Cowboy Kimono

Author: Marisa Mott

  • Introducing the Poodoodle Journal

    Introducing the Poodoodle Journal

    Adios blank page anxiety! Hola creative encouragement!

    Hey there, creative souls! Let me introduce you to something that’s been in the works for a while now—the Poodoodle Journal. It’s more than just a notebook; it’s a creative companion designed to help you unleash your ideas, without the pressure or perfectionism that often holds us back.

    The Birth of the Poodoodle Journal

    The idea for the Poodoodle Journal came from my own struggle with the dreaded blank page. You know, that empty stare-down where your mind goes blank and creativity feels miles away? Sound familiar? I’ve been there too many times to count, and I realized: we need something to help us embrace that initial mess, the not-so-perfect ideas, and the glorious “oops” moments.

    That’s where the Poodoodle comes in.

    I wanted to create a space where anything goes. A place to doodle, brainstorm, make lists, scribble down half-baked ideas, and write without judgment. The Poodoodle Journal is here to remind you that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be beautiful. Whether your ideas are fresh, funky, or even a little funky-looking, it’s all good. The journal’s name alone is a playful nod to this—because sometimes a little fun (and a little nonsense) is exactly what we need to spark our best ideas.

    Poodoodle Features:

    • 140 dotted pages: The dots give you just enough structure for sketches, bullet points, and creative layouts, but they don’t box you in. It’s all about flexibility.
    • 5.5″ × 8.5″: A compact size that’s perfect for tossing in your bag, yet spacious enough to let your ideas stretch out.
    • Wire-bound for easy use: No awkward flipping or bending. It’s ready to go, wherever you are.

    And here’s a little bonus inspiration on the back cover:

    That’s right. Not every idea has to be a stroke of genius. Sometimes, you’ve got to start with the so-so ones and let them evolve. The Poodoodle Journal is here to encourage that messy, beautiful process.

    A Thoughtful Purchase

    One of the things I’m most proud of with the Poodoodle Journal is how it’s made. Each journal is crafted just for you when you place your order. No mass production, no piles of unsold stock. This on-demand model helps reduce overproduction and waste, so every purchase is a more sustainable choice. How cool is that?

    Let’s Doodle, Let’s Create

    I truly believe that creativity flourishes when we take the pressure off and just let the ideas flow—no matter how imperfect they may seem. So, if you’ve been staring at a blank page, hoping for inspiration to strike, it’s time to stop waiting. Pick up the Poodoodle Journal, and let the creative chaos begin.

    Remember, it’s not about the end result; it’s about the process. So let’s make room for a little mess, a little doodle, and a whole lot of inspiration.

    Ready to kickstart your creative journey? Grab your Poodoodle Journal here!

    Poodoodles away! ✨

    I hope this inspires you to dive into your next creative adventure. Whether you’re sketching your dreams, planning your goals, or just letting your thoughts run wild, the Poodoodle Journal is here to help you do it all—no stress, no pressure, just pure creative freedom.

     

     

     

  • Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗

    Do These Stripes and Polka Dots Make My Tail Look Big? (T-Rex’s Fashion Crisis) 🦖🎨👗


    The Dino Denim Jacket has officially made its mark—and what a roar-some statement it was! Auctioned at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s 2023 fundraiser, Cretaceous Couture, this unique hand-painted jacket left buyers and guests in awe, capturing the perfect blend of creativity, fun, and fashion.

    A Dino-Mite Twist on Denim

    The jacket was more than just a piece of clothing—it was a canvas waiting for creativity to come alive. The sleeves were adorned with whimsical, white dinosaur shapes—perfectly poised for little artists to add their personal flair. Buyers had the chance to transform their prehistoric pals, whether it was a T-Rex with colorful rainbow spots, a Triceratops in neon stripes, or perhaps a Stegosaurus in cozy pajamas!

    What made this jacket so special was the interactive aspect. It wasn’t just about wearing a jacket—it was about creating one. The dino designs offered endless possibilities for imagination to take flight.

    The Paint-Your-Own Jacket Kit

    Each Dino Denim Jacket came with a special kit that included 3D fabric paints in a range of vibrant colors, turning the jacket into an exciting craft project. The paint was easy to apply, dried quickly, and—most importantly—lasted through wear and tear, making it the ideal material for young, enthusiastic artists.

    Painted sleeves with frolicking dinosaurs.

    A Jacket with a Purpose

    Beyond the fun of designing and wearing a personalized jacket, the Dino Denim Jacket was also created with a heart full of purpose. The jacket was a featured in the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science’s fundraiser, with proceeds supporting important programs in science education and museum outreach.

    Not only did the lucky winner walk away with an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind piece of art, but they also contributed to a cause that inspires future generations of explorers, scientists, and artists. It was a win-win situation for both fashion and philanthropy!

    Final Thoughts

    The Dino Denim Jacket proved to be more than just a fashion statement—it was a full-on creative experience! The jacket provided the perfect outlet for self-expression, while also supporting a cause that nurtures curiosity and love for science. Whether it was the chance to personalize a favorite jacket or the thrill of owning a unique, one-of-a-kind piece, this product certainly left a lasting impression.

    While this particular jacket is now a collectible, we can’t help but hope that it inspires other dino-mite creations in the future! Keep your eyes peeled—you never know when the next interactive art-meets-fashion sensation might pop up! 🦕🎨

     

  • How to Create a Hip Jackalope Display

    How to Create a Hip Jackalope Display

    Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to create artwork for a family law office dealing mainly with divorce. Bearing in mind that most of the people seeing the artwork would be in the midst of their own “heavy movie,” grieving the loss of a relationship, fearing what the future might hold, juggling hurt, anger, and more; I searched for visual concepts that offered a moment of comfort. Challenging myself to create art that hinted at joy, nodded at hope, distracted from worry, and stayed clear of cliché. The first piece was a large print of a dog leaping into the air just about to snag a tennis ball.

    Dog Leap, Print on Paper

    The second piece would live in a blank entryway niche – the perfect stage for a 3D sculpture. After hours of shopping for the ideal statue, carving, or abstract form, I landed on garden decor. Most of the yard ornaments I found could be categorized as, “sentimental. ” Then I came across a cement rabbit with a very distinguished presence. It didn’t take long for my imagination to begin exploring additional alterations. In no time, the rabbit transformed into a jackalope. Finally, a bit of “mellow” was added with groovy mirrored glasses.

    Need a mellow entryway ornament to greet clients, family, or friends? Directions below.

    The Basics of Transforming a Garden Ornament into a Legendary Cryptid

    SUPPLIES

    TOOLS

    • Paint brushes
    • Various tools for sculpting (I used kraft sticks, ball-end embossing pens, and my fingers)
    • Protective Gloves
    • Small Container of Water
    • Dremel and Rotary Sanding Bits (Optional)

    DIRECTIONS

    • Lightly sand rabbit, tree stump, and birch branches. Wipe clean or brush off sanding residue.
    • Using a chenille stick, shape an antler on top of the rabbit’s head. This will allow you to play with the size and curves to determine what looks best before committing to the clay model.
    • Here’s my chenille antler guide. Once you are happy with the size and shape, trace around the edges to make a pattern/guide. Then flip and trace around the edges to make a mirrored version.
    • Watch the tutorial about making antlers with Apoxie Sculpt. I followed the tutorial except for draping the antlers over the bowl. Instead, place the traced pattern on the table with a piece of wax paper on top. Then shape the rolled clay on top of the wax paper/pattern to match the twists and turns.
    • Roll two small balls of clay and stick one to the base of each antler. Push a small piece of wire through the ball to the base of the antler to reinforce the connection.
    • While the clay is still soft, press the screw head into the ball at the base of the antler. Repeat with the other antler. These will be stakes that hold the antlers in place.
    • Let dry as directed in the tutorial.
    • Sand antlers with fine sandpaper and/or a Dremmel with sanding bits. Refine the shape and surface with thin layers of Apoxie sSculpt. Let dry and give a final sanding.
    • Using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screw, drill two holes in the top of the rabbit’s head for the antlers.
    • Put a small bit of Apoxie Sculpt inside the holes and push the antlers into place. Micro-adjust position of antlers until you are satisfied.
    • Take a small amount of Apoxie Sculpt and press it onto the base of the antlers where they connect to the head. Sculpt and press to create a smooth, natural transition from the head to antler. (TIP: study images of real animals with antlers to create a realistic antler base)
    • Once all clay has completely dried, paint the jackalope and stump – two to three coats or until satisfied with the coverage.
    • Lightly sand the birch branches. Add water to a small amount of acrylic paint to create a wash. Brush the wash onto the branches and quickly wipe with a paper towel. This will white wash the branches rather than paint them. Repeat if you want the wash to be less transparent.
    • Create the scene by placing the jackalope on the stump and arranging the birch branches behind. Adorn the jackalope with a pair glasses. Stand back and let the mellow vibe surround you.
    From Nervous Nelson…
    To Chill Bill
  • Paint a One-Of-A-Kind Sofa Table

    Paint a One-Of-A-Kind Sofa Table

    What is one way to hide a chaotic heap of twisted cords beneath a colossal TV screen? My solution includes strategically positioning a visual diversion: A custom console styled with arty pots on the bottom and a Nambé bowl on the top. This project is for a home with an interior that is a nice mix of Modern and Ethnic Chic. (What is Ethnic Chic?)

    Materials

    How To

    I’ve been pinning images of illustrated furniture for years. This project was my chance to dive in and give it a try. I found an unpainted sofa table that was the right size and style. Once the table was assembled, I removed the knobs, pulled out the drawer, and lightly sanded and primed all surfaces. Then I coated it with a few layers of satin latex paint and gave the drawer slides a very light coat to keep them in good sliding condition. I created an illustration the same dimensions as the drawer front using Adobe Illustrator. Next, I printed the illustration to size and it became my pattern. I traced the artwork by sandwiching a sheet of Saral Transfer paper between the print out and the drawer face. After the artwork was transferred to the drawer front, I drew on top of the traced image with a paint pen. NOTE: It was really important to let each layer dry the recommended amount of time, as well as, lightly sand between coats. After all the paint had cured for two weeks, I covered the table with several coats of poly acrylic (again – pay attention to drying times and sanding between coats). I rubbed a bar of soap on the drawer slides to improve their glide and attached the knobs. Kinda cool. Kinda artsy. I heart.

    Painted console table with southwestern pen drawing on drawer face
    Finished Table
  • Animated Chalk Art

    Animated Chalk Art

    Creating chalk drawings on dark paper is my current favorite drawing activity. For me, drawing the light instead of the shadows is a both a drawing technique and a formula for contentment. Converting these drawings into an animated video involved lots of watching and re-watching online animation tutorials. Here’s the basic process along with links to the videos I found most helpful:

    Preparation

    1. Create thumbnail sketches of actions to be animated.
    2. Work out the sequence of events.
    3. Write-out notes to the side of sketches to describe camera angles, zooming in or out, sound effects, etc…
    4. Photograph models or collect reference images for each major action. (I took photos of my son with a strong light coming from the bottom for this video)
    5. Modify the reference images in Photoshop as needed to unify lighting or amplify dramatic moments. Convert to black and white images.

      Drawing

      1. Print images at medium quality on copy paper (20#) to fit the size of your dark paper and scanner bed. (I use 8″x10″ black card stock which fits on my scanner bed)
      2. Transfer image to black paper, tracing only the very basic outlines and shapes.
      3. Draw the light values onto the dark paper using a white pastel pencil. Re-establish darkest values and lines with a kneaded eraser and/or pencil eraser.
      4. Scan each drawing and save as a jpeg. Improve contrast as needed in Photoshop.

      Animating

      1. Place jpeg images in a Photoshop document as layers.
      2. Select VIEW > Timeline to begin animating. Here are two video tutorials that I found very helpful:
      3. Save Timeline animations as mp4 clips.
      4. Create graphics in Powerpoint or Keynote.
      5. Combine animated clips, sound effects and music in iMovie.
      Final Chalk Art Animation by Marisa Mott
    6. 3 Sign Designs Inspired by Vintage Chintz and Steam Trains

      3 Sign Designs Inspired by Vintage Chintz and Steam Trains

      Just 120 miles North of Santa Fe, New Mexico is the captivating Village of Chama, home to the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. From late-May to mid-October, steam trains transport passengers from the sunshine of New Mexico to the snow covered mountains of Colorado, all on the same day.

      Railroad service to Chama began in 1881, it rapidly evolved into a boomtown, and ultimately matured into a lively Western-style business district. In the heart of the business district, Railyard Rebel, a one-of-a-kind shop filled with gorgeous clothing, jewelry, accessories, and New Mexico inspired gifts; offers a blend of western style and Bohemian design. The shop is housed in the Sterling and Sage building. Recently the shop and building needed signs and that is how my husband, Curtis (a sign painter), and I got involved.

      My primary objective for this project was to develop a logo for Railyard Rebel. Drawing inspiration from steam trains’ textural elements (iron, metal rivets, wood), and vintage floral textiles, I was able to create a logo that married vintage train character with western style and boho design.

      Railyard Rebel Logo Design

      Railyard Rebel’s new owners wanted to repurpose signs from the previous business.  There were four wooden signs with cut-out shapes resembling old Scenic Line of the World advertisements. In the before and after photo you can see that I tailored Railyard Rebel’s logo to fit the semi-circular band at the top of the sign and swapped the yellow and red for their brand colors.

      • Vintage Ad for Scenic Line of the World
      • Before and After

      Overhauling the train illustration involved a bit of research, but I was lucky enough to find a reference photos depicting one of Cumbres and Toltec’s engines. I rendered the train digitally in Procreate and Adobe Photoshop.

      Steam Engine No. 463 Reference
      Digitally Rendered Steam Engine

      Printed decals were produced once the design was complete. We cleaned, sanded, and painted the wooden signs, then carefully applied the decals. Curtis skillfully hand-painted the tassels and finials with a glossy white sign paint.

      Hand Painting Tassels and Finials

      Although there were a handful of design challenges, we were able to take four tired signs and breathe new life into them.

      Railyard Rebel Wooden Sign
      Final Sign Design

      A new sign was created to hang beneath the covered walkway.  Bright pink and gold floral elements on a smoky gray base serve as the backdrop for the logo’s light blue letters. It was finished with a hand-crafted wooden frame to generate an old western-feel.

      Framed Hanging Sign

      Sterling and Sage, the building housing Railyard Rebel and The Lofts @ Sterling & Sage, needed exterior ID signs. The owners’ design concept was to use a sheet of thick metal and have the letters cut out. The painted black finish was determined in the final stages of the design.

      Sterling and Sage – 534 Terrace Avenue, Chama, New Mexico
      Metal Signs with Cut-out Letters
      Installing the Sterling and Sage Metal Sign on the Front of the Building

      Railyard Rebel is looking forward to their first fall season since opening their doors in May 2022. It is a great time to ride the railroad, enjoy a day trip of exhilarating rugged mountain views, and relish the fall colors.

    7. Black and White Chalkboard Therapy

      Black and White Chalkboard Therapy

      “I just want to make beautiful things even if nobody cares.”

      SAUL BASS

      An artist’s dream – living in a place where you can draw on the walls. As a renter in a home with blackboard paint on the kitchen door, I kinda lived that dream. Using school chalk, I would draw for hours creating images to celebrate holidays (a few of my favorites below). Although there were no paychecks attached to these illustrations, there were gobs of benefits. The stress of my day job melted, my artistic confidence bloomed, and my wandering mind stayed focused in the moment. Not having to make color decisions was one of the many reasons I found it relaxing. Admittedly, I dug the subtractive drawing vibe; erasing areas for darker values and adding chalk for the lighter values.

      Cupid for Valentine’s Day
      Hipster Santa for Christmas
      Cowgirl for Fourth of July
      A Few of My Favorite Chalkboard Door Drawings

      I no longer reside in the house with the dreamy chalkboard door and was craving some black and white chalkboard therapy. The work-around solution? Taking a rediscovered pad of black paper, a brand spanking new white pastel pencil, and drawing! I drew each subject on a separate piece of paper then scanned. (Separate images in gallery below) Once I had digital images, I placed them into a single composition using Photoshop.

      Street Artist
      Harmony Player
      Spreading Harmony
      Separate Chalk Drawings

      This time my concept wasn’t based on a holiday. Instead, it was a play on words – harmony and harmonica. The next step was to Frankenstein words together and craft a message that flowed through the composition. “Harmony – Spread That Stuff Everywhere,” won out. Lots of tries later, I surrendered to design defeat; the message and the composition weren’t jiving. This is when not having a chalkboard door went from being a hurdle to being a springboard. This is when I realized I had all the components for an animated video. I created animated clips in Photoshop, combined and refined them (a bit) in iMovie, gathered copyright free music from YouTube creator’s studio, and built an artsy video (below). Beautiful to me (and maybe to you). “…even if nobody cares.”

    8. Red and Green Chile Hominy Casserole

      Red and Green Chile Hominy Casserole

      This was one of my Mom’s go-to-breakfast dishes. The original recipe had cream of mushroom soup and crushed Cornflakes which have been replaced with Bechamel sauce, mushrooms, and bread crumbs. The updated recipe is spiced up a bit with the addition of red and green chile.  Great served with fried eggs and bacon. 

      Click for Recipe
    9. The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

      The Creative Process Behind Each Painted Jacket

      Ever wonder how I make Cowboy Kimonos? This quickie tour shows how a doodle morphs into a hand painted denim jacket. Got questions (like how much money did my parents waste on acting lessons) or ideas for a custom Cowboy Kimono? Connect by clicking the button below.

      Connect
    10. Fashion inspiration from my travels on the world wide web.

      Fashion inspiration from my travels on the world wide web.

      Denim jacket, infinity scarf, vintage tee, bold stripes, and Converse.
      http://She Knows
      Head scarf, hoop earrings, chunky necklace, and turtle neck.
      Jean jacket, bold patterned dress, colored stockings and knee high boots.
      http://Crazy Together
      Embellished jacket with tiara or flower headband, and heavy metal tee.
      Embellished jacket with ruffled blouse, concha belt, and colored jeans
      http://Sofiaz Choice
      Long coat over a denim jacket, white pants, and white sneakers
      http://Bedazelive
      jean jacket, floral or fiesta dress, floral purse
      http://Who What Wear
      Denim jacket, Pashimina scarf, big brooch, cropped pants
      http://Outfit_Fashion
      Jean Jacket, shirred top, big bangles, wide leather belt
      http://Outfit Fashion
      Denim jacket, cardigan coat, leggings and cowboy boots
      http://Fashion For Living

      To find your one-of-a-kind, hand painted, recycled denim jacket, just click the button below.

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