Well Hey There,

It has been a while...but there is a lot of reasons for this.


The Holiday season took the Funamals studio by storm.  On any given day during the weeks leading up to the holidays I had a que of 10-18 CUSTOM Pet Portraits that were ordered and needed to be painted every day.  It was fantastic, overwhelming at the same time and I really enjoyed the business.  It is really something to play a part in the joy of other's Christmas givings.  

I have added a lot of new paintings under my Custom Pet Portrait page on this blog.


December was also packed with a Gallery Show.  It was My first solo show and I could not have been more excited!!  The opening was December 9th and the work was up for the month.  I will have photos of the show very soon!


As if The month could not be busier, something came up and my boyfriend and I had to pack up our things and move our home and studio immediately.  As it was an emergency and our decision to move was made within a half an hour and it was the week before Christmas.  Not only did I have lots of paintings to finish, but I also had all the handmade gifts I needed to make for my family still.  This was perhaps one of the more stressful situations I've had in my life.  We had been dealing with a very difficult living situation for some time and the week before Christmas became one of complete mayhem and up-side-downess.   Immediately following our crazy change of plans, on Christmas morning we got Engaged!

Suddenly much of our darkness began to turn into light.  We are very excited to turn our four year relationship into a lifetime of friendship and marriage.  Cam is an artist too and I would like to invited you to check out his work as well.  He has a Gallery show opening this Friday in Grand Rapids, MI.  You can check out his event on Facebook.  

So I haven't been blogging because I have been really busy, but also we do not have internet at our new house yet.  I can't wait to blog about the new house and all of the decorating, and now the wedding too!

How to Talk to Animals

This is fantastic...

Great advice!

Cyber Monday Sale

Gallery Showing Sneak Preview

Here are a few things I have been working on...

Appreciating Fan Appreciation

Touching the lives of clients through paint...

I do a lot of custom paintings and ship them out to places all over the world.  Although I don't usually hear much back from my clients, I enjoy what I do and get a lot of satisfaction from it.  With each order there is always a story behind it.  People get the paintings done as gifts, for loved ones, friends or themselves.  The pets are always very special and close to their heart.  I've painted a rescued pet baboon, a pet frog, birds, as well as countless dogs and plenty of cats.  Often the pets have passed away.  People love to have a painting done to memorialize their dear family member.  I can relate as my pups are very important to me as well.  

Here is a story about a client who ordered a custom pet portrait with a really unique composition.  In the chosen photo the dog is sleeping next to the client's husband.  The choice of composition carries a lot of meaning to the family as he had just had surgery and, amid a project needed to lay down in the back of the van.  The dog, always his loyal companion joined his master in the car.  She placed her order and sent the photo, but before the painting was finished and shipped the dog passed away.  

The client decided to keep her order and was very happy to receive it.  On Thanksgiving, a few weeks later I received an email telling me how happy they were to have the painting and how much it meant to them.  She sent me this photo of the painting matted and framed.  This is a story that really touches my heart and encourages me to continue to do what I do.

Thanksgiving Fun

Grandma always makes Thanksgiving dinner in our family.  From the turkey, to the stuffing, to the amazing walnut pie...and the pumpkin pie!  Grandma's pumpkin pie has become an icon in the Hofacker family.  

When my brother got married, grandma made his bachelor cake...and it wasn't cake at all!  It was her pumpkin pie!  So when my brother had a little boy, I thought what could be better than teaching him about one of the greatest legacies we have.  I made him a stuffed felty pumpkin pie of his own!  A perfect, Hunter sized replica of his Grandma Great's Thanksgiving treat.  His gift came complete with an apron, so that he can help her in the kitchen!

What traditions do you hold sacred in your family?  Find fun and creative ways to put new spins on family favorites.

Zasra

Rescue. Recycle. Repurpose.

Eco cowl neck shirt

Well here is a cute little shop I found on etsy!  I am going to begin featuring artists that work with recycled and repurposed materials on a regular basis starting here.  This comes just in time for the Recycled Art Market Show that I will be at this Saturday in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Shabby Chic Patchwork Scarf

Andria of Zasra says she has a "Passion for Fashion."...and that is obvious in her etsy shop.  Her shop consists of a mixture of vintage & upcycled clothing and jewelry.  I am most interested in her upcycled clothing because it is very creative and unique.

Upcycled Tunic Shirt

Boho Eco Skirt

Patchwork halter

This looks like something I would totally wear!

Fun, Unique, Repurposed, Colorful

Zasra's Passion for Fashion is Contagious!