Dollar Tree Diorama Grabs

So a Dollar Tree has opened only steps away from my local Dollarama and I figured I should get in there and see what they have that distinguishes them from the competition, here's what I picked up to use for my kitbashing/dioramas. The first three pics are wooden puzzles with many unique little wooden bits, the cuts on them are a bit rough but I think they'll be great for machinery/vehicles and furniture. The category we had to explore was the "Beastie" category and I found these T-Rex dudes that I quite like, the heads are cool and I think the back legs will also come in handy, they're a good medium size for beastie builds. The final category is of course "wood kits" and here are two great ones, a car and a plane that will help with all kinds of builds, really good quality wood, can't wait to use them.

In writing news I received my first rejection letter yesterday, but it did not upset me the least. The wording was such that I know the submission was enjoyed and considered, it's only the volatile publishing market that dissuaded the agent from taking me on so I'll move on to the next agency I want to work with in the New Year, the best thing about the Internet is that I can pick who I'm going to submit my work to, I'm not blanketing the lit agency world with submissions, I'm being very careful as to who I want to represent me.

Happy Holidays,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

A.Shay Hahn, tiny carpenter, man of mystery.

At the top is a photo of Lawrence (Lorenzo!) Etherington's massive 600 page sketchbook that arrived in the mail a couple of days ago. I've had my head buried in it (when not playing Dead Island, finished the game, really enjoyed the sense of tension it creates) ever since. If you read this blog on a regular basis you'll know of my ongoing love/hate that I have with myself over my drawing skills. I figure this book is a great way to keep me working daily on my skills. If you are unfamiliar with the Etherington Bros. head to their blog its alot of fun, they are living the life and doing it right.

The second shot are a couple of cokpits that I built just in case I want to make any more Mandarin Orange crate vehicles. I'd like to thank all the folks over at Deviantart who took the time to comment on the build and on the sewer system.It's nice to get some positive feedback, since I rarely, if ever, get any comments here, this blog gets huge google hits for the tutorials but rarely does anyone say anything to me directly.

In book news I've sent out the first package for the Any How Town book series and I'm going to wait until the new year before approaching any other agents. The agency that I sent the package to interests me and I want to get a chance to get my first rejection under my belt before approaching any other agents.

If you go to the mad craft shoppe blog (see links) you can see what is currently hanging at the Press Club (850 Dundas West) head on over and pick up a painting, makes a heck of a Christmas gift.

Alright back to the ink mines, take care.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Building a Large Scale Popsicle Stick Diorama, Sewer System

Hey there folks, sorry if it feels like I've been away for ever, but I just had to kick this lingering cold which has been passed back and forth in our house like an ugly baby. I wanted to get a few shots of this piece posted before I added figures to it. You can see that ALL of the different techniques that I've posted tutorials for over the past year are in play here. There are platforms, stairs, windows, pipes, bits and pieces, and ladders all coming together to make this very cool underground adventure scene.

I haven't finished the left side window yet, I'm planning on making something different for that area and I'll post those pics once I nail down exactly what I want to do.

If it's your first time here, have a look around at the tutorials, there's all kinds of cool stuff to see.

In book news I'm still plugging away at the final draft of Book One, it was just impossible to do with a head full of awful and now hopefully I can get the first package out before Christmas.

alright, back to it,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Mandarin Orange Crate Troop Carrier! You gotta see this!

So here's the piece almost completed and then completed with paint job. I think it turned out pretty well considering I did it while bedridden and noseblown. I'll add another picture later on when I get some more mandarin oranges.

In painting news, today is the last day to see my show at the Cameron House, doors open at 5pm and you can purchase work (in cash) from the bar staff. Kevin Quain and the Mad Bastards play this eve, perfect rainy day music.

Hopefully this is the last day of Super Cold 2012 and I can get back to finishing my book, also I want to give a huge show of support to the Etherington Brothers, two brothers (writer/artist) whose work I think is the best, check out their blog here.http://theetheringtonbrothers.blogspot.ca/  I bought the 600 page sketchbook (see Store in their links) for myself as a Christmas gift.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com