Tiny House Motivation Returns!

It has returned! Motivation! Recently, I have been putting more effort into getting my dang tiny house designed. The number one thing I want most in life right now is my own home surrounded by nature. When I removed distractions this came into full sight and I started getting back to work on designing the plans!

I've been putting all my research and drawings in this moleskine journal for the past 5 years. Some ideas I'm keeping and some I'm no longer into. The ideas for the sink and loft space that I yoinked from someone else's tiny house design aren't going to work for me anymore. The sinks are too small and I want a big farmhouse sink! The loft having storage in the floor sound more like an inconvenience than a convenience to me. My loft will have a bed and some books, that's IT! I'm not the most organized "put-er away-er" type person ever, and I don't want to ever have to worry about a mess of laundry or stuff on my bed ever again!!

My closet/laundry/changing area will all be in one place downstairs near the bath/shower. Speaking of baths and showers; I really love traditional Japanese houses and am using them as inspiration for my house. One thing I always wanted was a bathing room with a soaking tub that's separate from the toilet. It's going to take a lot of brain power to create something that will work in a limited space, but I'm determined! I feel like once I get this bathing/toilet/laundry room design situated the rest will be easy. Next will be that country style, baking madness kitchen!

SketchUp is the program I'm using... well trying to use to get my ideas out in 3D. It's taking a bit since the UI is somewhat frustrating and it's unlike any other programs I've used before. But, I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I'm not being too fussy with the details right now like tires, wall studs, or a roof (it took me ages to even find the VERY IMPORTANT and very hidden "pan" tool! I don't have time for roofs!). I'm just trying to get somewhat of a floor plan placed first. There's so many possibilities that I don't know where I'll stop, but I'm gonna keep going. At least we're going and I hope to keep you updated as I do go!

Coming back to the tree house!

I finally did it! I have figured out what kind of artist I want to be, how I want to represent myself here with meggilu house and other artistic ventures. Most importantly I figured that I need to utilize the internet/ platforms in a more smart and minimal way to make more room for real life and even my health. 

Lately, I have really opened my eyes to how awful and harmful social media like Instagram and Facebook really are for at least my well being. To make a long rant short, these social media platforms started out as a great way to keep in touch with family, friends, colleagues, artists, and communities around the world; but they have morphed into these data/content machines that mine human behavior for revenue. It's quite alarming to me, and it also depresses me. I feel disconnected, unproductive, and absolutely drained with nothing to show for it. As an artist I used these platforms (more like felt forced to) in order to get my content out there to maybe get a job or even grow my own business. However, all I'm really doing is handing my hard work over to these social media companies for free stream of content that keeps people glued there, scrolling. The longer they're there, the more ads they'll see of course! This video I found explains it best, and really helped me make the move in a direction away from most social media.

Over the past few days I have gotten rid of 3 out of 4 (yeesh) Instagram accounts. One was my personal account that I have had for 9 years, and I do not feel bad about it at all. I actually feel great, I feel like I have freed up more of my time to focus on actually doing stuff rather than finding myself scrolling an explore page or dash for hours throughout my day. Meggilu House is no longer going to be on Instagram (the account is still active to point people that followed me here), and instead I'm super excited to be back here blogging like I used to. It feels way more like home, comfortable, and real. This is my own little space where I can express myself as I please; and I'm not struggling to stand out, getting discouraged by "better art than mine", or at the mercy of an ever changing, greed motivated algorithm. The one account I have left somewhat active on there will be like an artist portfolio account until I can find a better alternative (I really miss old Flickr).

I'm sure this post's tone seems way more negative than positive, but I can assure you that things are definitely looking up and I hope to return here from time to time to tell the world how and what I'm doing!

Living in Japan

Life goals in Japan.

It's has been a long life goal and dream of mine to visit Japan, which slowly intensified into a desire to live in Japan for an extended period of time. I went on to study Japanese in college for 3 years and tried multiple different ways to get there through exchange, but exchange didn't seem like the right choice for me. I wanted to get college done asap and going to Japan through exchange would not give credit towards my major. I eventually figured I'd save up money and plan myself a little trip as a graduation present to myself. I would also be able to test out if the idea of living there was something I could do. And so, everything fell together perfectly and I was able to go for a whole month. The experience was definitely amazing and life changing. Not only was I all on my own experiencing a whole new sense of independence, but I was also way far out of my comfort zone and I did pretty ok! Now that I'm back home I'm finding myself with a greater desire to return, and return for longer!

 

How to get back?

Right now I'm in the very beginning stages of figuring out what my next visit will entail. Will I be heading back for a simple 2-4 week vacation? Can I be brought in as an English teacher? Maybe find out how to support myself for a 3 month trip (max I can stay without a visa)? Enroll in school there?

The first option seems like the easiest and most possible, but 2 weeks is way too short to seem worth the effort. I'd rather continue to save up to do more. I would love to be an English teacher. They could place me in the rural of rurality(not a word) and I'd be happy. However, I have a 8 year old doggy to take care of and the uncertainty of her being able to come with me is too worrisome. Enrolling in school would also be the same, and I would need to be fluent like right now! My ideal plan would be the third one; bring Molly and find a pet friendly place to live for three months vacation. How to pay for a 3 month vacation? Work my butt off I suppose! A 3 month plan would be best in case I couldn't bring Molly too. It wouldn't be too long of a time away from her and she could stay with my parents.

Now if I studied enough and finally became fluent in Japanese that would be a whole different story. A whole lot more options will open up! So for now I'm mostly working on just getting back (probably 2-4 week vacation), but keeping a 3 month vacation in mind, and will keep working on my Japanese in the mean time to reach ultimate awesome level planning capabilities (what... even...?)! If you are dreaming of visit Japan don't let anything or anyone stop you! You can do it! Even if it's a 1:1,000,000 possibility! (So you're telling me there's a chance?)

 

Read and watch about my most recent trip visit the mega post here!

Plans for Meggilu House

I created Meggilu House because I wanted to move on from just being Meggilu and only working on BJD face-ups. I wanted to create a place that encompassed all the things that I loved and liked to create. At times it's been rather overwhelming and frustrating to wrangle all of these ideas and projects to bring them here. So I think it would be helpful to make a coherent plan list that I, as well as my visitors, can follow to know what's in store. Here is what will occur in Meggilu House's future. Let's get to it!

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(V= video, L = livestream, P = Patreon content and B= blog post)

1. BJD Commissions (b)
I will be working on taking a few commissions for BJD mock-ups and face-ups.

 

2. Japan Trip Coverage (v&b)
I have a lot of exciting content and info from my month long trip this past Summer. I have a dedicated blog post linking to all the articles and videos I will create.

 

3. Reviews, Show n Tell, & Kits (v&l)
I plan to review items, share cute or awesome things I've purchased, and share putting crafting & model kits together!

• Doll house & diorama books


• My Japanese book collection (educational and crafting)


• Hamanaka felting kits


• Decoden start to finish


• Art supplies reviews


• My new bike show'n'tell
  (Maybes - Let me know if you'd like to see the following;)


• Let's Play Tsum Tsum, Animal Crossing, and other games


• Tamagotchi 4U translation & play guide

 

4. Launch Patreon Page
My Patreon page will help me continue to work on projects with your support! It will feature a lot of cool rewards and exciting goal milestones that we can all enjoy. Thank you all so much!

 

5. Doll Face-up Tutorials (v)
I plan to create videos breaking down each process of a face-up and give tips and instructions. These videos will be available for free on my youtube channel, but patrons will be able to see them before they're released!

• Cleaning


• Sealing


• Blushing & Shading


• Eyebrows


• Painting details


• Airbrush

 

6. Start Doll Projects (v,l,p&b)
I have a couple of projects concerning new doll types and characters that I would like to work on. Behind the scenes content and discussion of some of these projects will only be available to patrons. All overview and project 

• Unicorn Boy (SD Elysium Lime)


• Finish Evey (Blythe)


• Customize Witchy Hazel (Blythe)


• Face-up for Luna (Monster High 17inch Clawdeen)


• Finish custom Blythe for sale


• Build doll props & furniture


• Build a diorama


• Sculpting my own BJD


• Work on doll book

 

-Big Ultimate Future Goals-

7. Cosplay Builds & Convention Videos (v,l,p&b)
I hope to start working on designing and creating cosplay and wear them to cons! I eventually hoping to build for others as well! Right now I have one idea that's in it's beginning phase. I still have a lot to learn. Patrons will get access to the entire process of learning all the way to creating.

• First project - IT'S A SECRET! But here's a hint: It is a loose mash-up of one of my favorite characters and one of my favorite game's job class.

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I hope you are as excited as I am for the future of Meggilu House. I will follow this list to be able to get started on these projects and not sit around confused and overwhelmed. So, I hope you will join me in these adventures and thank you for following along!

 

Summer spurs a purge!

I'm rather disappointed in myself considering that I've done barely anything here. I haven't done much of the school work I was supposed to do either. For some reason, and there has to be a scientific explanation for this, I became obsessed with purging my space of junk and demanded organization. I have gotten pretty far in my task and will have a post featuring a tour of the completes space. I'm most excited for the new bed frame I purchased! The bed frame below has been with me for 13 years. Now it will be a guest bed in the attic.

 

 

 Now why the purge? I felt really stressed and it was thought that if I did this purge the stress would lessen and I could move onto other projects. Also, the academic year coming up is going to be the most busy I will ever be. Reducing my stress became top priority and this was a way to do it.

 I think it's best to say that Summer 2015 will be the my actual return. I will no longer be in school, nor interning, and I can focus 100% of my attention here. I apologize for jumping the gun! Part of me felt terrible that I was no longer available for dolly commissions, so I think I pushed myself when I really didn't have the time. However, I want to give you a sneak peak of the future blog! I will  have some blog post coming up next week that will feature  "Japan Fan Friday", "Adventure Monday", and "Dolly Wednesday", so please stay tuned for them. Thank you everyone for hanging in there with me! ^ o ^;

Summer spurs a purge!

I'm rather disappointed in myself considering that I've done barely anything here. I haven't done much of the school work I was supposed to do either. For some reason, and there has to be a scientific explanation for this, I became obsessed with purging my space of junk and demanded organization. I have gotten pretty far in my task and will have a post featuring a tour of the completes space. I'm most excited for the new bed frame I purchased! The bed frame below has been with me for 13 years. Now it will be a guest bed in the attic.

 Now why the purge? I felt really stressed and it was thought that if I did this purge the stress would lessen and I could move onto other projects. Also, the academic year coming up is going to be the most busy I will ever be. Reducing my stress became top priority and this was a way to do it.

 I think it's best to say that Summer 2015 will be the my actual return. I will no longer be in school, nor interning, and I can focus 100% of my attention here. I apologize for jumping the gun! Part of me felt terrible that I was no longer available for dolly commissions, so I think I pushed myself when I really didn't have the time. However, I want to give you a sneak peak of the future blog! I will  have some blog post coming up next week that will feature  "Japan Fan Friday", "Adventure Monday", and "Dolly Wednesday", so please stay tuned for them. Thank you everyone for hanging in there with me! ^ o ^;

Before the night ends!

Just crashing on in to mention that today is Usagi's birthday! Yay! I also wanted to add that I'm still working on the site's remodeling! Phew! Hope everyone's having a great summer so far!

Getting things in order.

In the middle of this month Meggilu.com turned 3! It doesn't feel like it's been 3 years, but I'm so happy it's here.

I've taken some steps needed for getting my site back up and running. First on my list was to allow everyone to be able to view the site when typing "meggilu.com" without the "www". Yes, it has taken 3 years for me to fix it. Oh boy. It's funny how excited I was when it was fixed. Ah, the little things. One task done!

I am also looking for new designs and fonts for the site, as well as a redesign of the Meggilu logo. I want to make it more personable and design it from a drawing. I'm doing research for how I should take on the crown and "M". Finding inspiration is key! Font pairings are another thing occupying my time. It's fun to be in the searching phase, but I'd like to move on as soon as I can. I have a lot more I want to get to.

I've decided that this site will have multiple topics with each topic having it's respectable day. For example, there will be a dolly monday, video game tuesday, adventure sunday etc. Each will have special titles I have created. This means I will have to post almost everyday (fingers crossed).

Dolls are still going to be the majority of this site. I am catching the Blythe bug all over again and I'm itching to get my hands on a new one to take apart and recreate (that sentence was disgustingly pun-y). One of my biggest Blythe goal is to finally re-root that mostly bald scalp I have laying around! I know I can do it.

I'm also really interested in making cute dioramas for my dollies to live in. This will help stifle the sadness I feel when I think about how I don't have a house of my own yet...
And yes, faceups for BJDs are destined to return. I'm still hesitant about taking new commissions as of yet, but I'm still going to be working with BJDs. Apart from that I hope to feature other dolls that I love like Licca, Jenny, Momoko, and Monster High dolls. Since I don't have much experience with vinyl dolls, and apparently they are just like working on Blythe and BJDs; I'm looking forward to using my Monster High dolls for my first experiments. Sorry poor dears.Lastly, I wanted to integrate my love of video games here. I am always looking for people to play games with me. I will be adding a widget for my Animal Crossing: New Leaf Dream Address. If you play FFXIV we can definitely join forces!! Minecraft, Gary's Mod, DayZ, Pokemon?! Lots and lots of fun gaming to do!

Wow, I covered a lot in this entry! That's all for now! Until next time.

Getting things in order.

In the middle of this month Meggilu.com turned 3! It doesn't feel like it's been 3 years, but I'm so happy it's here.

I've taken some steps needed for getting my site back up and running. First on my list was to allow everyone to be able to view the site when typing "meggilu.com" without the "www". Yes, it has taken 3 years for me to fix it. Oh boy. It's funny how excited I was when it was fixed. Ah, the little things. One task done!

I am also looking for new designs and fonts for the site, as well as a redesign of the Meggilu logo. I want to make it more personable and design it from a drawing. I'm doing research for how I should take on the crown and "M". Finding inspiration is key! Font pairings are another thing occupying my time. It's fun to be in the searching phase, but I'd like to move on as soon as I can. I have a lot more I want to get to.

I've decided that this site will have multiple topics with each topic having it's respectable day. For example, there will be a dolly monday, video game tuesday, adventure sunday etc. Each will have special titles I have created. This means I will have to post almost everyday (fingers crossed).

Dolls are still going to be the majority of this site. I am catching the Blythe bug all over again and I'm itching to get my hands on a new one to take apart and recreate (that sentence was disgustingly pun-y). One of my biggest Blythe goal is to finally re-root that mostly bald scalp I have laying around! I know I can do it.

I'm also really interested in making cute dioramas for my dollies to live in. This will help stifle the sadness I feel when I think about how I don't have a house of my own yet...
And yes, faceups for BJDs are destined to return. I'm still hesitant about taking new commissions as of yet, but I'm still going to be working with BJDs. Apart from that I hope to feature other dolls that I love like Licca, Jenny, Momoko, and Monster High dolls. Since I don't have much experience with vinyl dolls, and apparently they are just like working on Blythe and BJDs; I'm looking forward to using my Monster High dolls for my first experiments. Sorry poor dears.

Lastly, I wanted to integrate my love of video games here. I am always looking for people to play games with me. I will be adding a widget for my Animal Crossing: New Leaf Dream Address. If you play FFXIV we can definitely join forces!! Minecraft, Gary's Mod, DayZ, Pokemon?! Lots and lots of fun gaming to do!

Wow, I covered a lot in this entry! That's all for now! Until next time.

It's time for a little vacation.

Today I am going to head out to go camping for Memorial Day weekend. I'm excited to finally get back to the outdoors after what felt like an eternity stuck here doing work for school. This weekend will be the bridge back into the dolly hobby, my site, and my artistry. I will get back to focusing on what I really like to do now that I have some more time to do it! I've been looking for inspiration and I believe it's working out. I can't wait to get started.

To my surprise, this semester ended up being a success. I was very anxious about it because I took classes with heavy work loads, and I knew one professor demanded quality work for a top grade. I stressed myself out so badly that I was doing homework that should have taken 6 hours in a week for more like 16! Thankfully, I got out alive with an A in their class! It was then that I knew that maybe I need to calm down a bit and not be such an overachiever, for the sake of my well being. During the final class we critiqued our final project along with our whole portfolio of projects done for the class. Our final had to be a life-sized portrait. I thought I'd die first before finishing (I've never done something that big), but it is now one of my favorite fine art pieces I've done. That's when you know you're in a great class. Well, until next time! Have a great weekend everyone!

Yes it's true.

So as my very vague prior post states, I am looking forward to coming back to the doll hobby as well as my poor lonely website. I am planning to revamp and amp up the place with new things all over!

This semester has got me quite busy, but the ideas for what I have in store for Meggilu.com this Summer are already coming to me. I only have one more year of college left (fingers crossed) so I thought why not get a head start on this place before I really have nothing to do and this empty lonely site is just waiting for me. Graduate with a plan y'know? So, while I'm working on my BFA art show pieces this summer I will be documenting it here, as well as featuring dolls and perhaps taking a commission or two. I plan to do a lottery since I will be taking one doll at a time. I will also have to do a test run on my dolls to see if I still got it. Haha. Well, that's all for now!

Recently I've been having this feeling...

I may be coming back to sooner than I thought.

Taking the time.

I finished all my homework so that I had time to relax on my day off, and here I am at 2am taking the time to write a new post. I thought about me reading this blog in the future and regretting having such a huge gap in posts, so I felt compelled to write asap. My main reason for ever starting blogging was to document my life in a fun way (to be shared with others) and have something to look back on. What will this blog become if not stay the same? I cannot be too sure, but I'll start with what's most important right now. Art!

Things are going pretty well for me so far. I'm getting inspired and encouraged at school (could not ask for a better learning environment), finally applying for BFA this semester, and discovering fundamental things that I should have learned ages ago that are allowing me to feel confident in creating new work. To the left is a little ink illustration I made for class 3 weeks ago (the style/subject is a bit out of it's element here I know) that I had so much fun with. The Ood (Doctor Who) painting below, which is somewhat unfinished, was done last semester. As you can see I have two conflicting sides of interests when it comes to art. Horror and kawaii are two genres that coexist just fine in my universe, apparently. Hahahah! However, for some BJDs and other dolls may also fit in the "horror" so maybe they're not too far off. 






Speaking of BJDs... I miss them, as I do Blythe, but I still do not have the time nor money for either. The feeling comes and goes, but I know for sure I will be starting back up with the hobby sometime in the future. I know this for sure because I absolutely panicked when I thought my DoA account was deleted! It's still there thankfully. What I think I still can do is make tutorials, and I really do want to continue ones that I have started. But I feel like I need questions to work off of. I must think on that further and see what I can come up with.

Next post I hope to make one pertaining to video games. There are a lot out now, and more coming, that I'd like to talk about. (And also cry about how I don't have enough time to even think about Pokemon let alone get my own copy). So until then! 

So long Ante.

And so I did it. I placed Momochuu's form on the marketplace. Momochuu still exists as one of my characters, but she will no longer be the LTF Ante. Maybe someday in the future I will get a BJD that better fits the Tarutaru look. Ah, well, until then.

I've actually decided on allowing the person who purchases Ante for a custom faceup option. It will probably be the last commission I take.

This week I have to watch my uncle's dog while he is in Texas, so I will be back working on commissions Monday. It seems like my new job is now petsitter. I'm not even mad.

Back to work.

So, it's back to work for me after a long hiatus. It was a much needed break for many reasons, and I feel it's done me some good. I will continue to work on the few commissions I have left, and then it's onto my own projects. I'm excited to start experimenting with materials, and even work on non-BJDs and artwork. I just have to stay motivated! Thank you for waiting, it's time to work.

I will be selling my LTF Ante, but I'm not quite sure if I should revamp her look or allow someone else to create her new theme after purchase... Anyone want to give their input on what I should do?



[I had a whole post dedicated to my dog's passing, but I had to take it down because it was too personal and way too painful to have up right now. I realized now that I am a person who prefers to grieve in private... So this shall suffice.]

Two projects down.

A sigh of relief as I finish two assignments out of 6 that have been consuming all that I am. The first was a wooden puzzle I had to create for 3D Design class. I had a vision, somewhat, and that vision was obviously too big for the tools I had available. I had not understood this until it was the last week before it was due. You know you can't find a fretsaw anywhere in NJ? I called my local hardware store hoping they'd say "Of course we have those!". Rather, I was told I had called the wrong place, "this is a hardware store, you need a music store". I realized I was doomed as I hung up the phone. I had to make adjustments and mistakes. Last night it came together a lot better than I hoped, and matched my vision. Success. The second project was a presentation of Frank Lloyd Wright. Also done.
What's left? 10 illustrated cards with box, painted portrait of an Ood(11"x14"), 6 painted spheres and cone, ink illustration (11"x14"). Oh and the next 3D Design assignment ... sculpture of bobbypins. I can't wait for the summer.

A break for spring. (woe is me warning)

How appropriate and annoyingly pun-y that my mom would fall down stairs and break her arm right as I begin my spring break. Apparently I am having a terrible start with the new year. In less than a months time my brother dislocated his arm during the snow storm we had(of two), my grandmother needed quadruple bypass surgery, my oldest dog Jack had what we believed was a stroke or seizure, and I now have to do physical therapy that I can't really pay for for my back and my knee. I am however very glad that I did not require knee surgery myself. I would have had to leave school. Besides tons of other things too private or too whiny to mention, I am beyond stressed physically and emotionally. I just really need this break. I hope finishing these last commissions will be something therapeutic and not the other way around. Damn 1 billion school projects are gonna have to wait. I'm screwed...

Things I'm excited for.

Tomorrow is my last school day technically. All day tomorrow I have to work on a take home final and then I'm free. I'M FREE!

I am so excited to; get commissions started and completed, give my best friend her present, to celebrate my other friend's return from Korea, to celebrate the holidays, play video games, and calm my mind before the hectic Spring semester. Commissions are being worked on all day SATURDAY! Woo!

Wednesday was my last day for Life Drawing I class, and all semester long I could not wait for that day to come. The class was great, but it really drained me. Now that we're done I miss it. What the heck if wrong with me? The professor said we were to still have a model session on our last day after we did final project critique. It was the kind of news that made you force out a heavy sigh and roll your eyes. However, yet again I was fooled and changed my mind while we were working. I've come to realize that my lack of wanting to draw stems from a huge anxiety of being disappointed/disappointing. This goes along with doll commissions too. It really needs to stop. That's what I'd like for Christmas.

This is the result of that last model session. I can really see how much I learned and how my professor helped me understand drawing. So, here's to stop being afraid and to keep trying.

I'm beginning to find my footing.

I am continue to work on KarenM's Jensen Ackles Minimee as well as do some Life Drawing homework. Oh, and writing this entry. I believe I am getting work done in a timely matter.

I recently purchased a spray booth for working with BJDs. I mentioned here how I am now able to safely use one because of a new to me sealing method. I have reason to believe that I will do BJD's a bit faster rather than slower. I'm really crossing my fingers on this one, but this is my logic; every part of the faceup process will done in one spot (at my desk, yay concentration ), wait times in between sealing will be cut down (no more waiting for fumes to clear out), and work will be done indoors (goodbye damned weather problems!). Also, using my airbrush becomes more convenient. Using an airbrush meant having to go down into my basement with a washing machine as my work surface. I'm really excited to get to work practicing. The downside to all of this is my skills and experience. Trial and error and do-overs will be things that will momentarily slow me down until I get the hang of things. What worries me most is that I won't get the hang of it at all. I will try my best to not let that happen! Here's to progress! And here is to some cute faces I had a chance to work on a while back.







P.S. I went to go see Breaking Dawn pt. 2 for my birthday present to myself. I liked it even though it was even more painfully corny than the prior movies. Ah, the epitome of a guilty pleasure.

A post is in order!

I woke up from a sickness nap a couple of hours ago, so I'm wide awake. I feel like I should finally sit down and write something (poor neglected blog). I caught a bad cold on Monday and I'm still feeling it's full effect. Chapped red lips and a sore, dry nose have commenced. I looked in the mirror and scared myself. I'm not happy. I'm frustrated beyond belief! It was really the last thing I needed....wait let's not jinx it. I know what would make this situation worse but I'm not saying nuttin'!

Anyway this is what the next two months looks like for me;

Film Test tomorrow
Read science chapter
Finish copying 20+ drawings by Wednesday
Science article paper
Start group presentation project for film class
Start group presentation project for Japanese class
Start partner presentation project for Japanese class (yes two presentations)
Go on internship interview
Work on final diptych self portrait project
Cry
Commissions
Extra credit for missed days for science class
Study and Practice Kanji
Write Japanese journal entries

Ok I think that's it. It makes me feel better to put it all out in list form so I can better manage my time, time that I seem to not have much of. I should be working right now instead of typing... Good night!