Art Dolls by Du Buh Du Designs

{ Halloween 2014 }

 Han Solo & Millenium Falcon Halloween Costume

This Halloween, Andres wanted to be the Han Solo and his favorite space craft the Millennium Falcon from (the ubiquitous) Star Wars. As with previous costumes, Mark used insulation foam, thin poster board, and other various items from around the house including legos He really needs his own website with "how-to's", but for now, I've included some work in progress shots. The Millenium Falcon was lit with finger lights from the dollar store and some string lighting recycled from last year's Tron Light Cycle costume. The shirt and vest were bought and we just used a pair of jeans with  cut red bias tape glued to the sides. All in all, Andres had a wonderful time and considers this his favorite costume. His past costumes can be found by clicking here.

Hope all of you had a Happy Halloween!

And yes, I'm working on dolls for a holiday shop update..

 

 
Work in progress shots of the Millennium Falcon Costume~Images © Mark Alvarado, 2014


Above: A smaller model Mark built awhile back was used to get the scale right

Our Dia de los Muertos Decorations inspired by ¡Viva Calaca! is an animation project by Ritxi Ostáriz and since Sunday, November 2nd is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), I thought I'd share this collaboration between Mexican-American singer Lila Downs and Colombian singer Totó la Momposina~Enjoy!

LILA DOWNS -ZAPATA SE QUEDA-Director's Cut - from Gustavo A. Garzon on Vimeo.

 

{ Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits }

Nenetl illustrations by Laura Müller~Images © Greentea Publishing

As a creative person who works alone, I'm always very appreciative to receive positive feedback about my artwork. What's even more wonderful are the unanticpated emails from those who were inspired to create something entirely new and unique.

Recently, author Vera Greentea contacted me to tell me that she was inspired to write a story about a ghost girl after seeing my Calavera Catrinas. The adventures of ghost girl Nina, on a quest to find her family during Dia de los Muertos,  is told in four parts, comic book style, and is fantastically illustrated by Laura Müller. The first two exciting installments are available via Greentea Publishing with more to follow (can't wait!).

Thank you very much for sharing, Vera and Laura :)

Nenetl illustrations by Laura Müller~Images © Greentea Publishing

{ Halloween 2013 }

Halloween 2013 has come and gone and so it's time to wake up from this creative hibernation I've been in and start posting again. For those asking if I'm still creating dolls, yes I am and I'll be having a shop update in December with doll ornaments. More on that as the time comes.

In the meantime..I always post our Halloween costumes and this year Andres wanted to be the character  Sam Flynn from his favorite movie Tron Legacy. We found his outfit online but Andres also wanted a light cycle and so Mark went about creating one using foam, shelf liner adhesive, EL wire, glow sticks, reflective tape, a plastic soda bottle and lots of glue sticks. Needless to say Andres was thrilled with the outcome..and already thinking about next year's costume.

And since it is El Dia de los Muertos, I thought I'd also share some Day of the Dead decorations we made for our home (instead of traditional Halloween ones). They're a little nod to our favorite Dia de los Muertos video "Viva Calaca" byRitxi Ostariz.
 

Have a wonderful weekend !