mekanikku

Teen Sewing Workshop

2012-01-29T13:46:00.000-08:00

First day of the teen sewing workshop at Alhambra Library. We're making this cute dragon plush. The teens were great...some had taken my previous workshop and were already up to speed. Deb reminded me that it's been one year since I first started working with them and teaching workshops at the library, and I couldn't believe it...it doesn't seem like it's been a year! Time flies when you're having fun! Am so appreciative of Deb and Adriana for making it possible for me to share my love of sewing and plush toys with the teens! Can't wait for the summer....Deb gave me a heads up to come up with a zombie plush idea....Cool!!

Ninja Fondue for Two

2012-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

Kimi and Kenji ninja deer

Cute ninja deer couple sharing fondue for two, throwing stars and all. So sweet. Happy Valentine's Day!!

Love is My Drug

2012-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

Valentine's day couple Nurse Aimi and her BF Akira

Who doesn't love cute couples? This adorable pair are a true dose of kawaii cuteness! Get them before they're gone! Perfect to give one to your loved one and keep one for yourself!

Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon!

2012-01-09T15:08:00.000-08:00

Happi Ryu the Chinese New Year Dragon deer

Tiny dragons are happy dragons. At least, that's what Happi Ryu is... the tiniest and happiest little dragon deer ever! Here to help usher in the year 2012, Happi Ryu is more than happy to help welcome in this fierce new year with a tiny roar and a big toothy grin! And to all my favorite Dragon Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish you a Happy Dragon Year filled with good fortune and success!

New Deer for the New Year

2012-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

Niji the Unicorn Deer

Welcome Niji the Unicorn Deer! A magical addition to the dear Japan collection! Who doesn't love a cute unicorn deer from over the rainbow? Bringing in a little love and light this new year. Hope she makes you smile!

Avenger deer in Plush!

2012-01-06T15:03:00.000-08:00

Dark Night Avenger deer

Just got started making new deer for the new year, and was so happy to send Princess Sora Shika overseas yesterday to her new home in France!! Thank you so much, Anne-Charlotte!! Please do send pics when you take her to conventions! These latest deer I'm making seem very suitable for lolita fashions. Just like this new one, Dark Night Avenger Deer...the name sounds fierce, but she's so sweet in pink and black, and soft in fleece and feathers. This one is just like my handpainted larger version, but much more huggable and loveable. She's out to save the world and right all wrongs, one cuddle at a time!

Pretty in Pink Sky Deer

2011-12-27T18:13:00.000-08:00

Princess Sky Deer

Little Princess Sky Deer, pretty in pink! The newest in the dear Japan drive, she's as soft as cotton candy and cute in feathers and faux fur!

Have a Happy Handmade Holiday!

2011-12-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

Here are some cute little deer ornaments I made for the holidays for friends and family. They look so cute at a smaller size, especially with the added jingle bell in festive colors! Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Littlest Lolita

2011-12-14T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Littlest Lolita pendant in sterling silver.

Get ready for more kawaii! This little lolita pendant has the cutest tiniest legs that dangle and move ever so slightly when you wear her. It's a great one-of-a-kind designed piece and makes me happy when I put her on. Hope she makes you happy too! You can find her here on Etsy.

Baby rudolph-the-pink-nosed reindeer

2011-12-01T12:29:00.001-08:00

Sapphire nose reindeer pendant in sterling silver

Kawaii, ney? Love, love, love this little guy! I just want to hug his little face! Just arrived on Etsy , so you can check him out. He's supercute and I used a pink sapphire to highlight his nose like a little lightbulb. Definitely a must-have for kawaii lovers!

First jewelry piece released!

2011-11-25T19:56:00.001-08:00

Mekanikku baby leopard head pendant in sterling silver

New kawaii baby leopard head pendant just posted on Etsy! Handmade, 100% cuteness! But with a bit of edginess. For all you fashionistas who love japanese kawaii!! First in The Kawaiiology Collection.

New Mekanikku Jewelry Coming Soon!

2011-10-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Kawaiiology Collection by mekanikku

Very excited to be announcing a new jewelry line, The Kawaiiology Collection, coming out within a few weeks. All handmade, all precious metals, and with a very kawaii meets edgy fashion point of view, based on my illustrations. These mini-sculptures have taken on a life of their own in my little studio, grown out of a need to create cute but cool fine jewelry that I could see myself or friends wearing. Each piece is pain-stakingly carved then cast and polished, and the result is a perfectly imperfect work of wearable art. The process makes each piece of jewelry one of a kind, with slight discrepancies between each piece, which makes me being a perfectionist crazy, but I've learned to appreciate each piece as very individual with its own personality, and it's all part of the beauty of handmade. I'll be posting pieces on etsy as they're ready! Here's to all those kawaii fashionistas that need to have a Kawaiiology piece of jewelry in their collection!!

Dark Night Avenger Deer

2011-10-30T21:31:00.000-07:00

Dark Night Avenger Deer Side B: Fire Starter

Dark Night Avenger Deer Side A: Miss Tako's Revenge

Ready to avenge all injustices at a moment's notice, here is Dark Night Avenger Deer, which will be showing at the FOE Gallery in Northampton, Mass. The show's working title is "Bad A**." Opening night is 11.11.11 and the show runs until 11.25.2011, featuring all plush art.
The deer has illustrations on both sides, commenting on the destructive side of Mother Nature.

I Wish Summer Would Never End

2011-09-18T16:35:00.000-07:00


This summer has flown by way too fast, and I am missing it already! Only just now had some time to upload some pictures I've been meaning to post but hadn't gotten a chance. The Forest Friends show is way too cute to even describe....you just gotta go and see for yourself at Leanna's! Also got a chance to post some of the pics from the JANM Labbit show...I'm so honored that mine was put next to the talented Jerome Lu's Hyperactive Monkey Labbit, and it was cool to see him at the opening.

Mekanikku at the Pasadena Central Library

2011-09-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

Come by if you're in the Pasadena area and see Mekanikku's kawaii dolls, now on display at the Pasadena Central Library all through September!

Win a Free Print!

2011-09-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

From now until October 1, if you Like Mekanikku on Facebook, you can win a free Mekanikku art print! Winner to be announced October 1 on Facebook. Tell all your friends!

Forest Friends

2011-08-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

This September I'll be in a group show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland, featuring happy creatures of the forest. Hope you can stop by and see it while it's up! The show includes Axel Honey, Bored Inc, Crowded Teeth, and Sachiho Hino Lee....so it's gonna be good!

Cuffs 'N Stuffs

2011-08-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Cute cuffs! See how creative and fabulous girls with hot glue guns can be! Thank you so much to Adriana and Deb for making the teen workshop possible! I had loads of fun, and we actually finished up in one session this time!! The bunny and panda cuffs seemed to be a big hit, and the girls did awesome with the sewing part! I think though that the best part for them was when it came to hot-gluing the beads....it was so cute to see them all really serious and intense while hot-gluing their pieces together. Gotta come up with more cute ideas for workshop projects...next one will be in November I'm told!

Panda, Lucky Cat and Harajuku Deer

2011-07-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

From top to bottom: Aiko-A-Go-Go, Mini Maneki Neko, and Yummy Yumi deer

Here are the latest three deer: Aiko-A-Go-Go in her go-go boots and panda costume! Mini Maneki Neko is the little lucky deer with a golden bell, inspired by lucky cat icons. I love harajuku fashion and style, and made Yummy Yumi to celebrate fun fruits fashion.

Surfer Dude

2011-06-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Kazu the Surfer Dude and Kozo the Shark

Surf's up, dudes! On his way to catch some sun and waves! Kazu the Surfer Dude and his friend Kozo the Shark.

Mermaid deer

2011-06-14T15:52:00.000-07:00

Yoko the Mermaid deer

Yoko, the Mermaid deer is pretty in her pink seashells.

Captain J. Suzume

2011-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Captain J. Suzume with Jack the Monkey

Captain J. Suzume sailing around the world in his banana boat and first mate Jack, who has found the safest highest spot on the ship.

Princess deer

2011-06-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

Princess Shika deer

This deer was made especially for my niece as a special request from her dad. She loves princesses and the color pink. Thanks so much, Rich for helping to support the drive!!

Cupcake Pirate

2011-06-09T19:27:00.000-07:00

Takara the Cupcake Pirate deer

Searching the seven seas for yummy cupcake treasure treats!

Black Bunny Cuff

2011-06-06T14:57:00.000-07:00

Black Bunny Cosplay Cuff

Created for the Alhambra Library upcoming Teen Cosplay event, I was inspired by Japanese manga and Harajuku fashion and it'll be fun to teach this project to the teens!

Summertime

2011-06-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

dear Japan drive Kiki deer number 21

Summer is here and it's ice cream time!! Kiki loves her mint chocolate chip ice cream!

2011 Year of the Labbit Show

2011-06-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Can't wait for the show and to see all the creative versions all the artists come up with! Am very happy to be participating, and am especially excited to see all my favorite artists' versions.

Harajuku Labu Labu Labbit

2011-05-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Harajuku Labu Labu Labbit for the 2011 Year of the Labbit Custom Show

Whew! Finally finished the Frank Kozik custom labbit for the Year of the Labbit Custom Show and made it in time for the deadline! Here's a sneak peek...the show is at the Japanese American National Museum store from July 14 - September 11, 2011. It'll be a really great group show with lots of very cool artists doing their thing on these super cute labbits, and they'll all be available for purchase. I hear Frank Kozik is doing a special huge one just for the show! Mine is a Harajuku-inspired labbit (what a surprise)....and if you're wondering, labu labu means lovey-dovey in Japanese. Hope you'll spread the word about the show!

All-American Doe

2011-05-13T15:07:00.000-07:00

Movie star Starletta Jones is a true American classic, even down to the star tattoo she has on her bum. She stars in such classics as Gentlemen Prefer Deer, and Some Like it Grassy. Reserved for Ms. Jones! Check out her summer star-shaped halter top to match her star-shaped glasses!

Lulu the Luchadeer

2011-05-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

Lulu the Luchadeer is ready to rumble! She's Lui's best compadre.

Lui the Luchadeer to the Rescue!

2011-05-10T18:18:00.000-07:00

Loco for Luchadeer! This caped crusader is ready to save someone's day! Muy macho, don't ya think?

Dear Japan drive going strong!

2011-05-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

I just am so amazed and thankful for the amazing response from so many people for the deer in the dear Japan drive. All are sold that have been made so far!! It truly has been a great experience so far to be able to connect with so many people who love the deer and also have contributed to the drive for Japan. It's also been a great creative venture for me as well and I've found that I've been on such a creative roll....one idea has just been flowing into another, and I've been coming up with great ideas for new deer almost non-stop...it's been very thrilling and freeing at the same time as it gives me a break from painting but is still very much using my imaginative muscles. Though I'm going to have to take a small break from the deer and finish up a very important painting project that is due soon! But you won't have to wait for long for the new deer as I've got some cool ones coming up soon! Hopefully people will appreciate how much time and effort is put into each deer design!! My goal is to finish 100 different designs....and thank all of you for following me on this journey!!

Baby doe-eyed Ninja deer

2011-05-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

Ryoko Ninja baby deer

Yay, it's a girl! Just born Ryoko is wide-eyed and ready to find her new mama this Mother's Day weekend. Can you help her? So cute in her baby pink ninja outfit.
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Aloha

2011-05-04T17:38:00.000-07:00

Kau'i the Hawaiian deer

Aloha! The recent heatwave in L.A. got me to wishing for cool Hawaiian breezes and so inspired a Hawaiian deer. Named Kau'i, which in Hawaiian means The Beauty.

Dangerous Duo

2011-05-04T17:33:00.000-07:00

Aki and Akiko ninja twin deer

Ready to steal someone's heart, these ninja twins are dangerous and darling! Specially custom made for pinkninjaaddicts on etsy. Thank you for your support of the dear Japan drive!! :)

Pasadena Open Market

2011-05-01T19:26:00.000-07:00

Mekanikku at the Art+Design Open Market in Old Town Pasadena's One Colorado

Had a super awesome time at the Art + Design Open Market yesterday in Old Town Pasadena. We had a great location that we were lucky to get, right in the corridor of Il Fornaio which was so shady and cool and perfect, and definitely the spot to be on such a warm sunny day. There were a lot of people stopping by our table, and thanks to everyone who came by and showed love for our stuff! The deer for the dear Japan drive were the hot item, and they sold immediately...at the end of the event I only had one left! I loved seeing the looks of joy and happiness on the faces of the little girls whose moms bought the deer to give to them. One little girl kept showing off her deer to people and saying, "This is my special stuffed animal!" I got a big kick out of that. And I'm so glad I was able to raise more money for Japan. It's definitely a good feeling to be able to help out. I also met a cool little girl who liked hanging out at my table because she said my table was the only one she liked. I'll be making her a special deer just for that with her favorite colors--yellow, blue and purple. For all of the harajuku lovers out there, you're in luck because I had forgotten to bring Akemi, the Harajuku deer, so she's still available on Etsy. Deerzilla is also available for all you Godzilla lovers.

I just got a message on Etsy asking me to make more hot pink ninja deer, so if anyone else is interested, please let me know!

So happy to have met so many wonderful people and art lovers, and we'll definitely be back for the next Open Market in the fall.

Fashion fawn

2011-04-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Akemi Harajuku deer

Akemi loves Harajuku style, and is all dressed up to go out and paint Tokyo pink with her striped legwarmers and fashionable hairdo!

Takeshi Ninja Deer

2011-04-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Takeshi and Miyako

Takeshi Ninja Deer

Takeshi, a cool and cute ninja deer, is so cool, he stays perfectly still while letting his girlfriend ninja deer Miyako practice her throwing star skills on him. What a boyfriend!

Cute but deadly

2011-04-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Miyako Ninja deer

Who says you have to wear all black to be a ninja? Miyako, the ninja deer, refuses to be boring, instead sporting her fashionable plum outfit with a red sash. She's stealthy AND stylish.

Little Bunny FUFU adopted!

2011-04-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Bunny FUFU gets a new home

Oh Happy Day! Another fabulous person has adopted Little Bunny FUFU and she is on her way today to her new home! Thank you so much for your purchase and Thank you for helping Japan!! I'm so happy to be able to follow my passion for making cute things and to also be able to help Japan at the same time. To have such a positive response from so many people is amazing and is inspiring me to keep going!

Yay! Sakura has just been adopted!

2011-04-23T16:05:00.000-07:00

Sakura deer * SOLD *

So happy that Sakura, one of the prettiest deer I've made, has a new home! Congratulations to the buyer!

Bride of Deerzilla

2011-04-23T15:56:00.000-07:00

Bride of Deerzilla

Deerzilla's other half, she is now posted on etsy!

Little Bunny FUFU

2011-04-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Little Bunny FUFU Deer

Happy Easter everybody! Thought it would be appropriate to do a deer with a bunny hoodie for easter weekend. Here she is, hoppin' through the forest, looking for some field mice to bop over the head!

Kani-san, the Sushi man

2011-04-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Kani-san, the sushi making deer

Kani hearts Sakura

I love California rolls, especially when they're made with real crabmeat. So does Kani-san, inspired by all the sushi chefs I've ever met. A real sushi man, he loves the Sapporo and sake. New on etsy, he's Deer number 08.

Deerzilla

2011-04-20T18:44:00.000-07:00

Grrrrrrr.....it's Deerzilla!

Watch out for this tiny terror...he's lean, mean, green and a fire-breathing machine!

New on etsy .

Spruced up for Spring

2011-04-19T20:29:00.000-07:00

Robo-Taro with his favorite food

I gave Robo-Taro a bit of a sprucing-up, giving him flourescent green accents around his eyes and ears and tail, and adding a taro made of felt (his favorite). He seems to be channeling a bit of the 80's vibe...kind of Devo-ish, or maybe a bit of Levar Burton from Star Trek. In any case, he's still darn cute.

Chi-wawa

2011-04-19T17:58:00.000-07:00

CHIWAWA amigurumi keychain

I recently made one of these in blue for a friend who has four chihuahuas, and it was so cute I wanted to make another one to put on my etsy site. He's a baby named Chiwawa, and he was orphaned when he was little but was raised by a family of deer so he doesn't know he's not a deer. He looks very deer-like
already so he fits right in!

Center for the Arts Fundraiser

2011-04-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Print donated by Shepard Fairey

Someone bidding on my piece!

Center for the Arts Auction

This was the first time participating in the Center for the Arts Auction in Eagle Rock, and I painted a special piece for them based on my recent preoccupation with harajuku fairy tale characters and japanese deer creatures. I was really happy (and relieved) to find out it was bid on and someone was able to take it home to enjoy on their wall! And all for a good cause. Yay! It was really cool to come and see the pieces donated by Shepard Fairey, Shag, Artist Sisters Miss Mindy and CJ Metzger, and it was a fun event to attend!

Robo-Taro, the taro-eating Deer

2011-04-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

Robo-Taro, the taro-eating deer

Robo-Taro, half deer and half robot, is known for his ability to down several large taro in one gulp. It's his favorite food, in fact. If you adopt him, please make sure to have a large taro supply on hand, otherwise, he'll bite your head off.

Kei Deer number 05

2011-04-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

dear Japan drive Kei Deer 05

Cute, retro and just listed on my etsy site!

Seahorses and Seadragons

2011-04-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

Weedy Seadragon

Cute Seahorse

Yesterday I had the most AMAZING behind-the-scenes tour of the Long Beach Aquarium, the fourth largest aquarium in the states, all thanks to a new friend I met recently who works there. The amount of effort and attention to detail to keep all of these marine creatures happy and proliferating is incredible. All of the animals are fed restaurant quality food...the sea otters dine on crab legs daily...their favorite food! We got a bird's eye view of the huge tanks where we got to feed the fish nori and caught a glimpse of a giant sea turtle which lifted its head out of the water to check us out for a moment before diving down deep and swimming away. We also saw a cute and very puffy pufferfish which was my favorite because of his big puppy dog eyes and he seemed to love human attention. He's said to follow divers around also like a puppy dog. The aquarium is beautiful and well-maintained and I also loved the seahorses and seadragons which were quite magical to watch as they floated so gracefully in the water.

Yay! Tomo's been just adopted!

2011-04-11T17:08:00.000-07:00

Tomo and Miki Deer

Yay! I was so happy to find that Tomo was just adopted today on my etsy shop, and I'm busy getting him ready for his trip to his new home! So far the first two deer in the Dear Japan Drive have found homes, and I'm pretty sure Sakura and Hiro will find homes pretty quickly too...they're too cute to pass up!

Hiro Incognito

2011-04-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Hiro Incognito. International deer of mystery.

Hiro Incognito, International deer of mystery. Enjoys traveling, fine wines, and pretending to have a French accent. He is deer number 04 in the Dear Japan Drive on etsy.
A real charmer, he doesn't realize people know his mustache isn't real.

Miki Deer has been adopted!

2011-04-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Miki the Deer. Just adopted!

I'm so happy that Miki the Deer, my very first deer made for the dear Japan fundraiser, has just been adopted! Thank you, Sean for your kind heart! It's so good to be able to contribute to the fundraising effort for Japan and can't wait to make more deer!

Just in time for Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-04-02T20:32:00.000-07:00

Sakura is the latest deer to join the fundraising effort to help the victims in Japan. Pink and cream felt with the cutest pom-pom nose and embroidered cherry blossom applique on her body, she is ready to be adopted! As you can see, she loves Miki and Tomo.

Things that make you go "Awwww...."

2011-04-01T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tomo and Miki handmade felt deer

If only to make you say "Awwwwww...." here's my recent deer pics that are cuteworthy.

Tomo blue retro-inspired deer

Little Miss Deer

Center for the Arts Art Auction

2011-03-31T15:56:00.000-07:00


"Return to Innocence" Acrylic on Wood

This piece has been donated to the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts annual Art Auction, taking place this April 17 from 2-5pm. You can also see it on their Flickr site.
This painting is a continuation of the fairytale theme that I've recently been doing for my dolls, and I'm exploring the development of my characters in painting on flat surfaces instead of dimensional dolls. This character is my Little Red Fox Riding Hood character and I had also drawn a version of her with the wolf, but here I have her more painted more realistically instead of in a stylized simplified way. I wanted to create a very magical, almost mystical and mysterious looking environment, with a huge moon looming behind her and the rather tall, elegant and stylish deer. I usually put legwarmers on my girl characters, but this time I put them on the deer instead and had her barefoot, a sign of her carefree spirit and seemingly innocent quality.

The Deer are Here! The Dear Japan Drive fundraiser

2011-03-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Japan Deer no.001

I love Japan and everything about the culture has long inspired me and my art so much that I felt moved to do something, however small, to help the people of Japan after this recent tragic chain of disasters. My first inclination was to make dolls to send to the children affected by the disaster, but practicality issues made that a bit unrealistic, so instead my goal is to make 100 of these felt deer and put them up on sale on my Etsy site, where all the money raised from the sale of these deer could be given to the Red Cross relief effort. The above deer is Deer #1 that I've made and is now up on my Mekanikku etsy site. As soon as more deer are made, they'll be available for purchase. I'm even teaching a sewing workshop for teens in April that teaches them how to make these deer, in an effort to raise awareness in the teens and to show them how Japan has influenced many people (including me!) in art and craft-making. Want to join in on the deer-making drive? Contact me at hello@mekanikku.com if you'd like to help out!

April Sewing Workshop for Teens

2011-03-31T15:31:00.000-07:00

Handmade Felt deer

Starting April 6, I'll be teaching another 3-week sewing workshop at Alhambra Library for teens. I enjoyed the last workshop so much I wanted to teach another session. This time I'll be teaching the teens how to sew their own cute deer, as pictured above, which is essentially the same deer I'll be making to help raise money for the Red Cross Japan relief effort in my Dear Japan Drive I've just kicked off. My hope is to raise awareness and at the same time cultivate in the teens an appreciation for all the art and craft contributions Japan has made. Sign ups are up at Alhambra Library, and the workshop will run April 6, 13, and 20.

Wedding "Portrait" gift for my cousin

2011-03-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

"Nick & Dina" ink and gouache painting, March 2011

For my cousin's wedding celebration, I decided to make them a custom painting based on their engagement photos and thought it would be fun to draw them as cute animal characters. I drew Dina as my signature bunny that I've been incorporating in a lot of my recent paintings and handpainted dolls, with the patterned ears and tiptoe pose. The Chinese word in the background is traditionally used to represent marriage and I adapted it to the heart shape, and I used the same colors and textile patterns (Dina has great taste in decor) in their living room for the picnic blanket. I loved the colors and patterns of Dina's dress she wore in the photos, and she was wearing cute heart sunglasses in one photo, so I had to draw her wearing those. I believe he proposed to her while they were in the mountains somewhere, so I drew mountains in the background. And since their wedding reception was at a winery, I drew a little picnic basket with wine and two wine glasses, and sitting next to the basket is the small cute cactus in a cup they were holding in one of their photos. I wanted to put Nick and Dina's Excellent Adventure as the title at the top, but since I was on a time crunch, just put Nick and Dina. I like how it looks both vintage and modern at the same time. My first foray into custom wedding paintings...fun and I like how it turned out. Sometimes once I start drawing I never know how it will come out, but this one I really like.

Love and Other Fairy Tales show

2011-02-16T16:26:00.000-08:00

One of THE most intense but rewarding experiences I've ever had, this show really showed me that I could face my limits and exceed expectations. It marks a major milestone in my life. I'm a bit shy to talk about it, but I put my heart and soul into this show. All the doll patterns are hand-drawn and are original patterns made by me. Even the small little deer charm for Leanna's jewelry which I thought would take me no time at all, I hand embroidered and it took me forever to get the shape right and perfect! And Leanna was able to transform it into the most beautiful necklace creation ever. I even made three extra large dolls for the tea party installation. The last week before the show had to have been the hardest week of my life. But all in all, we all made it work (thanks to Leanna, Rose and Melody) and the show went well and I was so happy to have made it through alive!!

Sewing Workshop at Alhambra Library

2011-02-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Just finished teaching a sewing workshop at Alhambra Library to make a cute plush bunny. We had a great time and I think the teens enjoyed it. I had so much fun teaching them how to sew and I was so impressed how fast they picked up learning the stitches! (They kept me in stitches, too with their jokes and funny banter.) Thanks Adriana and Deb for having me! I had a blast! :) Wish I had a workshop like this when I was their age!

Valentine's Card Making Workshop for kids

2011-01-31T19:59:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I'll be doing a card making workshop at Leanna Lin's Wonderland to make fun Valentine's day cards. Should be lots of fun for kids! RSVP to Leanna Lin at hello@leannalinswonderland.com.

Postcard for Mekanikku show

2011-01-22T19:24:00.000-08:00

Great postcard design from Louie and Leanna for the upcoming Mekanikku show! This should be a really fun event. Hope everyone can make it out!

Mekanikku Show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland!

2011-01-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

"Love and Other Fairy Tales" Pop Up Art Event postcard designed by Luis Jaime. Illustration by Liane Shih.

This month is jam-packed as I am busy preparing for next month's show where I'll be displaying limited edition dolls, paintings, prints, kokeshi collaborations with artist Melody Hansen, and jewelry collaborations with designer Leanna Lin. The theme is based on favorite fairytales but with a fashionable Harajuku spin. It will be lots of fun, so please stop by if you're available!

Stuffed Magazine 2011

2011-01-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

Mekanikku Dolls in Winter 2011 Stuffed Magazine

Yay, it's finally out in stores! Stuffed Magazine with 9 of my most recent dolls. See the trio featured on the first page at Leanna Lin's Wonderland in Eagle Rock. These are anime-inspired dolls with a fashionable edge.

Love Message Bunny

2011-01-08T16:11:00.000-08:00

Love Message Bunny, plush

Here she is! The plush Valentine's message bunny specially designed for the teen workshop I'll be teaching at Alhambra Library this February 10 from 3-5pm. Her ears are posable and she has a pocket in front to put a secret message in to give to a friend or special friend! Can't wait to teach this to the students!

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

"Love and Other Fairytales" show postcard drawing

Happy New Year! Am really looking forward to this year. Lots to prepare for. On Thursday, February 10, I'll be teaching a plush workshop for teens at Alhambra Library. The workshop is limited to 15 students, so sign up early! You'll be making a special Valentine's message bunny you can give to your friends or boyfriend that comes with a little pocket you can put a secret message in. I designed it specially for this workshop! Also that weekend on February 12, I'll be debuting my first solo show "Love and Other Fairytales" at Leanna Lin's Wonderland in Eagle Rock! I am very excited about that! More details to come!

Happy Dolly Days!

2010-12-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

French Lace Doll and Alice in Wonderland Bunny
Handpainted

Winter 2011 Stuffed Magazine by Stampington & Company

Yay! Christmas is in a couple of days and I finally got my holiday cards sent out! Happy news...this last batch of dolls including French Lace and Alice in Wonderland Bunny here will be in the Winter 2011 edition of Stuffed Magazine, coming out Jan. 1! Yay!! Also what is keeping me SUPER BUSY is the planning and making of my show "Love and Other Fairytales" @ Leanna Lin's Wonderland this February 12, 2011! Come see it if you're in the area or come to the opening that night! It's gonna be good.

DesignerCon

2010-11-29T16:10:00.000-08:00

My first tradeshow event at DesignerCon was exhilarating and exhausting. Am happy I was able to attend and meet wonderful people and show my dolls. Was happy to have a small post in supahcute's bloghttp://supahcute.com/2010/11/22/what-you-missed-at-designercon-2010/

Sold at Cactus Gallery

2010-11-28T16:50:00.000-08:00

Little Li (acrylic, polyfil)

Frida Y Diego

Thanks to Sandra at Cactus Gallery, these dolls were sold at the Dia de los Muertos show. A bit sad to part with them, but am glad to know they have new homes!

Pink Friday Sale and Upcoming show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland!

2010-11-22T16:09:00.000-08:00

Get your Cute On!

This week only, 10% off in my etsy store.

And don't forget to stay tuned for more details about my upcoming show at Leanna Lin's Wonderland in February! Lots of fun stuff to be announced!

Dolls in Art Doll Quarterly

2010-10-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

"Strangers From A Different Shore" featured in Art Doll Quarterly, Winter 2010

Here's a sneak peak of my article describing my piece "Strangers from a Different Shore" in Art Doll Quarterly, soon to be released on November 1.

Fabulous New Find

2010-10-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

Leanna Lin's Wonderland -- 5024 Eagle Rock Blvd, Eagle Rock, CA

I just discovered this brand new store in Eagle Rock, CA at the NorthEast L.A. Art Walk this past weekend and was literally in cute heaven!! What makes this gem of a store so special is that the owner, Leanna Lin, showcases new artists every month and the store features her own line of jewelry as well as other artists who make their own jewelry and art. They just opened this past September, and they have lots of cute stuff, including Momiji dolls, Spicy Brown tees and wall art. This is a must-stop shop if you love places like Royal T in Culver City...it's got the same cool vibe and definitely is a much welcome addition to all the awesome eclectic stores in Eagle Rock! I'll also be showing some art there as well, so come by check it out if you're in the area!

Where to Go for Inspiration

2010-10-14T15:13:00.000-07:00

The Loose Teas Cafe and Gifts in Monrovia, CA

Tea houses are great places to go for inspiration. For me, a good tea house has great honey milk jasmine tea, free wireless, and a mellow environment for creatively brainstorming ideas. Many of my best ideas have come in between sips of boba milk tea and getting online. The good thing about L.A. is that there are a lot of good tea houses in the area and I've become a bit of an expert on which ones are the best. I encourage all my fellow creatives out there to make time for tea. I used to be so addicted to Coffee Bean's iced coffee (the large contains 4 shots of espresso!) but it would leave me so wired, I couldn't settle down long enough to paint or even relax. The tea doesn't leave me highly strung or feeling jittery, and there is something soothing about drinking it--it's become a favorite ritual of mine to have my daily tea time. My favorite places in L.A. are The Loose Teas Cafe in Monrovia which has an amazing array of teas, not to mention very friendly staff, Half and Half in San Gabriel which is the only place I've seen that has an unusual icy milk tea, Cha for Tea, and Tea Station in Alhambra, which are my go-to's for jasmine milk tea. All these places make milk teas from real tea leaves hand shaken according to each customer's tastes and are definitely a cut above the "express" tea shops in the area. I do actually love two teas from Coffee Bean though--the Jasmine Dragon iced tea (depending on the skill of whoever is brewing it at the time) is to die for, as is the Southern Blend tea, which is delicately flavored with real rose petals! If anyone has any tips on other good teas, feel free to share!

Day of the Dead dolls Diego y Frida

2010-10-10T16:19:00.000-07:00

New dolls just finished for The Cactus Gallery in Eagle Rock, CA! Available on display and for purchase there this month.

Group Show at Cactus Gallery!

2010-09-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'll be part of the Day of the Dead group show at The Cactus Gallery in Eagle Rock, CA October 9, 2010. They also will feature many of my dolls for sale. Come check it out!

White Rabbit Jr. and other new dolls

2010-09-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit (acrylic, polyfil, cloth, pipecleaners), 2010

Due to the mysterious disappearance of my first white rabbit doll at The Hive Gallery, I was so despondent on losing him I finally was able to make a newer, better version. I like this one even more than the first--he seems a bit more whimsical and makes me laugh with his bendable ears. Hope you like him too! I also repainted my Alice in Wonderland to a newer, better version, complete with an antiqued key!

Pink Alice in Wonderland (cloth, polyfil, acrylics, leather, tulle, key)

New Dolls!

2010-09-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Cat Hoodie Girl (acrylics, polyfil, leather, repurposed socks), 2010

Preppy Girl (cloth, leather, acrylics, polyfil), 2010

French lace Girl (acrylics, lace, cloth, polyfil), 2010

Some of my latest dolls ready to show. Inspired by Japanese anime and manga characters, especially the characters of the films by Hayao Miyazaki. Although these aren't direct representations of those characters, they embody the spirit of the heroines in his movies...young, empowered girls who recognize their own strengths and fulfill their soul's greatest calling to bring love to this world and find their life's purpose. Of course, they also have to have a bit of style.

Strangers from a Different Shore Dolls to be published in Winter Art Doll Quarterly

2010-09-17T17:02:00.000-07:00

Strangers From A Different Shore (cloth, tin, acrylics), 2009

Exciting news! My piece was accepted into the Winter 2010 issue of Art Doll Quarterly, published by the lovely people at Stampington & Company. I am so grateful to Jana Holstein, Managing Editor, who did a great job and I'm looking forward to seeing the issue at Borders bookstore when it comes out this November! This piece has seemed to resonate with many people--it was also shown in La Luz de Jesus's Everything But the Kitsch 'N Sync group show. Created in a class taught by The Clayton Brothers at Art Center, I am so thankful to them as well for helping to guide me creatively.

Hello, Maddie!

2010-05-11T14:28:00.000-07:00

Been a bit on a shoe kick lately. I've really enjoyed painting this last pair for my little niece Maddie, who loves Hello Kitty. So I drew her as Hello Maddie, along with her friends, all cute characters who I imagined she would love to play with...there's her best friend who is a rabbit, and then there's also a cute monkey and mouse. Couldn't resist adding rhinestones and glitter.

Crowell Library showcase

2010-05-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Here are my dolls as a collection at the San Marino Crowell Public Library. They really look great all together. It was so cute when I was bringing my lifesize doll inside the library, and a little girl saw it and her eyes got really big, and she wanted to say hi to it. That makes me happy when I see people respond to my work.

New Kicks for Baby T

2010-04-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

My baby niece Talia is celebrating a huge first birthday in May, so I wanted to make her something really special. I've always wanted to paint on some shoes, so I tried painting on some sneakers and found it is super easy to do! I'm lucky to have three baby girl nieces, so they all will be owners of original hand-painted kicks...the first pair I did for my niece Kate also had rhinestones, but since Talia is still just a baby I didn't think rhinestones would be safe. I painted a cute monkey character for Talia on pink and purple Converse...baby shoes are so cute! It's a little harder because there's not a lot of surface to work with, so I had to use extra small brushes. I think she'll look so cute wearing these.

Marvelous May Doll Display

2010-04-12T14:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday May 2, I'll be putting my dolls up for display in the Crowell Public Library showcase, which is a really lovely space for them--the library is in San Marino, and it's new, modern, and even has a small art gallery featuring mostly watercolors and photography. It'll be great for kids and teens to see and hopefully get inspired to make dolls of their own! They'll be up for the month of May.

Spring is Here! New refresh for website

2010-03-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.mekanikku.com

Here's my new main page, just in time for Spring! Freshly inspired by the Alice in Wonderland movie, but redone in my own style. See the new dolls for 2010 on my site. Enjoy!

Images from La luz show preview now up on their website!

2010-03-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

Here's a preview of all the artwork going up this Friday at La Luz's Everything But the Kitsch 'N Sync extravaganza. http://www.laluzdejesus.com/shows/2010/KitschNSync-2010/KitschNsync-index2010.htm

La Luz announces artists who made the cut for the Group show next Friday!

2010-02-26T16:25:00.000-08:00

Here's the link for La Luz's announcement. They said that they had tens of thousands of people entering their pieces. I didn't realize there were that many people sending in their work for review! But I am glad I'm one of the artists that did make the cut!! It's going to be a great show, and I'm super excited to be part of it and can't wait to meet the other artists that are going to be there!

L.A. Underground Art Scene this weekend

2010-02-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here's my weekly round-up of art events to see this weekend:

For sure, the Scion Installation project It Was On Earth That I Knew Joy in Culver City on Saturday, February 20th featuring illustration, video and installation art by relevant contemporary artists. I've been looking forward to this event ever since the last Scion video installation in March and the Scion Papershapers show. The reception is 7pm-10pm, and has complimentary valet and open bar. 3521 Helms Ave., Culver City.

I'm also glad that nearby on 6023 Washington Blvd in Culver City the same night, Yoskay Yamamoto will have his opening reception at LeBasse Projects for "Tell Me A Story," a sculptural exhibition in conjunction with Yoshita Amano's "Deva Loka: Los Angeles" show. I love Yoskay's sculptures, which are contemporary and beautiful, and am looking forward to discovering Yoshitaka Amano's work.

Also opening Saturday night is the exhibit for Juxtapoz magazine founder Robert Williams, featuring new work "Conceptual Realism in the Service of the Hypothetical" 6-9 pm at Cal State Northridge's art gallery--18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge. He'll be hosting a personal tour on Monday, February 22 at 10 am, gratis. I love Juxtapoz, and it'll be interesting to catch the personal tour to meet him in person.

Enjoy your weekend and hope you can catch some great art!

Alice in Wonderland

2010-02-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek at my Alice in Wonderland doll for the Hive Gallery's Alice-themed show on March 6. She's got the Cheshire cat on her shoulders, and she'll be playing croquet with the Queen of Heart's head. If I have enough time, I'd like to do a large life-sized doll, but we'll see if I can work it out.

2010-02-13T12:41:00.000-08:00

Mimi is a fashion maven, world traveler, and reporter. Mochi is her pet white tiger and constant companion. Tomorrow is Chinese New Year. Happy New Year Everyone!

L.A. Art Scene this weekend

2010-02-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

Hi folks! There's a lot going on this weekend for those of you who love the L.A. underground art scene!

For starters, there's the Year of the Tiger show at Giant robot GR2 this Saturday the 13th, featuring a cat and dog adoption--opening reception 6:30pm - 10pm.

There's also the Lucent L'amour "Lightning in a Paintcan" event featuring some of the best live painters in L.A. at the Shrine Auditorium on Saturday night 7pm - 4am. You'll have to buy tickets beforehand, and it's a little on the pricey side, so be prepared to shell out some serious dough. My girl Yuki Miyazaki's going to be live painting there, so check it out!

Don't miss out on the Dave McKean show "New Works Inspired by Early Cinema" this Saturday at Billy Shire Fine Arts in Culver City, opening reception 7-10pm. He'll also be doing a signing appearance at La Luz de Jesus Gallery tonight.

And I also got word from Yuki Miyazaki about a Valentine's show she's live painting at on Sunday at MI Alma Gallery in Silverlake (4106 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles), where you can get your portrait done by her, and see live performers, live music, and people dressed in Alice in Wonderland costumes. No cover charge! Sweet!

Also, heads up for next Saturday's Scion Installation and Video project "It Was On Earth That I Knew Joy," opening reception Saturday 7pm - 10pm at their pop-up gallery space in Culver City, 3521 Helms Ave. Two of my former classmates Steve Harrington and Justin Kreitemeyer will be showing. Exciting! Scion's really been turning out cool art exhibits lately--I really enjoyed the previous Papershapers exhibit and can't wait to see what they have in store for this exhibit.

Great News! I'll be in the La Luz de Jesus Gallery Group Show!

2010-02-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just got word that one of my pieces was accepted into the La Luz Everything but the Kitsch 'N Sync group show! I am so excited because La Luz is one of the galleries in L.A. I adore and they have been a great supporter of L.A.'s underground artists, not to mention a lot of my instructors and classmates that I respect and admire from Art Center have also exhibited there. Friday March 5 is the opening reception. I can't wait!

Lots of Exciting New Stuff in the Works!

2010-02-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

A nice break from all the rain we've been having in L.A. I'm hard at work on some new exciting pieces, in time for this February 14th, which not only is Valentine's Day, but it's also Chinese New Year. What makes it even more notable is that it is Year of the Tiger--the year I was born! I don't think people would naturally think of a tiger when they first meet me, but it's cool. What people don't know is that I am pretty fierce when it comes to making my art. When I get in the zone, it's pretty hard to for anyone to interrupt me. So, just because it's Chinese New Year and Year of the Tiger, I'll be offering free shipping on all my items listed on my etsy site. And if I am able to finish them which is what I'm aiming for, you'll see a preview of some new dolls I've been working on.

Great News! I'll be a resident artist at The Hive Gallery!

2010-02-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Starting March 1st, I'll be a resident artist at The Hive Gallery --a buzzing art studio and gallery space in downtown Los Angeles! Can I just say it was meant to be? They had an opening, and I was lucky enough to be there at the right time. It's going to be so perfect to have an actual physical place apart from my room, where I can make my pieces and display my work publicly, and be able to have a community of artists to draw upon. I love the vibe of the place...it's very cool, with nooks and crannies filled with different artist's spaces. I'm lucky to have a little more privacy on the second floor. I'll be included in their Alice and Wonderland Show coming up the first Saturday of March...I just so happened to be working on some Alice and Wonderland dolls. Coincidence? I think not. Serendipity, more likely. And I love that the owner is absolutely wonderful and an artist as well.

I have a feeling I'm going to be making some really amazing pieces this year. 2010 Year of the Tiger is my year, after all.

Samples received back from Stuffed Magazine!

2010-02-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Just got back my samples that were included in the Winter 2010 Stuffed Magazine...They'll be up for sale in my etsy shop soon!

Scion Video installation event

2010-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday, Scion had a Video Installation event at its pop-up gallery in Culver City. One of my classmates who went to Art Center the same time I did had a stop-motion piece in the show. The open bar drew a long line, and it was definitely a see and be seen kind of art hipster crowd, with fedoras galore. The previous Scion event Papershapers was at the same location, and it's great to see that Scion is supporting the underground arts scene in L.A. Interestingly enough, one of Scion's giveaways was an art publication featuring different creatives, including Robert Berman, an art curator and gallery owner in Santa Monica. He evidently was influential in helping Retna get exposure to the L.A. art scene, and Retna had done a piece on the side of the building where I did my last live painting, at Day Dream Republic.

Great Find

2010-01-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

I love finding small treasures at thrift shops. I found this cute doll at a thrift shop this past weekend and felt very lucky. She was tossed in with some other dolls in a glass case, her face and clothing oxidized with age, but still beautiful and lovely nevertheless. She just needed a good home for someone to love her.

Painting at Day Dream Republic Event

2010-01-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

Last night's gallery event at Day Dream Republic. Met a lot of nice people and got a lot of great comments! I've never been to the gallery space before, but the show drew a very nice crowd and I was nicely surprised. Wall art by Retna was done on the outside of the gallery space....very cool!! The organizer was also very accommodating with lighting and a stool to prop up my doll.

See me paint at Day Dream Republic this Friday night!

2010-01-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'll be painting one of my life-size dolls this Friday at Day Dream Republic's "Bacchanal", which runs from 8pm to 2am at 4500 W. Jefferson Blvd, in Los Angeles. There will be three other live painters as well, along with DJ's and it should be a fun night!

Li-Li at Cannibal Flower

2010-01-06T16:56:00.000-08:00

I'll be showing one of my life-size cloth dolls at the Cannibal Flower show January 30, at 724 S. Spring Street in Los Angeles on the 14th floor. Reception is from 9pm to 1am, also will be DJs. Admission is $8, or $6 with a costume. Not sure about the costume thing. Should be a good group show to start the year off with!