crankbunny

Hank's Tumblr: Thoughts on the Yahoo! Thing

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:49:28 -0400

Hank's Tumblr: Thoughts on the Yahoo! Thing:

First, I love Tumblr and want to keep loving it. And yes, it is immediately terrifying to hear that Yahoo (which, from a lot of our perspectives, is a laughably backwards and culturally irrelevant company) is going to own Tumblr. I sympathize.

But there are a number of circumstances in which…

McDonald’s Theory

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:08:00 -0400

McDonald’s Theory:

I use a trick with co-workers when we’re trying to decide where to eat for lunch and no one has any ideas. I recommend McDonald’s.

This link is about getting all ideas out there (good and especially the bad ones) out there when starting a project. I personally call it ‘gettings it out of my system” and am not afraid of it. Many people are afraid of bad ideas. You don’t have to break a fortune cookie for this next one! It takes a crazy kind of courage, of focus, of foolhardy perseverance to quiet all those doubts long enough to move forward.

Paper BoobsDaddy Push

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:52 -0400

Paper Boobs
Daddy Push

Join me in the 1900s

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:55 -0400

Join me in the 1900s is a wonderful website detailing all the different aspects of regular people life (middle - middle lower class) in the early 1900s to mid 1900s in England.

I love history - especially the super normal stuff. The social history of daily life. This is a site I can and will probably send tons of hours on.

The early 1900s material written in the 1980s by my mother, Florence Clarke (Jan 1906-Feb 2002); the mid 1900s material written by myself; contributions from website visitors. It is wonderful to read Florence’s own accounts, memories and explanations of how things were done over 100 years ago. The site might be also helpful to anyone doing any home restoration (whitewashing, oil-cloths, mantels, etc).

The women’s section is especially interesting. It reminds me of my own grandmother telling me about housework when she was growing up in Cuba. Even my parents have similar memories of how wash days were done.

The site also has a detailed breakdown on how rationing was set up during WWII in the UK. It was a huge government effort and there was a dietary commission that had to figure out how to feed an entire nation with extremely limited resources of meat and dairy. The BBC show Supersizers did a whole episode on wartime rationing - I recommend watching it if you are into food history or dietary stuff.

Sneak peek and info for new Crankbunny How-to book series! I...

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:00:00 -0400

Sneak peek and info for new Crankbunny How-to book series!

I haven’t been updating facebook and the official twitter Crankbunny shop feed. Busy busy me has been hunkered down writing and doing all the art for my latest book project. (Official name will be released at the end of May)

Unlike the last book - Paper Puppet Palooza - which was printed with a publisher, I will be jumping happily into the “self-publishing” pool and releasing the book through Crankbunny. This is something that makes me scream and growl with joy.

The new how-to book will actually be a series of small storybook tales that focus on making and learning how to make pop up cards, paper doll puppets and paper toys. Each book will have a few projects in them and focus on a particular paper craft technique (that way if you have NO interest in paper dolls, you can skip that tomfoolery).

Because it is self-publishing and printed in low runs, Crankbunny will have full control of the artwork, themes and content. I can put out a new book in the series within a couple of months (instead of… years). These books will also be printed and hand assembled in the United States (not in Singapore, shipped by barge across the world…).

I love how-to books —- but they are dry and never do a good job of fostering imagination and wonder. I believe only “hybrid storybook telling” and “instruction” can do this. Each book will make the individual reader / future creator feel special, unique and inspired.

The book series will also be chocked with fun personal extras that a large publisher would never be able to wrap it’s many cogged-wheeled head around. Like what? Well, one example is… Each book in the series will have additional project materials, templates and video content accessible only through the internet with special secret passcodes. And ofcourse, there will be a digital version of the book also available.

“Faux Accords” FUTUREBRITE Futurebrite formed due...

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:01:12 -0400

“Faux Accords”
FUTUREBRITE

Futurebrite formed due to a chance encounter between Oakland denizen Karen Kanan Correa (vocals) and Brooklynite Josh Grant (production) on an airplane. After their current projects faded out, the coed duo decided to collaborate in Grant’s studio overlooking the East River. What spawned was beat-heavy electro pop with a dark edge but also melodic enough to redeem itself as romantic. Read more about the future release here!

I like fireworks. A ton. So this video is awesome. It reminds me of the time I lived in Northern Michigan. I was able to see the huge Fourth of July fireworks display they did over Lake Michigan right on the beach. The fireworks were so close that they were above everyone lying on the sand. I screamed out “IT’S LIKE SKY SCULPTURE!” Everyone started laughing and clapping.

I also have know Miss Karen K C for way too long. She is one of my oldest friends and super talented. Everything she does is amazing and inspiring. I think about her daily.

The Robohand Project - 3D-printed hands for children and adults...

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:00:34 -0400

The Robohand Project - 3D-printed hands for children and adults who are missing fingers or entire hands.

Makerbot has released an inspiring video about how a group of hackers started a project that aims to take the cost and complexity associated with hand prosthesis out of the process.

Read the full blog post from Makerbot here to learn more about the project.

Donate to the project!

Another reason I love the folks at Makerbot & Resistor! (Resistor is hack / inventor collective in Brooklyn that is associated with Makerbot. I would take classes there sometimes).

craft knives, x-actos, exactos, etc

Sat, 11 May 2013 13:00:49 -0400

I sometimes get asked questions about cutting with craft knives or tips on how to use them more effectively…. mainly because of all the paper cutting I do.

.Frankly, I hate using them. There is no magic secret that will make anyone a Speedy Gonzalez cutting wizard. They require patience, slow breathing, a steady hand and a good matt cutting board.

I only use x-acto knives when there’s a small inside cut ( *large inside cuts can still be done with a scissor and a punch). 95% of the time I use scissors. I own over a hundred scissors. Do I use over a hundred scissors? Maybeeeee, ok - no - I don’t. I just really love scissors.

How does one end up with a hundred scissors though?
Do you get them at antique sales and flea markets?

No. I am a maniac.

TSA once took a pair of scissors from me in Toronto - even though they were undersized and passed the little rules they made up which is posted on their website. While arguing with the TSA agent who confiscated my tools, he let it slip that everything confiscated gets sold in lots. These lots are sold to wholesalers and auction buyers so the TSA can pay some bills. Nice scam.

So my brain understands what “lots” are…. it’s basically a random assortment of similar new/used items that are sold in bulk at the cost of weight for cheap. I did a little google-ing and calling around to find out where / when the TSA would be selling their lots of scissors. They don’t do it themselves actually - there are a few middlemen involved.

Luckily the guy I tracked down who was in charge of these lots was honest, nice, and most importantly, organized. The lots he had were broken up into super specific types - so he had a craft scissor lot. He frequently got calls from people (and brokers?) looking for really specific scissors. Heirlooms that the TSA had taken away from some poor sweet grandma who forgot that her great great great grandma’s sewing scissor was in her toiletry purse. He tried to help as much as he could, but had tons of pallets with scissors, razors, pocket knives, etc in a warehouse.

35 dollars and two weeks later a 25 pound Priority Mail Flat Rate box showed up at my doorstep just filled to capacity with scissors. No wrapping, no shipping peanuts. My mail carrier was pissed. I loved it.

In that box were a few copies of the scissors that had been taken away from me. ALSO, there were a ton more different types of scissors I had never tried!
FUN was had by all ( ok, just me ).

Crankbunny has worked with Mr. Brian Ewing on a few fun paper...

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:53 -0400

Crankbunny has worked with Mr. Brian Ewing on a few fun paper projects like the Tell-tale heart scratch off card and the Zombie Paper Puppet. He shows up in the new documentary called “Just Like Being There” about rock posters, gig art and the whole history kit-in-kaboodal about it! Go watch it on Netflix! Or check out facebook for screening information here. There also should be a nifty new paper Ewing project for Halloween this year too. But do go watch the documentary because this bearded boy wonder seriously needs his own action figure (with little outfits and costumes).

brianewing:

Hey guys I just found out the @justlikebeing Just Like Being There documentary I was interviewed for is finally on netflix. I haven’t even seen it until today! It’s kinda weird to see myself talking….on netflix! So weird…freaking out. But I’m very proud to see all my friends and colleagues get a chance to be seen and heard. Now we’re all gonna be rich…right?

If you dig rock posters, movie posters and art prints then this flick is for you! It’s a pretty decent and covers what was going on in rock posters over the past few years. The doc centers on three artists Kevin Tong, Jay Ryan and Daniel Danger… all super-rad guys and artists… so I’m happy to have even made it in. I sound all smart and junk. Not an easy feat!

Check it out if you have time. Let Scout know what you think of this film. I for one want to do another gig poster after watching it. What’s it gonna make you want to do? Maybe they’ll do a sequel and call it “Just Like Ewing There”?!?!

Yes to all of this. I love weird human angry cartoons coming to...

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:00:39 -0400

Yes to all of this.
I love weird human angry cartoons coming to life.
Die Antwoord - “Fatty Boom Boom”

goldschool: Brooklyn pup abandoned by owners needs...

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:47:03 -0400

goldschool:

Brooklyn pup abandoned by owners needs home!

gantpants:

I found this fella today tied to a bench in Prospect Park. I was taking a jog, and stopped to get him some much needed lunch and a bath. We visited the vet (Animal Kind Veterinary Hospital, 365 7th Ave Brooklyn - they were amazing and so informative) and got him all checked out. His name is Bentley according to his microchip.

He is very friendly and well-behaved, though he needs a little help on the leash. Part of that is probably that he’s only about two years old (vet estimate). We got his shots, some antibiotics for the wear and tear that comes from living on a bench for a few days, and some dog food to get him fattened up. His collar was traded in for a harness (way easier to walk).

He weighs 52.6 lbs, and he’ll get bigger as he eats properly. Right now he’s napping on his new bed, and he’s so freaking cute and wonderful.

But I can’t have a dog right now. As much as I would love to keep him it wouldn’t be fair to him, and it would be irresponsible of me considering my current employment situation (recently fired, not quite freelancing). I’ve contacted Shawn Casey of animal rescue but they are currently full. If any one wants this friendly guy please let me know. You can email me at gantpowell@gmail.com. I will answer any questions you might have. Until then, we’re going to bop along and probably go on some jogs together. Also I’m going to fatten him up properly.

It’s been a long day for me, and a terrible week for Bentley. I hope he gets really healthy and happy. I don’t know about fate, but I think this was supposed to happen today.

Edit: I want to address a concern about some information I didn’t include concerning Bentley’s microchip. I didn’t mention that yes, his owners were registered along with their address and phone number. I worked with the vet to contact them and unfortunately, after repeat attempts, we haven’t had a response sine Monday. The more I get to know Bentley’s personality and his likes and dislikes, it’s plain to see that his old life may not have been as loving as we would like. I have followed up with 311 to make sure I am not stealing someone’s beloved pet, but considering the state I found him in, and the lack of response from his registered owners, they explained that he is now my responsibility. I hope that this is for the better. He has been very happy and playful today, and has even taken naps and played with his chew toys. He wasn’t doing any of that yesterday. He is still having some anxiety issues but the arrival of a crate has given him some security and a safe space to himself, which I think he definitely deserves. Tomorrow is another big day, and we will start meeting some prospective pet owners! Yay Bentley!

Susan Cain: The power of introverts TEDTalks In a culture where...

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:50 -0400

Susan Cain: The power of introverts
TEDTalks

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

I guess I have to consider myself an “introvert” based on this video. Though I can totally relate to everything Susan Cain speaks about, introversion isn’t something I’ve ever given too much thought about. I do like the angle / argument she gives - it is a positive one, but I am always wary about labels that seem to sum up things so easily. At a certain point you should get old enough as an adult to just say “no, I am not shy or awkward or too quiet or anti-social or grumpy or unconfident ( that isn’t a real word ) or etc etc etc…” and just live.

**I still hate the word “teamwork” though.

RIP Ray Harryhausen

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:41:00 -0400

.
Raymond Frederick Harryhausen
Born: Los Angeles 29th June 1920
Died: London 7th May 2013.

I got to see Ray Harryhausen speak a couple of times about animation. I loved how he still loved animation. How he remembered in detail different memories about how he did the FX for Clash of Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, all the little snakes on Medusa’s head and how he got started in the military during WWII. He had a long amazing life and died at 92 (it just occurred to me he was 82 when I met him).

The Harryhausen family regret to announce the death of Ray Harryhausen, Visual Effects pioneer and stop-motion model animator. He was a multi-award winner which includes a special Oscar and BAFTA. Ray’s influence on today’s film makers was enormous, with luminaries; Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Peter Jackson, George Lucas, John Landis and the UK’s own Nick Park have cited Harryhausen as being the man whose work inspired their own creations.

Harryhausen’s fascination with animated models began when he first saw Willis O’Brien’s creations in KING KONG with his boyhood friend, the author Ray Bradbury in 1933, and he made his first foray into filmmaking in 1935 with home-movies that featured his youthful attempts at model animation. Over the period of the next 46 years, he made some of the genres best known movies – MIGHTY JOE YOUNG (1949), IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SEA (1955), 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH (1957), MYSTERIUOUS ISLAND (1961), ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. (1966), THER VALLEY OF GWANGI (1969), three films based on the adventures of SINBAD and CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981). He is perhaps best remembered for his extraordinary animation of seven skeletons in JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (1963) which took him three months to film…..

BASIL TWIST DISCUSSES PUPPETRY

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:46 -0400

“The crucial point about puppets…..is that they are real and unreal at the same time.”

This is a wonderful introduction to Basil Twist. The New Yorker just did a wonderful feature in April (2013) on him and his new project “The Rite of Spring” - you can read more about it here. He is one of my favorite puppeteers.

** The above video is by Kristina Budelis and Myles Kane.

I’m NACHO FRIEND! Perfect for friday because I love puns...

Fri, 03 May 2013 12:44:00 -0400

I’m NACHO FRIEND!

Perfect for friday because I love puns way too much.

“Wife gets Drunk and tells a Tortilla Joke. Husband Records and Animates it…. Most of us know what it’s like to accidentally drink an entire bottle of wine but wouldn’t it be great if we could all be adorably funny when we’re drunk? “

YAH, it would be adorably more awesome than going on a 12 hour drinking binge where you somehow end up with unfrozen pierogies in your purse that end up spilling out down a fancy staircase of some spirits bar called Pravda and then climbing on the hood of a strangers car on Mott St because you want to say “hi” to your friends parents who are in town( they weren’t in town ) with a slice of pizza stuffed in the hoodie part of your jacket.

Anger management

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:00:34 -0400

What happens when you add a Denny’s milkshake to the emotion “anger”?

A grown ass man with a menu fort because he is mad at his girlfriend.

From the cut-out animation mind of John Korty, director of...

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:50 -0400

From the cut-out animation mind of John Korty, director of “Twice Upon A Time” : the classic Sesame Street short “Angry Annie”.

A small girl named Annie vents her rage at the world, frustrated by the problems of everyday life, until her younger brother offers her part of his orange.

Beauty is Embarrassing: The Wayne White Story Directed by Neil...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:37:08 -0400

Beauty is Embarrassing: The Wayne White Story
Directed by Neil Berkeley, 2012

Wayne White is one of those artists who loves to do everything. Music, painting, puppets, automata, sculpture, animation, set design, direction etc. He sees it all as one thing and it isn’t a ‘job’. It’s 24/7 and it is a true inspiration.

“…Part biography, part live performance, BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING tells the irreverent and inspiring story of this one-of-a-kind visual artist and raconteur. The film traces White’s career from his stint as an underground cartoonist in New York’s East Village to his big break as a designer, puppeteer and voice-over actor on Pee-wee’s Playhouse (for which he won three Emmys®), as well as his work animating music videos for The Smashing Pumpkins (“Tonight, Tonight”) and Peter Gabriel (“Big Time”).

At its core, BEAUTY IS EMBARRASSING shows what it takes for one uniquely talented, profanely hilarious and utterly uncompromising artist to make it in America….”

Watch the trailer above and then check out the documentary on netflix, itunes, download, dvd, etc.

I know about Wayne through Pee Wee’s Playhouse. Actually, most people know about him through that show. But also, because Pee Wee’s Playhouse started at Curious Pictures — a wonderful animation studio production wizardry type place in NYC that also supported me as an animation director for many wonderful years.

Reggie Watts Sings a “Misogynistic Serenade” on “Set List” I am...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:43 -0400

Reggie Watts Sings a “Misogynistic Serenade” on “Set List”

I am a huge fan of Reggie Watts. His live shows are amazing. Living in NYC I was able to see him perform a few times - and drag friends who had no idea who he was to his shows. It was always fun to watch them stare and mouth ‘what the hell is this?’ at me during the shows.

This is his performance on “Set List” - a show that was pretty much made for Reggie. Like throwing candy at a baby.

No shipping May 6 - 12, Shops closed

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

The shops have been super busy with Mother’s Day orders - so much that the Flutter Butterfly Pop Up Card became out of stock! Woah!

Both the regular online shop and Etsy store will be closed May 6th thru May 12th. Folks can still place orders during that time but those orders will not ship until after May 13th. Crankbunny needs some time to catch up on some other projects and deal with inventory. Also, I have a medival doctor’s note that says “Ye shall not deal with procrastinators for the sake of thy own sanity”.
SO…. please read the following:

All orders placed May 6 - May 12 will start shipping May 13.
All orders placed before May 6 will ship by May 7th.
All orders placed before May 6 should arrive in time for Mother’s Day in the USA only.

All out of stock pop up cards and paper toys will be available after May 13th.

The newsletter has also been sent out for spring - so make sure to check it out for some nifty coupon code action and gift ideas for the spring.