veraparas

Throwback: Hello Kraken!

vpmain — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:10:02 +0000

Skateboard Deck Show at Monkeyhouse Toys: 08.23.2008
Materials: Blank Skateboard Deck, Decocolor Paint Markers, Spray Paint

“On Saturday, August 23rd skate on over to Monkeyhouse Toys for a custom skate deck group show. A monster of a roster with over 50 artists showing their work by using a blank skate deck as a canvas. Artist include: Adrian Pina, Bil Betsovic, Bryan Collins, Dan Goodsell, Amanda Kaay, Carl Lozada, Chris Athans, Clara Boo of Curioddities, Dave Savage, Jason Kochis, Jennyfur, Josh Levy, Leecifer, Motorbot, EdZepln, Ryan Crippen, Squidnik, Wavedog, and many more!” – Vinylpulse.com

I said Baco, not bacon…

vpmain — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:26:31 +0000

Close friends know that I’ve been waiting for this day to come for quite some time. But it’s finally happened–I got to eat at Baco Mercat.

Ups: Both appetizers were great: good mix of flavors and balance; made me wish I could try more. Entrees: Larger portions than I expected; Bacos were nice and meaty. Dessert: Joy; glad I decided to finish the meal this way.

Downs: Bacos: Kinda messy, some slight temperature issues with the “Toron”; strong greens sometimes overwhelmed in the “Original”; music was played pretty loud, you practically had to shout to have a conversation…

Final Verdict: I’d come again, but would perhaps explore more of the Small Plates…and of course the Desserts.

The Photos:

And so it begins…

The Lunch Crowd at Baco

Appetizer 1: Sugar Snap & Pear Salad (grapefruit, buratta, dill, walnut)

Appetizer 2: “Caesar” Brussel Sprouts

Entrees: Bacos! (Front) “The Original” – Pork, Beef Carnitas, Salbitxada & (Back) “The Toron” – Oxtail Hash, Cheddar Tater, Horseradish

Dessert: Banana Cream Pie Rice Pudding (Sea Salt Caramel, Chocolate Crumb Topping)

Craft Quickie: Trapped! (A 10 minute project)

vpmain — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:29:01 +0000

So, I remember seeing a similar project somewhere (sorry I can’t remember the original source) and thought, hey that looks easy– I’ll take a stab at it. It’s a quick one but the results are really cute.

And for those wondering why I went with Tard (Grumpy Cat), it was because I wanted to make this a little gift and this particular recipient thought he was the cutest thing. I also considered an illustration of a fancy man in a suit or maybe a bear up on two legs, but hey, anything miniaturized should work.

Anywhoo– here’s how you do it.

You will need: one 1/2″ screw eye, one mini craft bottle with cork, one sheet transparency film, computer and printer, and finally a key chain or necklace chain

Step 1: Take a screw eye and screw it into the center of the cork plug.

Step 2: Find a graphic you like (animals or unhappy looking things seem funny and appropriate); this one of Tard (Grumpy Cat) was courtesy of Erin Hunting at http://www.erinhuntingart.blogspot.com/2012/11/tard-grumpy-cat.html

Step 3: Print the graphic a size that will fit in the mini bottle (mine was approx. 0.75″ tall) on the transparency sheet.

Step 4: Cut out your graphic and place inside the bottle. Secure the cork top and attach chain…Viola! The final product: Your own mini Grumpy Cat trapped in a bottle!

Food For Thought Show at Monkeyhouse Toys

vpmain — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 22:46:59 +0000

Opening for the food themed “Food For Thought” show at Monkeyhouse Toys (2874 Rowena Ave, 90039) is this Saturday, Dec. 15 at 5-8pm

Come check out my Quincy inspired food adventures and other original art by Mr. Toast’s Dan Goodsell, Terri Berman, & Douglas Alvarez… Local art is a great gift! (Cash & carry – affordable prices)

monkeyhousetoys.com

Each Quincy piece comes with a limited edition mini coloring book! Quincy Mini Zine #2 (Coloring Book) also available at Monkeyhouse Toys!

Upcycled Knickknacks

vpmain — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:25:51 +0000

Somewhat recently, I’ve acquired a horde of Lego pieces which led a to a brainstorming session of crafty upcycle ideas. The first attempt resulted in a series of necklaces and a keychain in the designers favorite CMYK palette.

Note: Just in case you didn’t already know, I used Bionicle masks.

Do you have an idea? Send it to me and if I make it I’ll send you a prototype…

Experimenting with patterns

vpmain — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:13:52 +0000

In my attempt to learn how to work with patterns as well as familiarize myself with my sewing machine, I made this little guy.

I wanted him to be little kid friendly, no buttons or other small objects; and more complicated than the usual bear…He’s not perfect; but I like how he has great posture.

Day of the Dead Exhibit at Cactus Gallery

vpmain — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 19:07:12 +0000

8th Annual Dia de los Muertos
Sat., Oct. 13th-Nov. 3rd
Cactus Gallery & Gifts, 4534 Eagle Rock Blvd.

“Vuelve La Vida”- Paper, ink, and fabric, framed to w 10.75” x h 12.75″ – $120 – SOLD

http://cactusgallery.blogspot.com/2012/10/8th-annual-day-of-dead-art-exhibit.html?m=1

Looking for grub in Highland Park?

vpmain — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 22:10:51 +0000

So, it’s 2:00 and I’ve realized that I’ve yet again postponed lunch for way too long. While driving past the York one day I remember seeing a place called Highland Cafe whose logo styling caught my eye (and I am such a sucker for typography). Fortunately, the food lived up with the branding. First experience, pretty damn good.

Menu: Sandwiches, salads, coffee & smoothies

The Highland Cafe
5010 York Blvd
Highland Park
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 259-1000
Yelp Reviews

Pollo de Padre (Blackened chicken with peppers and avocado on a foccacia bread) sandwich with fries

Return of the Great Showdowns by Scott C. At Gallery 1988 (Melrose)

vpmain — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 00:15:41 +0000

Go check out the exhibit: More details here…

Just a preview of some of my faves, how many are you familiar with?

Couldn’t afford an actual painting, so I invested in the book instead.

Have you started celebrating LA Beer Week yet?

vpmain — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 17:07:37 +0000

It’s Sunday morning, and it’s LA Beer Week. Time to head down to Eagle Rock Brewery for their Brewers Brunch.

Details: http://eaglerockbrewery.com/m?id=4991515%3AMobilePage%3A39778