03:00.000-05:00

Sorry for not writing anything for awhile. My blog isn't working properly at the moment (like writing in the dark). All I can see is blocks and squares in that place of the words...still working on the problem. I'm sorry for those who have been sending comments as well. If anyone knows how to fix this probelm then please e-mail me :) ontell then...

Yeah Yeah...

2007-02-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

I've been spending my time working on progressing with my origami. They are very tedious little things, especially when I'm learning as I go. I still love it all the same, and these aren't complaints coming from me at all :) At the moment my dolls come in 4", some are a little bit taller but are still in that range. I did make a 5" doll with a blue kimono, I've recently added her to my shop for $7.00 if anyone is interested. Oh Yeah... If you know of anyone who will be interested in seeing my blog are Etsy Shop, then please spread the message.

Thanks so much :)

Birthday Bliss

2007-02-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

My birthday will be coming up soon,... I'm not saying what day but I can't wait to get some things I've ordered. Like Hana Yori Dango my favorite Japanese Live action drama. I'm getting the first season since I haven't seen all of the episodes (mostly wathced them on Youtube... :). I wish for my birthday that I can get some sells in at my shop, but I can't complain, it's good exsposure for my crafts anyways. I haven't posted in awhile... things are going slow and I have no new, fresh ideas coming in. I have to progress in making my dolls though, I plan on making them bigger soon.

I made some chiyo balls for one of my favorite dolls that I'm selling: the balls are made out of ceramic clay so there heavy... not what I wanted,... but I made them so I have to put them to good use right?!

Ceramic Dollie's

2007-02-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

Ceramic Dolls (part one)

This isn't an actual tutorial. It's more like a couple of tips & tricks on coloring air dried ceramics. I know there are many ways of coloring ceramics, but in particular since this is my first time making ceramics, I know I had some questions on how to do it. O.K. lets begin.

First, some of the materials I used to sand them:

Paper Towels- the softer the better
Ceramic Tools- any kind to help I guess
Sukura Glue- or Super Glue, Regular Glue
Sanding Paper- don't know what kind...
Dolls- un-sand
Pineapple Soda- can't forget my favorite soda!!!

O.K. so were sanding now, just sand them down untell they are smooth and you like how the outcome is. If you knocked off any parts of the doll because you probably sanded too hard, them that's were the glue comes in. (before you start sanding make sure that they are fully dried, I left them for two days and on the second day I put them outside so the sun could do the rest.)

To paint the base color, I used Acrylic (White) and a #4 brush to do the trick. Acrylic dries really fast so that's a good thing for this. Make sure you don't use too much water when painting, I only dabbed my brush in by the tip a couple of times. Paint a second layer to get all of the missed spots and to have a solid white doll...And yes I'm still drinking my soda!

I wanted to experiment, so I tried using my Pro White Gauche or (White watercolor if you will...) Well it didn't take well, so I used my Acrylic again for the last doll.

So like I started in on the faces using Acrylics again since I know now that they take well. Remember not to use too much water.

Lookin' Good!!!

I finished the faces and started on the designs for the body, head, and feet.Afterwards I used black for the eyes and red for the mouth. I used a smaller brush for the details (#1brush is good).

Well... I hope this helps someone because I know it helped me with my ceramics. I hope to make more ceramic projects with you in the future!

Pink..er!

2007-02-01T14:34:00.000-05:00

This morning I took some pictures of my dolls, becuase soon I will be making a gallery page on my website. Which reminds me that I need to update the site very soon. After thinking long and hard over it, I'v decided to change a few more things on the site aswell. I guess things are going pretty slow right now with it.... so I've decided to sell my dolls on ebay instead.

I took these pictures in my bathroom, since it matches her perfectly (since the bathroom is filled with pinkness!) Its very decorative, even if someone actually wanted to put them in a bathroom! So if you want a doll to decorate your bathroom or any room for that matter then I'm your girl!

New Doll

2007-01-21T22:08:00.000-05:00

My dolls are coming along just fine. I've added a doll on ebay to see if someone might like her. I've had one sell since though, and the lady who purchased my doll really like her. Ounce I get better with this style I'll start making some bigger dolls... I'm trying to get to my goal and of course my own style.

Anyways... must get back to work!!

New Blog

2007-01-20T17:11:00.000-05:00

I've moved from Live Journal to Blogger today. I have to say I like it better here... The features are great and stuff and I can manage this one better than the other. Anyways just wanted to say Haayyyyy to all! and Happy New Year.

MLmayko & More

Digital Painting & Photo Manipulation

Hello....Been A Hot Minute...

LiLa - Coming Along

Test LiLa Doll

LiLa Project

Etsy Shop Closed...

Newness!

**New Doll**

Little Adorables

Words of Encouragement

Hina Matsuri (Washi Ningyo Part1)

Updated Shops & Everything Else

Sakura Doll

Coming to CafePress

Saturday to Saturday 30% Off Sale

Buzziiee Beeee!

Website News

LightBox Tutorial (somewhat...)

Sayuki & Lightbox

Spring Doll

Problem Fixed

Blogging Problems

Yeah Yeah...

Birthday Bliss

Ceramic Dollie's

Pink..er!

New Doll

New Blog

New Doll