Skull of the Year 2011

Skull-A-Day friend Eike has announced this year's Designers Skulls Skull of The Year recipient (of which I was the proud winner in 2009)...

Congratulations to Vladi Rapaport and his beautiful Skull Chair (oh how I would like to be the owner of one of these!). See more about the contest, including all of the nominee's for this year's award HERE.

Super Artboy Dancing Skull Saturday

If "artboydancing" isn't a name that catches your eye, then perhaps his photo skull renditions will. While working as an artist and photographer in Berlin he was introduced to our site and instantly fell in love(thanks).











Unfortunately I couldn't post all of the great images that artboydancing sent to us so I tried to pick a diverse group. This also reminds us that no matter who you are, or where you come from, or what time you lived in, skulls are a part of all of us so be sure to keep yours safe. Thanks for sharing!

Rhinestone Skull Mask

Long time fan of the site, Kathleen Conahan in Portland Oregon told us: “This last year for Halloween I decided to combine my love of skulls and everything shiny, so I was Damien Hirst's ‘For the Love of God.’ Did you know you can buy rhinestones by the pound?”


F.I.T. C says:

I have known people in the past who dressed as certain charaters in art, but I have never seen someone dress up as a particular art object. This is wonderfully done! Thank you for showing us this inspired creation and for continuing to be a contributing fan of the site.

Be sure to flashback to Kathleen’s other skull creations which include fingernails, flags, and a laptop.

Amy Black - “I Shine, Not Burn”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Amy Black - “I Shine, Not Burn” $250.00

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information on if this work is available for purchase.

Artist Amy Black owns Trademark Tattoo in Richmond, VA.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

CONTEST: Win a Nicole Pangas Ceramic Skull Mug

Right down the road from me is a talented ceramicist who goes by the name of Nicole Pangas. You may have seen her wonderful work here before, but this time she's back with a piece for one of you lucky skull lovers. This loopy looking bonehead wants to brighten your days by being a part of your collection of cups, and Nicole is looking to make those days arrive.



I can attest that Nicole's work is of excellent quality since I do have my own skull cup from her.

Nicole works in clay and mixed media collages. You can see more of these works on her site here and you can find everything you like about her on facebook here. Currently she has been working mostly with ceramics, especially on skull cups and mugs which can be found in her Etsy shop and several galleries. Nicole draws on the essence of the mediums she crafts to find her inspiration. " I embrace the inherent characteristics of each material I work with, each adding its own influence and expression with my work."

Nicole makes the cups, but she can't fill them for you. To be entered to win this skull mug leave a comment stating what non-alcoholic drink you would put in it to get you going for the day, and give a skullified twist to the name. For instance, I enjoy Haze'skull'nut coffee. (If you're not too witty then it's no biggie. Just let us know what you would drink from the cup).

[NOTE: If you're reading this on Facebook or Google+ then be sure to leave your comment on the original Skull-A-Day.com post if you want to be officially entered in the contest.]

IMPORTANT: Don't forget to include a way of contacting you(either an email in the post OR be sure your blogger profile has a working email link for you). Entries are only valid with this information.

You have until Midnight Eastern time Wednesday February 8th to enter so don't wait... do it now.

Note: Nicole agrees to pay for shipping the mug to residents of the United States and Canada only. Sorry to everyone else. Ceramics are heavy and costs to ship them are also.

Of course you don't have to wait until the end of the contest to get your own mug, cup, or tumbler. Nicole's Etsy store has loads skullware so don't fret if you don't get this one. She'll keep making more. Thanks, Nicole!

Down Under Skull

Skull enthusiast Web from Bayswater, Victoria, Australia sumbitted another of his skull creations. This is a pen and ink piece that he did in the 1990s.

This piece is full of fine details that help bring it to life. The cross hatch shading adds a textured depth to the smooth bones. The features of the skull feel more sunken. The addition of the lopsided blank sign is interest. When ever I see blank signs in artwork, I wonder what that sign could say. Similar to filling in the speech bubbles/balloons of comic strips, what would you have this skeleton's sign say?

Skull Mask

Myresa “Mitza” Hurst in Dallas, Tx showed off her Dia de los Muertos skull mask that she made.


Big C says:

Being a mask aficionado myself, I really enjoy finding others who share this desirable art form. Thank you for sharing this creation with us.

Carolyn Tuttle- “Green Man”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Carolyn Tuttle- “Green Man”

Carolyn Tuttle- “Green Man” $200.00

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Christy Schneider- “Sanctuary in My Mind”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Christy Schneider- “Sanctuary in My Mind” $200.00

Christine M. Schneider grew up in Colorado and graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the University of Kansas. Christy owns Yellow Pencil Studio, Inc., an illustration and design studio in Lawrence, Kansas.

For information on purchasing this work please contact the exhibit curator at:

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Aces & Eights Skull

Ben Marcacci recently showed us his Iron Skulls from Afghanistan and now he's back with another terrific piece of heavy metal and this note, "I just finished up with this piece, Name after Wild Bill's infamous poker hand of Aces and eights (AKA Dead Man's Hand) when he was shot dead in 1876. This Piece, like my last is 100% scrap steel. The skull and hat were cut from a truck tool box that had taken a hit, but there was still some straight steel left in it. Enjoy!"



That's a nifty bit of welding ya done there, partner. Mighty fine work for a man with limited resources. Just like a true pioneer. A pioneer of skull art. Many thanks again, Ben!

Help make the Lego Skeleton a reality.

Skull-A-Day friend Clay Morrow AKA Choking Hazards (who kindly created the instructions for my Lego Skull), is trying to get his Lego skeleton design to be released as an official Lego product and he needs your help! Just give his project a vote HERE. And if he gets at least 10,000 votes it'll become a reality!

"For the Love of Ginger Head" Skull

Danny Steadman and Scott McNeely from the UK, created this skull using ginger bread, edible silver balls, and chewing gum teeth. They are the winners of the Bene EAT ART competition.

The designers with their creation.

The skull was featured on the 8th page of January 2012's ICON magazine.

Ever since I made my first (and only?) gingerbread house in elementary school, I've been fascinated with the gingerbread works of others. I've never seen something as sculptural, and tediously covered with edible silver balls, as this skull. The use of the chewing gum teeth remind me of using chiclet gum as teeth, as a child. The black, I have to assume is black icing. The use of icing in gingerbread works, is to adhere details to the dense gingerbread. The choice of black works well a shading for the skull and add to the visual depth. This is definitely worthy of an award. Congrats guys!

Sunday Simulacra - Version 5.35

Today's skulls were found in various places...

Marie Austin of Edmond Oklahoma found this "Nutty Skull" while chasing after her kitten Motorhead.

Briannaa Ariel found this skull in the melting snow outside of her door.

Shaun Andruk "made this solder skull by accident while using a big 200watt soldering iron."

We need help from our skull hunters. If you see a simulacra skull, photograph it and send those pictures in to our submissions address.

Happy Belated Merry Holiday Skulls (Is this a first?)

That's right. You had to know that with all of the great submissions we get, some don't get posted quite around the time we receive them. So knowing that I now have the pleasure of reminiscing with a couple of festive holiday skulls to share with you.

These happy skulls were spreading holiday cheer in Croatia when Lindvall Mario made these decorations that were donations for an abandoned children benefit.



And Emily Kalatzis agrees to the fullest when she asked us, "Merry...Halloween? Who says we can't bring a few skulls into the holiday season?" True dat, Emily! Who says so? Nobody, that's who!



Thanks for helping us bring a jolly end to our weekend with your skulls. Remember everybody, there's only 331 days until next Christmas to make your friends and family hand made gifts from the heart. Make the most of them!

P.S.- If you have any St. Patrick's Day skulls you want to send us then you may want to do that soon. No rush, but I'm just sayin'......

Framed Skulls

Self described- Crazy artist, doll designer, accessories maker, and DIY addict- from Paris, France CocoFlower ** sent us this pair of crafty skull embroidery on little picture frame with lace.



Flossy C says:

I have a certain affinity for the non-traditional fine arts, so it is always a please to see when some examples arrive in our in box. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pieces of your crafty work with us, as well as directing us to the prolific art that you feature on your blog.

** Non French speakers: see the Google translation of the blog HERE.

100 Painted Skulls: #43

To celebrate year 5 of Skull-A-Day (June 2011-June 2012) I've decided to paint 100 skulls on 4 x 4in (10.16 x 10.16 cm) wooden panels over the course of the year...

Painting teeth is hard. But it's a fun challenge.


If you'd like to buy this painting you can find it in the Skull-A-Day store HERE.

Dia de la Abby: #70 Skull Mail

Recently, Wenchkin and I decided to trade mail art. She made me this piece, so this is my art for her. It will be mailed off today.

I made this mixed media piece using water color paints, water color pencil, salt, ink, flower images from a gardening magazine, and thread, on water color paper. I wanted to do something reminiscent of the sugar skull and flower styles in past pieces, but with layers of patterns, mediums, and texture. To find out how I made this piece, read the tutorial.

Every other Thursday in the 5.0 year, I will post my own Dia de la Abby creations   Every Thursday in the 4.0 year, I posted my Dia de la Abby creations and occasionally tutorials with instructions on how I made my pieces. Hopefully you feel inspired by my posts just as I was by Noah's Skull-A-Day 1.0 daily project. Need more of me than just a weekly dose, follow me on  Facebook, Google+ and/or Twitter.

Dolly Holmes - “Catacomb”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Dolly Holmes - “Catacomb” $250.00

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information on if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Overexposure Skull

Denis Ricardo of Overexposure said "This is my second attempt at a 365, because of some unfortunate accidents happening last attempt, but i am back with a vengeance, and apparently, skulls! This year, it's more than photography and videography, or I at least plan on it being more than that. I want to draw, write, paint, but it will all be documented as a video or photo."

Having finished a 365 project myself, I can understand how difficult it is to stay on track when other things in your life get in the way. I'm glad that Denis (and a few others) are trying again and changing up how they do a 365 project. It's a challenge to do something creative daily, when you might not be feeling very creative or have other things going on that need your attention. Sometimes even just doodling can be enough of a creative jolt a day. I'm try to do something creative every day, so I can learn to be more focused on completing projects before starting new ones. I won't be documenting my creative adventures, because no one needs to know when video games seemed like a better idea for the day...

Crânes en provenance du Sud de la France

(Skulls from the South of France)

Dav from Toulouse, in the south of France shared: “Like you, I'm also a skulls' addict, I paint lots of skulls in the streets of my town, and also take pics of the ones painted by my friends that I regularly put on the photo-blog about Toulouse's street art. This is a piece I created.”


In October 2011 Dav piece “Vanités” was featured in the “cabinet des curiosités” exhibition a group show with 21 artists from Toulouse, including many pieces featuring skulls!

Half-Way C says:

I am connecting with your “Vanités” piece. I enjoy seeing your collection of found objects that you shaped into skulls. Helping everyday objects find their inner skull are some of my favorite posts here. Since graffiti is illegal in most locations lets just say that wall piece was done with charcoal or some other non-permanent medium. *Kids if you reading this at home don't create art on other people's property without their permission.* Thank you Dav for sharing your pieces with us, and for sharing your blog about Toulouse's street art for us to check out.

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition”

Nicole Jurain- “ Juxtaposition” $175.00

The skull created for the exhibit is to showcase Corn and how much it has infiltrated into our society. The skull showcases what corn derivatives are in the air (invisible), in our food (hidden, citric acid, ascorbic acid, polysorbate 60 and 80) and our hygiene products (vitamin E, Glycerine, Acetal Alcohol). Anything we may purchase will most likely contain corn or a corn derivative.

CornFreedom.com was started to help gain understanding and awareness to a serious problem of corn intolerance which can cause many different reactions, from typical allergy responses to more serious Neurological shifts. These reactions can show up anywhere from 5 minutes after the exposure to a day after and discomfort can last up to 8 days.

Due to Corn not being one of the top recognized allergens, the majority of medical professionals do not realize that the majority of emergency medications, operating room medicines, hospital stay medications, and prescribed medications as well as over the counter medications all contain forms of corn in them unless specifically removed. For example, corn starch is the top ingredient in almost all over the counter medications; look in your medicine cabinet read the inactive ingredients.

Ms. Jurain asks you to show your support and like them on the Facebook Corn Freedom page.

Please visit the artist’s exhibit page for information if this work is available for purchase.

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

CONTEST REMINDER: Win a Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirt ENDS TODAY!

THE CONTEST IS CLOSED! Thanks for participating! 

Don't forget to enter to win a Calaca T-Shirt made by Wenchkin. You have until Midnight EST TONIGHT to enter! Enter Here!

Close up of image

Full t-shirt, size Large

Of course, you don't have to wait till the end of the contest to get your own Wenchkin creation, visit her shop to purchase one of her Wenchkin Calaca T-Shirts.

Jud Turner- “Skull (Destroying to Create)”

On June 4, 2011 Skull-A-Day celebrated Skull Appreciation Day with an exhibit of over 100 skulls at Gallery 5 in Richmond, VA. If you didn't have a chance to make it to the gallery while the show was up, we now proudly present: "Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition".

Jud Turner- “Skull (Destroying to Create)” $200.00

Jud Turner received training in drawing and painting at the University of Oregon, under Professor Ron Graff and the late Professor Frank Okada, both renowned artists and educators. In the early 1990's, he transitioned to sculptural works as his main artistic output, focusing on direct welded steel work and found object assemblages.

Currently, Jud lives and works in Eugene, OR with his beautiful wife, Melissa, and 3 cats. He spend as much time as possible welding, working, and laughing.

To see more on the process of creating this piece for the exhibit please visit HERE.


For information on purchasing this work please contact the exhibit curator at:

The 2011 Skull Appreciation Day - The Exhibition was a collective art show celebrating the 5th anniversary of Skull-A-Day.com and its tremendous audience of artists and readers.

Throughout year 5.0 we will be featuring artwork from the show a few times a week. This is a chance to see all of the excellent skulls that were on display, and FOR SALE. Some of these pieces may still be available and this is a wonderful opportunity to own an original piece of skullriffic artwork. There are many well known artists who have contributed very reasonably priced works and many of them have donated their portion of the sale to benefit a great charity, the Richmond Peace Education Center.

Please take a moment to view all of the remarkable work that was created for the onset of this annual festivity. Your skull will appreciate you for showing it some love.

Kostov's Skull

Ivailo Kostov makes our day a little more menacing with this devious looking "skullpture".



I don't know what it's made of, but I do like the way it appears ancient and old, yet modern and mechanical. It's definitely something that belongs in a sci-fi movie. Thanks for sharing, Ivailo!

Iron Skulls

Ben Marcacci submitted this piece. He said "I'm a contractor in Afghanistan. I work on my skulls on my lunch. Here's one. Its 100% scrap iron,with razor wire roses."

This piece in it's setting speaks to how dangerous it is being in Afghanistan. Against a background of barbed wire, military buildings, sand, and helicopters, it stands as a warning to new entries and memorial to those who have died in this dangerous pursuit. The cross in it's self is beautifully made. Here's hoping that one day, they will all get to come home.