Utter Bibble

What goes with peanut butter?

2008-07-11T18:20:00.002-05:00

Eating is a common topic with our youngest as they explore new foods and develop personal likes and dislikes. One in particular exclaims "PREG-NIT" with comical finality at the mere mention of any that cross his unpredictable line of palatability.Even so, I didn't expect the string of PREG-NITs that met nearly all the things I like with peanut butter. Chocolate, bananas, the usual jam/jelly, and

Day of Silence: Speaking out

2008-04-25T20:50:00.005-05:00

12th Annual NATIONAL DAY of SILENCE 25 April 2008 I've been struggling with how best to write about GLSEN's National Day of Silence, which this year honors the memory of Lawrence King. He was murdered in February by a younger classmate because of his (Larry's) "sexual orientation and gender expression." Because he was gay and not masculine. How can I, in good conscience, advise my family's gay

Remembering Simon the cat

2008-04-18T16:09:00.000-05:00

When I first saw Simon, he just sat quietly and watched me walk past. We met a short while later, and he strode over, climbed onto my lap, and promptly flopped onto his back to have his tummy rubbed.Simon immediately salved the recent loss of my second cat. My first cat, who had seemed to be moping, too, appeared to welcome his arrival as well. Simon also kept me company years later when my first

Nattering as I wait for UPS

2008-03-24T09:01:00.003-05:00

Which will arrive first: UPS or the time I must leave to meet a visiting friend I haven't seen in two years? It's a slow race against time. On the UPS tracking page, the latest package progress is "out for delivery." Anticipation and Monday coffee have me practically vibrating in my chair.It's a good time to post something here, which I don't do nearly as often as I (and my few readers) would

Voting on the brain

2008-02-22T17:15:00.002-06:00

I wasn't paying any particular attention to the television when the PSA came on, but I'd swear I heard "Are you a voter? Have you taken a voter safety course?""Huh?" I thought, "Are they serious? They can't be serious."No, of course not. Not voter. Boater. *rolleyes*Apparently my ears were filled with some gelatinous substance when I wasn't looking. Or I'm just very focused on setting up sections

My design on Dan Stone's book

2007-09-29T11:43:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, Dan Stone of 365Village (formerly NETSTROM) hired me to design a semirealistic pointing glove that looks as if the cursor displayed over hyperlinks had leapt out into the real world. Its whimsical "Roger Rabbit" style made this a fun little project, but what impressed me was that Dan's initial contact was so articulate and complete that I had everything I needed to write the

The last page of summer

2007-09-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

A few days ago my summer reluctantly concluded on page 887 of "the big honkin' novel", also known as The System of the World: Volume Three of The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson. After roughly 2,600 pages and several months of immersion in his intricate and lavishly wrought world, drifting up to present day North America took a while. I am both sated and longing for more. I suppose I have a mild

My "light" summer reading

2007-07-02T14:49:00.001-05:00

A million years ago, I'd diligantly sign up for our library's summer reading program/contest. My choices tended toward the lengthy end of my reading level, so I certainly never won. I didn't much care—summer vacation just meant having the time to read as much as I liked. Drove my mother nuts, my staying inside all day long. I could become so engrossed in what I was reading that I'd completely

Portfolio: more this, less that

2007-05-06T15:57:00.000-05:00

Click any thumbnail to browse the portfolio. I updated my portfolio last Sunday, without fuss or fanfare. The six new projects best illustrate work I've done in recent months. From left to right, the projects are: Triangle Knot, Pride 2007, Equal Rainbow & Pride Pop, Ally Pop, LGBT PoP GLBT, and Bleeding Heart. They all appear in the top row of Designs on the main page.All six have made

Best book ever

2007-03-23T20:28:00.000-05:00

Disaster in Room 101by Stephen MooserA disastrous science project and a Halloween costume contest provide William with disappointment, excitement, and the most memorable school day of his life.NSJR is three and one-half years old. One day he found the book Disaster in Room 101 for 25 cents at Goodwill. He wanted so much to buy it with his own money, but his mother was concerned that the reading

Purple triangle perplexity

2007-03-23T12:28:00.000-05:00

This week an elated Mac user sent praise and thanks for including a purple bi triangle in a set of my OS X icons. I think she was referring to Warrior's Pryde. It's always nice to hear from people who appreciate my work but if I'm right, this was a lucky accident. Early on, one version of a glassy triangle came out more purple than pink and was pretty much included in the published set because it

A blog for JamieCo Design

2007-02-23T12:49:00.000-06:00

Tempus certainly fugits. Months ago I added a blog specifically for JamieCo Design and planned to revise both its page template and the shop layout during a subsequent lull in work.Lull? *chortle* I've been happily designing my butt off the entire time with only occasional breaks for announcing new designs here. As a result, this blog has basically been stuffed with posts about JamieCo Design and

More pop for your Pride

2007-02-05T16:04:00.001-06:00

Pride Pop is one of those designs that just appears in a blink of my mind's eye. I love when that happens.The word PRIDE pops out of the background, formed by the spaces between shapes of Rainbow Pride colors. It's bright and uncomplicated, clever and familiar.Be proud! Be seen! Be part of the art with this original design from JamieCo Design. Sign

Pop art Pride

2007-01-26T13:46:00.001-06:00

Some ideas "grab you by the boo-boo" and just don't let go! Last weekend I was chatting with one of our teens when he found a VOTE design in the style of Robert Indiana's pop art LOVE and suggested a similar design of the letters GLBT. I suspect that he found my enthusiasm for the idea a little embarrassing but like I said, some things just grab your attention.The results are refreshingly

GSA logos redux

2007-01-26T12:20:00.001-06:00

Given the antipathy in many school systems toward gay-straight alliances, these groups deserve all the options I can offer. To that end, I've placed basic versions of my GSA logos on a variety of items at JamieCo Design. The designs can still be customized with a group's school name, officer titles, and so forth.Of course, if GSAs weren't peppered with preposterous accusations of being "sex clubs

My broken anti-Valentine

2007-01-25T13:12:00.001-06:00

JamieCo Design presents the perfect anti-Valentine for the broken-hearted. On the shattered pieces of a candy heart the message can still be read... ALL MY LOVE.Candy message hearts. They're a hallmark of the force fed season of extracting gifts for professions of affection. This illustrated lump of tasteless sugar has been crushed by mocking Cupid's boot heel... if Cupid wore boots, that is.I

Ribbons of red white & blue

2007-01-07T13:13:00.000-06:00

Every heart beats true under Red, White, and Blue Ribbons from JamieCo Design.As John Kay of Steppenwolf once said, "Despite the things that are wrong in our country, there are too many good things worth saving to let the whole thing go down the drain. So I think we should get together as much as we can and bring about change."Sign up to

Moon made me merry

2006-12-31T11:22:00.000-06:00

Cassie Claus gave a wonderful Watercolor Crescent Moon ornament to me for the holidays. That's the product image from her shop there to the right.As much as I liked the design online, I love the actual thing even more. The colors are deeper and more vivid, and it looks to me like an illustration from some delightful children's book. This really is from an original watercolor painting by Cassie. I

The sum of 2006

2006-12-29T21:12:00.000-06:00

We've had many successes this year. Each and every child and teenager who found a caring, supportive home in our family is a success beyond measure. Another year that my partner and I both want none but the other is a marvel. Each sale at JamieCo Design has been both success and vindication, particularly for Proud Ally, GLBT Ally, and Awareness Ribbons.Nevertheless, the one word that sums up 2006

A penis by any other name

2006-12-29T15:54:00.001-06:00

...is still a penis.The English language has an absurd number of synonyms for "penis" (Wikisaurus lists nearly 90). As clever and even comical as many of them are, how can we men hope to have healthy attitudes about sex and our bodies if we must also be so squeamish? It's called a PENIS.Time for a design! This one is for men who have the confidence to dispense with euphemisms for their body parts

Introducing Mr. Bliz

2006-12-29T13:57:00.001-06:00

He's classic but cool! Viewed from above, the jaunty Mr. Bliz has a charming smile and open arms that invite all to frolic in his winter wonderland at JamieCo Design. Who knew that snowmen have such warm hearts?This design draws most on memories from my childhood. When I was a boy, the top hat, stick arms, and lumps of coal were de rigueur for drawing a "proper" snowman. Mr. Bliz is a nostalgic

21 Colors of awareness

2006-12-13T10:43:00.001-06:00

Since red HIV/AIDS ribbons burst into view some 15 years ago, awareness ribbons in many, many, many colors, combinations, and patterns have come to be associated with even more causes. I'm no authority on ribbon meanings, so look into the cause you want, then choose its ribbon color of my simple, attractive design. These are the 21 colors of Awareness Ribbons now at JamieCo Design.

World AIDS Day

2006-12-01T20:35:00.000-06:00

I lost count of how many times World AIDS Day media coverage informed me that AIDS was first diagnosed two point five decades ago. I was celebrating the first heady years of adulthood back then; until most friends, acquaintances, and familiar faces vanished, that is.Time slunk by. Along the way, a dear friend with full-blown AIDS moved to his parents' home and died short months later. Relatives

Christmas with a twist

2006-11-29T07:44:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas, Mr. Starchy Miser!'Tis the season. Between all the hall decking and gay apparel donning, it's natural to feel a little humbuggy. Here's a humorous holiday greeting to lighten the heart of your favorite Scrooges.Psst. The abstract stained glass background of this original design from JamieCo Design is a map that reveals the two phrases are anagrams of each other. Jamie loves his

Buried in buttons...

2006-11-28T08:02:00.002-06:00

and magnets. Because...Someone ordered 10 individual buttons of one design, then canceled the order. Most of my designs are already on buttons and magnets, but in some cases I didn't set up the 10-pack and 100-pack items. Now, I don't know whether this customer was looking for either of those, but people's purchases can surprise you.So, dear online shopper, "terp this", Tribal Ink, and Heartknots

Starchy miser preview

2006-11-25T20:36:00.000-06:00

This is the Christmas anagram I mentioned Thursday. It worked out pretty well. "Merry Christmas" can be rearranged into "Mr. Starchy Miser", you see. I'll explain more when everything is ready to go.Although the design is finished—it looks much better full size, by the way—that still leaves producing and uploading final graphics, setting them up on new sections of products, writing product and

CafePress holiday contest

2006-11-24T12:35:00.000-06:00

The CafePress Big Idea Holiday 2006 Contest has begun and my Adanvdo Heartknot Sweatshirt (at right) made it in! (Only the first 200 entries were accepted.) The contest ends at 11:59 pm PST on Christmas Eve (that's 1:59 am CST December 25). Adanvdo is available on many other items, but we had to submit a specific product to the contest.I wish the other contestants well, but some designs make my

Thanksgiving miscellany

2006-11-23T16:54:00.002-06:00

Nothing much out of the ordinary today — chatting, cooking, eating, napping. Did some non-design work on JamieCo Design — added descriptions to the twenty sections of Flurry (a bit laborious until Cassie showed up to chat) and wrote a newsletter that will go out tonight.Names for the GreatGear gift exchange were sent out last night, so I began thinking about designs for the person I drew. The

Albino brain chiggers?

2006-11-22T19:00:00.001-06:00

No, it's not an alien invasion. To me, the year's first snow verges on magical. The world quiets and changes shape. The pace and patterns of our lives adjust. Every year I look forward to the beginning of this season and to the feelings of peace and wonder that it brings. I'll long for spring soon enough, but for now I look forward to strolling through the crystalline swirl.This gentle spiral of

Ink, not so drab on drab

2006-11-21T20:39:00.000-06:00

I've always been fond of my tribal designs. I also like black-on-green designs, so I didn't hesitate to adapt Ink to these new olive green shirts at JamieCo Design. The designs still have a drop shadow and subtle, colored interior pattern. I'm very pleased with how they look. Here they are...Row 1: Badge • Frond • Gust • HookRow 2: Solar Thorns • Spirit • Switchback • TalonsRow 3: Twirl • Woven

CafePress likes me

2006-11-21T12:13:00.000-06:00

They like my designs, at least. Moments ago, a friend forwarded CafePress' "Send a message of gay pride with unique Holiday gift designs" newsletter email to me. The model photo at the top has my "gay&proud" design superimposed on her shirt! :DFurther down the newsletter page, a thumbnail links to the graphic that's only on JamieCo Design's gay&proud bumper sticker, but still... whee!Sign up to receive theJamieCo Design newsletter! Sign up to receive theJamieCo Design newsletter! Sign up to receive theJamieCo Design newsletter! Sign up to receive theJamieCo Design newsletter! Tags:

Merci, Univers Mac

2006-02-01T09:29:00.000-06:00

The February 2006 issue of Univers Mac features my Eggs Aplenty icons first of six icon sets on the accompanying CD-ROM. Thank you!The other five sets are:Globe Icons 1 by Eugen Buzuk of IconDraweriPod nano 1.0 by Dirceu Veiga of FastIcon StudioiPod, Therefore I Am by Dave Brasgalla of The IconfactoryLineFree 1.0 by Dirceu Veiga FastIcon StudioSamurai 1.0 by Fixicon.com

Behind the scenes

2006-01-31T11:58:00.000-06:00

I was designing... okay, that sounds too breezy. I was drawing Celtic knots for the first time and wondering what had possessed me to decide to mash them into such an odd shape. I was erasing holes through paper and wondering what I'd name the things anyway.FS suggested using "heart" in different languages. Now, he's a very bright four-year-old but he can be terribly critical of himself for not

Lots of knots

2006-01-29T18:16:00.002-06:00

So much to write and so little time, so just a quick post for now.There are new icons at warrior~poet. At last!Heartknots icons for Mac OS XDownload: folder | iContainerFor those whose love so deeply entangles the small roots of their hearts that even the strongest wind that blows shall not separate them (thus John Long described "Indian courtship" in Canada during the eighteenth century). In

Mishmash

2005-11-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

"Colonel Wrinkles has a lot of potters in that jacket." — FSI smile, chuckle, sometimes guffaw at Spoonerisms, Malapropisms, mondegreens, transpositions, and other conversational misapprehensions. Some I use deliberately, like our children's "beflabbered", but "cut me some slacks" has yet to creep into my speech. On the other hand, I'm convinced that those who routinely say "for all intensive

Thinning ranks

2005-09-18T16:49:00.000-05:00

Is it my imagination or are fewer artists publishing OS X icons these days? You used to see maybe a dozen new sets in any given week, but now I barely find that many in a month!When I started out, Mac icon design appeared to get its biggest boost from The Iconfactory's annual Pixelpalooza contest. To me, it fostered a sense of community. However real or imagined the feeling was, when the factory

Tag, I'm "it"

2005-07-12T18:42:00.000-05:00

This autumn, CafePress will enable users to search tags/keywords that shopkeepers have added to their designs. The billions who have CafePress shops (like mine, JamieCo Design) are encouraged to add tags now.The promise of bulk tagging tools is dangling before us, but even when those are available this is still the kind of work that some people actually do for a living. It takes a great deal of