Another helping of Skull Cakes

First up is Graphic Designer Adam Elliott from London, UK who said: “ I recently made a cake for my wife's 30th Birthday and seeing as she loves Mexican sugar skulls I made her this!”


Our second serving is from Kylie in the Bay Area, CA who wrote: “I made this in a cake decorating class I'm taking! I love it so much I may not eat it!”

Fondant C says:

I am always impressed by the culinary arts in our submission box. Useally one is not suppose to take a knife to art work, but in this instance it is what suppose to happen. Feeding your bodies as well as our minds, thank you both for submitting your work to us.

C-Rations: 0C101101

This week’s offering is a Calendar Page.

“Certainty” 18.5" x 8.5" recycled calendar page with charcoal illustration and collage.

Full Page Detail

Days of C says:

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” -Ben Franklin (1789)

It was with those words that this week’s C-Rations was begun. Here in America as many are already aware today is “Tax Day” which is the deadline to file our national tax responsibility to the government. By coincidence it it also the anniversary of many notable tragedies. Of course two that quickly come to mind for me are the sinking of the RMS Titanic and death of Abraham Lincoln, but after looking at Wikipedia I found many lesser known tragedies that should also be remembered today.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

Skullbot

It's no secret that the editors here at Skull-A-Day are big fans in "upcycling" for the good name of skull art. Darin Wiebe over at the Friar Junk blog knows just how fulfilling it can be to turn one man's junk into another man's treasure. I'll let him tell you about this adventure in imagination, "I usually make robots and rayguns out of junk but I tried something a bit different with my latest piece. Skulbot is my first wooden robot. The skull is from a Mardi Gras necklace, his body is a handle from an old awl, arms and hands are from an old typewriter, cogs from an alarm clock, and my favorite parts of him are the old ball and socket joint shoulders - I have no idea what they come from originally."



In all fairness, Darin admits that he didn't actually create the skull, but I had to give him credit for such ingenuity. The spare parts look great when given new life. Thanks for sharing, Darin, and thanks for not creating an evil robot hoard to take over the world. Although, they might make good opponents for the zombies.

[BONUS] Skull in Use: Quack In The Box!

Artist Len Peralta used the skull from my Skullphabet #1 font as part of a design he created for a new card game called Quack In The Box!

Stoneware Skull

Keith from North Carolina wrote: “ I sculpted this skull from stoneware clay, it was then fired in a wood and soda kiln with a shino glaze. Embellished with images and poison labels and re-fired again to make the images a permanent part of the glaze.”

Side Detail

Arsenic C says:

This is an incredible piece. The skill that went into creating it as well as decorating it is unmatched. I appreciate the use of old labels and the use of floral artwork that gives it the appearance of being much older than it actually is. It also brings to mind those public art projects where artists decorate different items to be placed throughout a city. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

Tuesdays With Tatman #45

(to the tune of "Take Me Out To The Ball Game")
"Log me on to Skull-A-Day,
Take me to it right now.
Buy me some C-rations and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back,
Let me root, root, root for the skull team,
If they don't make posts it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three years of skulls,
Here on Skull-A-Day."

I hope all of you baseball fans out there can enjoy whatever team your are rooting for this year.

Each Tuesday in the 3.0 year will bring a new Tuesday With Tatman. As a tribute to the Skull Master's astounding feat let's all get creative and try something new(and hopefully skull related).

Guerrilla Skull

Nick Ilton of Melbourne writes, "Love your site. I made this 4ft x 3ft skull a while back and didn't know what to do with it. I decided to give it to the people of Melbourne and bolted it to a pedestrian overpass over a main road. It looked awesome for a few days but was removed after less than a week. Hope you like it."



What a great gift, Nick! It's a shame that someone else had to hog all of it for themselves instead of leaving it for the whole city to enjoy. Maybe if someone in the Melbourne area has seen this sign they might be able to get it back to you. We could start up "Skull-A-Day's Most Wanted" in an attempt to return the stolen property. If not then at least we got to see it in the pic. Thanks for sharing that also.

[CONTEST] Win a Skulltastic package from Iron Fist!

The fine folks at Iron Fist have kindly offered to give away an amazing package of goodies to one lucky male AND one lucky female Skull-A-Day reader!

The Ladies' package includes: 1 Pair of heels, 2 tees, and a swimsuit; The Men's package includes: 3 tees, 2 woven shirts, 1 cap, and a belt. Exact items to be determined based on availability and size requested, but here are some examples of the awesome stuff Iron Fist makes...

To be entered in the drawing just leave a comment below saying what you would like to have written on your tombstone (even if you don't plan to actually have one). [NOTE: If you're reading this on Facebook, be sure to leave your comment on the original Skull-A-Day.com post if you want to be actually entered in the contest]

IMPORTANT: Don't forget to include a way to contact you (either an e-mail in the post OR make sure your Blogger profile has an e-mail link for you on it).


You have until just Midnight Eastern Time April 19th to enter so don't delay! [UPDATE] The contest is over! Thanks to everyone for entering the winners will be announced soon.

And of course you don't have to wait til the end of the contest to get some super cool stuff from Iron Fist! Plus you'll get 15% off on your order with coupon code  SKULLADAY through May 31st!

Good luck!

Desktop Skull

Liz wrote: “I have loved the Skull-a-day idea for many years. Got to thinking about how cluttered my desktop usually is, and decided to clean it up but replace the clutter with more clutter....pictures of different screen-captures, creating a skull. Have kept it on my desktop now, it brightens each day I come to work!”


Kill-A-Byte C says:

It must be great to see this face looking back at you when you have your windows closed. I like the idea of this piece, and the thought of it having the ability to be constantly changing as you add and subtract future shortcuts is really cool. Thank you for submitting your creation to us.

Skull-A-Day on Tour: Etsy Virtual Workshop, April 29th

I'm going to be in NYC at the end of this month to run a workshop at the Gel Conference, but you don't actually have to be there to get to experience some of it! Since the workshop will be held at the Etsy headquarters in Brooklyn, I will also be doing a virtual workshop on their site that same day!

Daily Projects & Kick-Starting Your Creativity:
Find out how to tap the creative well within yourself by starting your own daily project and get some tips & tricks for pushing your own creative limits! 

Etsy Virtual Labs

12:30 p.m. ET

Thursday, April 29

The event is free, you just have to sign up as an Etsy member, if you aren't already one, and go to the Virtual Lab at that day/time.

Hope to virtually see you then!


Image: #109 Jumbo Lace Skull made at Etsy Labs!

Sunday Simulacra - Version 3.45

Today’s Simulacra are hiding around the house.

First up is Heather who wrote: “I was moving things around to dust, turned and saw him there. Thought I'd share him with you.”

Next is our frequent contributor Yann Roirand from Sunderland said: “My landlord was working on the boiler this morning as I walked into the kitchen and I found that fellow hiding inside.”

Lastly, Natalie Heath who simply said: “Litter Box Skull”
Triplex C says:

Thank you all for another wonderful collection of Simulacra hiding in plain sight.


Keep sending those pictures in to our submissions address. Just keep in mind that since we only post simulacra once a week it might take a little longer than normal for it to be posted.

Skull Bowls

I totally love these awesome ceramic skull bowls from Catherine in Santa Rosa, CA . She has more to tell us, "Hi Noah, I saw your interview on the Mutter Museum You Tube channel linked to their website. I've been making ceramics for about three years. I've taken to making little skull jars and recently, when given the assignment of making a set of dinnerware, I made skull and bone related cup, platter and bowls. This is the skull bowl. I found that sculpting things in clay translated pretty handily from drawing or pen&ink."





That skull and rib bones bowl would make a killer candy dish. The flesh tone colors give it that extra creepy feel. "Have some candy...if you DARE!" Thanks for sharing your great work, Catherine.

The Gift of Skulls: Hlywd Style

After his recent mention on Skull-A-Day Josh Warner from Good Art Hlywd very kindly sent some of his beautiful skull pendants to the editors here! They are beautifully made and have a satisfying heft, and will definitely be worn with pride. Thanks so much Josh!

[Flashback Friday TOP 10] 10. United Skull of America

Flashback Friday is a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.0. Each week I'll be posting an original skull along with some additional commentary in order from lowest to highest rated, with the #1 skull appearing in the last week of year 3 of the project...

#8: 10. United Skull of America

It was only when I finished this that I thought about the fact that I had used a map of the continental US only and had left out Alaska & Hawaii. I felt pretty bad about it, but in the midst of the project I didn't have the time to return to it and try again with all 50 states. Finally last year I free moment and set to the task, and lo and behold I think the results were even better, go figure!...

This version is available as a limited edition silkscreen poster.

I even made a 9 foot tall wooden version of the original skull for my exhibition: After Life, that was at Quirk Gallery in Richmond, Virginia...

I plan on one day making the revised skull that way as well! So if you're interested in having an installation of the full 50 states as a skull in your museum, school, office, or gallery please get in touch!

And the Skull Cookies winners are...

Congratulations to Rosie, Tammy, and Tetewa who were the randomly selected winners of the Whimzkulls skull cookies giveaway!

Once again I was impressed at the thoughtful and clever entries by everyone who entered and I'm sorry I can't send you all something!

Of course, you can always get some delicious skull cookies directly from Briannaa and Whimzkulls HERE.

Stay tuned for another giveaway soon!

Ceramic Skulls

Chilisblues from California said: “Hi, I am a facebook friend and love the site. I am also an artist that loves skulls. Here are a couple of ceramic pieces I have done.”

“Skull with Pipe”

“Raku Skull”

Glazed C says:

A pair of incredible ceramic pieces. My favorite of the pair is the Raku one. I really like the rough appearance of it. It appears to look very old as if you have created the skull from the missing link. Thank you for the submission.

[BONUS] Skull In Use: Nerd Merit Badge

The cool nerds over at Nerd Merit Badges recently asked my permission to use the skull from my Skullphabet #1 on a patch they made for a recent JavaScript conference! If you're not familiar with them, they sell these Boy/Girl Scout-like patches for achieving geeky milestones (like getting mentioned on Boing Boing). While the skull ones are only available to the attendees of the conference they did manage to sneak out a few for me and the guys here!

El Refresco Skulls

Sangrita surely knows how to make a calavera's night come to life with this wonderful colored pencil drawing titled "El Refresco".


I love the idea of an outdoor taberna serving the lonely hombres their lively liquors from a fellow calavera. It kind of gives a new meaning to the phrase, "This rounds on me!" Thanks for brightening our days, Sangrita.

Skull Scarf

Parul Matlib from Bath, UK shared this with us: “I am currently in my second year doing a FDA Fashion and Textile degree at Bath Spa in the UK. Last semester I printed this length of chiffon by hand using traditional screen print. The images printed on the fabric are all my own drawing, where I drew from observation and in continuous line.”

Parul also sent along a picture of the scarf in use: “The model is my lovely friend Jenny, and this photograph was taken by Louise.”

Yard of C says:

This is a wonderful piece of art all around. Your art of fashion design also involves illustrataion, and printmaking. I have said it before, but I truly admire the amount of multi-discipline work that goes into a finished piece of artwork. Thank you for submitting your work, and keep us posted on your future fashion accomplishments.

Tuesdays With Tatman #44

Generally, night lights are meant to keep the scary images away at night, but the reverse might be experienced with this keeper of the light.

In action

It's definitely not haunted house scary. I'm sure my 3 year old will get a kick out of it. Maybe it'll even teach him not to stick things in the outlets.

Each Tuesday in the 3.0 year will bring a new Tuesday With Tatman. As a tribute to the Skull Master's astounding feat let's all get creative and try something new(and hopefully skull related).

Mosaic Skull Painting

"Hello!", writes Nitin Anand, "I'm working on a series of mosaics and just finished the first. Each one will be fairly macabre, but the pixelation should lend a softer edge to their morbidity. I've posted a Flickr set detailing the process and have attached an image of the final piece."



I agree completely, Nitin. The hard square line edges break up nicely to smooth out the rough and rugged features of the skull. Thanks for giving us a behind-the-scenes look at how you created it. I look forward to seeing the rest of your series.

C-Rations: 0C101100

This week’s offering is Chicks of the marshmallow variety.

“Born Yesterday” 2.5" x 6.5" single serving of iconic marshmallow chicks decorated with gel icing

Cottontail C says:

On my never ending quest not to pay full price for perfectly good candy I came across a lonely container of marshmallow chicks pushed to the back in the sale area. I was shocked today by the amount of sale merchandise in the stores. I was hoping this was a message from the masses that they no longer want to be part of a disposable society, but in reality people probably aren't financially comfortable yet, although the “recession” was declared over by the experts on Friday. It took those same experts a year to declare we were in a recession, but only two quarters to determine we are out of the crises. Lets all hope for “Next Year in the Black.”

PS. The grass is actually edible, it’s a German delicacy. See here for more on it. The plastic eggs also celebrated their 10th year of service.

Remember each Monday during the 3.0 year I am posting an original skull design. My weekly offerings are nothing compared to the one-a-day massive project done by the Skullmaster in 1.0, but hopefully you will find some nourishment in these weekly offerings.

Need more nourishment? You can always Friend or Follow.

Silver Skull 1

Steve from the United Kingdom sent us this: “My friend Wayne put me onto skulladay blog a couple of months ago and its now one of my favourite sites. I was inspired to make some new work and to write about your blog here. It's likely that I'll be exhibiting "Silver Skull 1" at one the art shows I'll be participating in this year.”


Screen C says:

The meaning of a work of art always is influenced by the thoughts of the viewer looking at it, so let me share what came to mind looking at your piece. First was the obvious play on words a silver screen perhaps being a commentary on the death of a more dignified time of classic movie making. Second however, was a more frightening image reminiscent of those black and gray images of World War 2 death camps. Two interesting topics to distract me this morning. Thank you for submitting your work, and allowing us the opportunity to ponder its personal meaning.

Sunday Simulacra - Version 3.44

The wonderful skull hunters we have continue to see the light with this week's round of simulacrum.

President Wishnack returns to lead off this Sunday. "This is the San Francisco Soup Kitchen's light reflecting onto the marble columns outside my work."


Gardner Sapp found this light pattern cast on sidewalk at his folk's house.


And last but not least Jenna Herran fills us in on her profound skull find. "I was traveling in the backseat on vacation and happened to look at the chair in front of me to see this beautiful phenomenon! It was the shine off of a button on my purse. The crazy thing is, the button is just round and says "Black Mountain College"...It doesn't even resemble a skull when you look at it.."


These are great finds all around. If you dare to dream of skulls then you'll be sure to see the light in your own way....someday. Thanks for keeping those skull eyes open, everyone. If you find your own simulacra then be sure to submit it and we'll be sure to spread the word.

Super Skull Saturday With Sarris

It's a super Saturday stack of submissions from super submitter Iason Sarris. All he told us in his email was, "I draw skulls. Lots of them."

"Quetz"

"Heavy Metal Eden"

"Koyaanisqatsi"

Iason submitted quite a few illustrations. Unfortunately I had to pick just a few to post here, but luckily he included a link to his blog where we can see more of his excellent work. If you like illustrations, skateboard decks, jewelry, and pics from international places then check it out. BTW, there are a lot more skulls there, too. Thanks, Iason!

[Flashback Friday TOP 10] 14. Cutest Skull Ever

Flashback Friday is a weekly countdown of the fan selected top 52 skulls of Skull-A-Day 1.0. Each week I'll be posting an original skull along with some additional commentary in order from lowest to highest rated, with the #1 skull appearing in the last week of year 3 of the project...
#9: 14. Cutest Skull Ever

This was inspired by Japanese cartoons & toys in an effort to make the closest thing to a cuddly skull I could think of. Little did I know that cuddly skull animals would actually become a reality! Here's a blue version I never posted that I made specifically for a friend of mine who wanted to contribute it to a baby quilt!...

Laser Skull

Leonardo from Brazil, a past contributor here, sent us a new skull he made using a Laser-pointer and an extended exposure on his camera.


Kitten C says:

*paw* *paw* *paw*

Drawing with light is an amazing medium to work with and the results can be spectacular, but also unpredictable. I am glad you were able to get a picture to show us. Thank you again for contributing to the project. Also since it is Friday, make sure you check out the Skullmaster's Laser Skull here.

Skull Bandana

Masha from Israel has come up with a great way to keep your skull warm on chilly days. This skull bandana was an ingenious idea born from colder days in Toronto. Masha writes, "i made the drawing and stencil myself and willing to share so the stencil cutout is also here. to fit to size i roughly measured my jaw and adjusted the drawing and traced it off the screen on transplant sheet of plastic". This is also easy to altar with any paint/photoshop program.

A pic of the willing model in action

And the original stencil as promised

Thanks a ton for this awesome submission, Masha. Being a resident of Michigan, I know this will definitely come in handy for myself. Now I'll look super skullified the next time I'm out sledding with my kids.

Skull-A-Day News: Mascot! (April Fool's 2010)

Hey folks I'm very excited to announce that we've decided to create a costumed Skull-A-Day mascot for year 4 of the project!

Above is a concept sketch for the costume that is just in the preliminary stages of being built. We've even lined up an initial schedule of events where we would like our mascot to appear and promote the Skull-A-Day project throughout our fourth year:

PurpleHull Pea Festival June 25-25, Emerson, AR
The Great Texas Mosquito Festival June 29-31, Clute, TX
BlobFest July 9-11 Phoenixville, PA
Mondo Croquet World Championships July 25, Portland, OR
North Plains Garlic Festival, August 6-8, North Plains, OR
"Running of The Sheep" Sheep Drive Sept. 5, Reed Point, MT
World Mysteries Conference October 9-11, Tempe, AZ
Cooter Fest October 23-25,  Inverness, FL
PunkinChuckin  November 5-7, Nassau, DE
Frozen Dead Guy Days March 5-7, 2011, Nederland, CO
Hillbilly Days April 15-17, 2011, Pikeville, KY

And many more to come!

So this is where you come in: We need a name for this fellow! So leave your suggestion in a comment below and the winner will be chosen at random from all of the entries at midnight tonight.

Oh and here's the best part, the winner will also get to wear the costume at the events!**

A special thanks should go out to our own Citizen Agent for this fantastic suggestion!

**Please note that since Skull-A-Day has no ads or sponsors, so you will need to provide for your own transportation to, and lodging at, all locations. 

[UPDATE 4/2] APRIL FOOLS!

HOWEVER, after talking with my friend Paul at Dude Craft it looks like we might be making this costume for real later this summer! There definitely aren't any plans to attend the above events though, but who knows where this fellow might show up! More details to come.