The sad fact is, I feel I've been scammed. I will never again support Un-established fursuit makers on FA. I've given two fledgling crafts persons the chance to make something, and instead they scammed me out of money. To be honest, the second fursuit maker has until February to produce the goods, but I haven't heard from her in nearly a month and her FA page is "voluntarily disabled." What does this mean for my money? Well, unlike some people, I have the means to fly to this persons hometown, track them down and get my money, in either cash, or property. I've been more than fair in my time allowances, and after getting burned the first time, won't let it happen again.

Here are some things that fledgling makers should keep in mind:

1) if you make a promise, keep it. Everyone has hard times, and likely, so will you. But if you tell someone that they will have what they purchased by a certain date, keep that date.

2) A commission is a business transaction. No one wants to hear about your computer crashing, your busy school schedule or that your dog chewed up the project you've been working on. The commissioner has bought, in good faith, a product you have offered for sale. Think of it this way: you go to a dealership and put down a deposit on a new car. The salesman tells you the car you designed will be ready in a week. One week goes by, your excitement build and the day comes for you to pay for the rest of the car. When you arrive at the dealership, the salesman's computer crashed! Oh no! Sorry, you don't get your car. And the deposit you put down in good faith is also gone. Sorry. The salesman needed it to pay for some bills that came up unexpectedly. Sorry bout that.

3) see rule 1

A few bad apples have spoiled the barrel. The sad thing is artist beware is FuLL of artists that have scammed commissioner out of money. That's not to say there aren't commissioners that haven't scammed a maker, but I have always been fair and trusting, and don't go out of my way to scam money from people.

Tips for commissioners looking for a fursuit/art/whatever:

1) do research. While the second maker was not on artist beware, she will be if I don't get my paid for item. FA also does not like it's artists to scam people out of their money. If you get scammed, let the admins know.

2) if a maker does not keep their word, give them one chance. Hard times do occur. However, if a maker has a track record of unkept promises, it's going to end badly for you. Keep emails and receipts and screen grabs of every encounter. You may never need it, but you be glad it's there if you do.

3) Trust must be earned. Don't pay more than the minimum deposit for fursuit commissions. If a fursuit maker says they can put your suit on the fast track by you paying more, my advice is don't do it. You've waited this long and chances are, you're going to bump someone else from their spot. That means someone can bump you if they pay more.

4) Only give your money to established makers. I know, everyone has to start somewhere, but if you are going to entrust your money into a new maker, do research on them. Ask past commissioners how they like their suits, how was the maker to work with, DID THEY KEEP THEIR PROMISES?

5) finally, if it sounds too good to be true, it is. I once saw an ad that stated they would make a full fursuit for $100. That is impossible, even using scrap fur and foam. A fursuit is an expensive investment. Don't blow your money on ridiculous claims that a maker can't possible follow through on.

These are just tips that I wish I would have learned before being scammed out of money.

Good luck.

Had an awesome time at MFF Pirates of Lake Michigan this year. I was able to chat with Sonderjen, an excellent artist who shared some valuable insights and suggestions. I met him during the sponsor lunch and I appreciate his listening to me bombard him with questions. I attended a lot of panels and even learned how to draw cubs! Another furry artist named Marci shared her talents with a group of enthusiastic artists. Very informative session.

The hotel staff was very accommodating, as always. The convention staff also did an excellent job running the con, meeting the needs of a lot of fursuiters and attendees.

I met a lot of fantastic people at the con, my main reason for attending, really. Rowsby was well received, I believe. It was fun dressing up as a pirate. Everyone was calling me Captain Rowsby.

Great times!

Addendum:

I rode down with  Vexser and Barkley and they made the trip entertaining. Thanks guys!

I was able to room with Tycho and he really was the life of the party! Everyone wanted a picture with him, and I think the poor Aussie didn't get much rest! We both suited quite a bit, tho Tycho had me beat, paws down. That dog... He is the epitome of what fursuiting is all about.

I received my armature yesterday from the great folks at MonsterMakers. I can now start building my clay base for my resin mask. No experience in this of course, other than some great online tutorials. But, you have to start somewhere, right?

I also started sketching out my ideas for Rowsbys fursuit. My son  Nodnarb123 is going to help me. I know it'll be epic.

Will post photos as soon as I have them available.

Had a fantastic time today at the Sparrow Halloween Parade. Me and about 7 kids trooped around the hospital collecting candy. I carried two bags for kids that were too ill to walk with us, so I pushed each stop for those handing out candy to "fill it up!" It was really a lot of fun, and seeing the smiles on the faces of all the kiddoes really made my day.

At the end, I was asked to be a mascot for the Children's Miracle Network next year! This means TV, friends! I can't wait! Plus, the manager of the department has some other activities for Griz, and I will update all of you when I learn more.

The downside was I didn't get many pics! There is an issue with privacy and HIPPA laws in the hospital environment, so it's important to be mindful of the privacy of others. However, Griz's mug will be showing up in circulars for the hospital!

Beautiful weather yesterday. Had a great time!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEEbbSjfwGQ

Unfortunately, Snark never showed up, and word is now that he may not arrive until November, if at all. Snark is no more...

However, I've already recommisioned some of his parts for other things. I had a set of arm paws, black, white with blue nails that have already been modified to fit my newest character, Rowsby Woof! Rowsby is a Border Collie with a case of ADCD (Attention Deficit Canine Disorder), namely, he is focused mostly on catching rabbits, furthering his own ego as the world's foremost authority on rat-catching (he's world renowned, but don't get him started...). You can see him here:  Rowsby_Woof

I also have a HUGE!! tail that I will be modifying to fit Rowsby. Black and white and green. Just need to do some research on border collie tails. All hail  Sharpe19 for her amazing work! Rowsby will eventually be a fullsuit, but due to time constraints (the lady works VERY hard, people!) he won't be completed until 2014. Until then, I'll use a partial to make the character.

Woofaroo and I had the pleasure of having dinner with sharpe19 and Pizzawolf, her mate. We all enjoyed Mexican food together, and learned a lot about each other. They are very down to earth, pleasant people. Sharpe19 has an amazing number of irons in the fire, but still manages to do each and every thing she says she will. She also is willing to help people with questions about fur suit making. She has live streams of her projects.

Grizzle made a visit to the Michigan Renaissance Fair this past weekend, and was well received. I wanted to test out his new stompy paws (made by the incredibly talented  Woofaroo and his new eyes. I may re-do his eyes and use a few different shades of green to make the eyes stand out a bit more. This is in preparation for the upcoming MSU Teddy Bear Hospital and Picnic on September 28, 2013 at 11:30-4.

ArtPrize in GR! Rowsby Woof will attend in his Pirate attire for MFF2013. Gotta test that stuff out...

Enough for now.... now it's time to corral the woof again... no rabbit is safe.


There is a Boo at the Zoo event coming up on October 19, 2013 from 11:30 - 4 at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan.

There is light in the darkness, friends. I may be getting Snark by next Wednesday. Damn you priority shipping! Apparently the 2 day shipping was delayed a bit... By about 3 weeks. However, he will be with me soon.

I recently posted some pics of the new Griz head. I am thinking those eyes might be a little too intense, but will temper them with some foamy and see what happens. The stompy feet are nearly complete, some modifications to the bodysuit and this bear will be ready for the MSU Teddy Bear Hospital and Picnic! September 28' 2013 from 11-3. Snark will probably not be making an appearance this year at that event to make way for Grizzle the grizzly!

Well, I have no idea where Snark is. He was last seen on August 15 in Coppell Texas, but even with the tracking number, nothing has been documented as to his whereabouts after that date. I'm hoping it's just delayed shipping, but I'm starting to wonder if it didn't get lost. o-O

My son is making me a pair of stompy paws to go along with Griz's suit. I think they are going to be epic! He's finishing up the foaming now, and soon, the furring will begin!

Will continue the search for Snark...

Well, I was told that Snark would be arriving tomorrow. I'm excited! Even though I have no events coming up anytime soon, it will be nice to have him back. I've been thinking of other venues to use Snark and Griz in. There are some community festivals coming up this fall, and of course MFF, and now another con has made itself available: Great Lakes Fur Con in February of 2014.

I have completed my BSN requirements, and am now awaiting final grades. I am so happy to be done with school, but still am am a bit nervous that something might go wrong. I'm sure everything will be fine...

I've lost about 16 pounds... Suit feels a bit baggy in places, but nothing that can't be taken in. I'm happy to be losing weight.

I can't believe it's the first week of August! MFF will be here before you know it, then... What? I know there are other cons around the country, but... Not sure how feasible that will be.

I'm still waiting to hear back about my beer panel at MFF. I also plan to do some volunteering this year.

I'm really impressed with my son  Woofaroo he has been out in the community spreading fur joy with a group of fur suiters that get together. He made his own suit and it really turned out well! Makes me want to try my hand at making one!

Maybe not... :)

I'm finishing up my degree for my Bachelors degree in Nursing and spending 2 fun filled days in what's affectionately termed "The Armpit of Michigan" Flint. The class is Environmental Science II and today myself and one other lucky individual get to tramp around in the wetlands collecting water samples from the Flint River.

Flint used to be a bustling metropolis until the car manufacturers, sick no doubt of the union heavy politics, pulled up stakes and moved elsewhere. Right or wrong, depending on your point of view, Flint is struggling mightily under poverty, unemployment and a weak governmental infrastructure.

I'm just here for the science.

Since I've been here, I've been stopped 4 times by impoverished individuals (also known as panhandlers) looking for spare change for: 1) The bus. 2) A meal 3) no reason given. 4) an umbrella. Now, the first three I've heard before. But an umbrella? Guess who I gave change to? You guessed it. The bus fare guy. I even watched him get on the bus.

I truly believe in helping my fellow man. But how much change does anyone carry on them anymore? In this age of creditdebit cards, it's gotta be a rough way to make a living.

Well, time to head out and collect some water! Wish me luck that the Mosquitos and snakes don't make a meal out of this poor lion.

The Race was great! Over $70,000 was raised for this awesome charity. Ele's Place helps grieving children cope with loss of a loved one through counseling and has done some wonderful things for children everywhere. The day started off cold, like low 50's, but once Griz was on, it warmed up quickly.

I really got the chance to try Griz out to see how he'd hold up to the rigors of fursuiting, and I realized a few things. 1) Hot glue, while used extensively in fursuit making, is not a very effective adherent for foam if not enough of it is used. I had a toe that literally just fell off (unlike the Snark event, where kids destroyed my feet by stomping on them and ripping at claws, etc.) The toe was easily reattached, but it pretty much ended my day a little early. Both  tychoaussie had been in suit for nearly 4.5 hours at that point anyway, and definitely needed a break. 2) Griz is a little too scary for kids. A few were just plain frightened, but then again, some kids just ran right up and hugged me. He does look an awful lot like a teddy bear. :)

3) I lost 5 pounds in water weight. It is always stressed to drink plenty of fluids before suiting, but I don't think people realize how important it truly is to stay hydrated.

4) I plan to use Griz at conventions and Snark to do public events. Snark is more of a toony based style fursuit, and kids seemed to respond to that more than the semi-realistic form. I'll probably bring both to conventions because as they say, variety is the spice of life!

5) A great prop for Griz will be those little Bit-o-honey candies. Bears love honey, so why not hand it out to kids? I can carry a bag around my neck full of the little treats. Fursuiters! Advancing the cause of tooth decay in today's youth!

Other than a few random events, Griz/Snark has nothing planned for the rest of the year. There is ArtPrize in Grand Rapids in September, then MFF in November. I'll keep my beary eyes open for opportunities!

I received Griz from  marshmallowe yesterday and am so excited! He looks great! There are some issues with the head, but arrangements have been made to rectify those. NOTE TO ALL FURSUIT MAKERS: Hot glue + masks + high temps (85 or above) leads to splitting where the seams were glued. Don't do it! It may be nice temperature wise where you are but perhaps you're shipping to an area that is under a heat advisory. See those seams whenever possible.

I have posted some pics in my gallery of Griz in action. Check them out!

In other news, the high temps have finally let Michigan go. We are no longer trapped in our homes. Today's temp was 84. Ill take that over the 90+ it was previously. Also, it's not quite as humid.

Well, our AC is out. Kaput. The system blows hot, moist air, not exactly what you want when the temperature outside is 92 degrees with a 49% humidity. So, we had to buy a whole new system. $3200+ later... it's to be installed next Monday. I bring this up because I equate no AC with wearing a fursuit. For those of you that haven't (or even those of you that have and can commiserate) let me fill you in on what it's like.

As you start to pull up the furry legs over your own, you start to sweat. Even in an air conditioned house (or in my case, a humid greenhouse) small rivelets of sweat start forming on the back of your thighs. As you pull the suit up higher, you're glad you decided to wear underarmor. Now, your arms. The inside of the suit often gets sticky, akin to super glue as you try to pull the sleeves up, all the while, the fur on the arms is sticking to your skin. Okay, arms in. Now for the handpaws, assuming you don't pull huge tufts of fur out while zipping up the front. God help you if the zipper is in the back. Sweat is running freely now, down your back, across your chest... and not in any sensual way. Okay, now for the head. Head on... damn it, I forgot my balaclava, head off, find the hood (after taking off the handpaws) and pulling your sweaty hands into the paws again. By this time, you're ready for the head. On goes the head. If you're smart, you'll have already turned on the interior fans. No fans? Well, get used to sweat running into your eye. usually after the head is on, and there is little you can do about it. Ok, step outside. People around you are saying, boy, its hot! Aren't you hot in that suit? Isn't it hot? Yes, it is indeed, and thank you for pointing that out.

My suit will be here in a few days. This is what I foresee happening to me as Michigan is experiencing some of the hottest days of the summer. Of course, it's all worth it in the end. The first smile you see on some kiddo's face makes all the uncomfortableness worth every second.

Don't take the advice of the most interesting man in the world and stay thirsty, my friends. Make sure you drink enough water! Or some other beverage.

Snark's head is getting a major upgrade, along with his feet, and I can't tell you how much I miss having that big blue maned feline around. The urge to fursuit keeps hitting me, much more so than when the head and feet were actually here. There are festivals (Common Ground, for one) to frolic, opportunities to be had, but I really am out of luck until I get him back. Of course, Griz will be here soon, and I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to suit when they both arrive.

AC is going on this weekend, and I'm really disappointed that I chose not to go. I am making a solemn oath that next year, I'm a goin. MFF can't get here fast enough, and even though I am enjoying the summer, there's something to be said for fursuiting in the fall.

I've been going to the gym pretty steadily for the past couple of weeks, and hope to lose some of this weight I've been carting around with me. My battle cry is SHUT UP, FAT! and it seems to be working. Of course, the new suit is based on my old measurements, so over the next 6 months it will be interesting to see how I transform.

Puppet building has slowed a bit. I've been too busy doing other things, but I have. Bunch of new anti pill fleece I want to make some of the little fellas out of. I am also working on my Halloween costume. I am going as the mad hatter this year. I've got everything ordered, now just need to purchase it. I'm making the suit jacket, pants and a couple of small details myself. Should be epic!

Did I mention I am also in the home stretch of my bachelors in nursing degree? Passed the dreaded stats with a B (how the hell?) and now have an environmental science class and to finish up my Community Health Nursing class and I am finito in August. I am so eager to be done. One of my instructors asked me if I was going on to graduate school.. Hells no, I am all about education, but come on! Enough is enough!

So, lots of things happening this year. Beer making has been put on hold until we work through the Stone Pale Ale (blech) and now some Oberon. I have probably 6 gallons of Mead, plus the stuff I bottled, plus the framboise (Giving Belgium the Raspberry) ale and my moose drool clone. Whew! If one didnt know better, one would think I had a drinking problem! The thing is, I have cut way way back on my beer because of all the empty calories!

I received a delightful card from the organizers of the Michigan Mile as well as some pictures. What an awesome event! I really wish I had gotten some with  tychoaussie but didnt get the opportunity. We'll get our chance...

Laterz!

I had a really great time last year at MFF, so I decided to do a sponsorship this year. A lot more expensive, but there are a lot of little perks included. I hope to be able to do a panel on beer and mead making this time around and submitted a request to the program directors. Just waiting to hear back. Pirates of the Great Lakes. Arr.

I'll have a new suit to wear by then. My Griz costume is really coming along quickly. The head is complete,  marshmallowe is sewing together the 60+ pieces of fur and then it's on to the hand and feet paws. This new suit is going to be much more visually entertaining this time around I think. I gave her creative license to put something together and she has never let me down.

The eyes on the new suit head are awesome. They're a beautiful green color that matches the bits of green on the head. The suit is semi-real (that fur is $$$) with fantastic follow me eyes. I'll be posting pictures of the head later.

I would love to do a few festivals in suit. There are some coming up later this summer and fall, so I'm going to start making connections.

It's going to be an exciting year!!

Tycho and I recently participated in the Michigan Mile and had a great time. This is a video produced by the company I work for that tells all about the race. Snark shows up at the very beginning!

I'm not sure why they didn't include Tycho. His suit is fantastic, and I heard the kids really enjoyed interacting with him.

http://youtu.be/byRQtl_XWJI

I'll be doing this again next year, I believe.

In other news, work on Griz is progressing quickly. The. Head is complete, and the body suit is in progress. I posted some pics of what I have so far. The suit is made by the very talented  marshmallowe

I just returned from Toronto from a weekend long trip. What a fantastic city! Very clean (as cities go) although a bit expensive. Had a really good time.

June 1, 2013!! Mark your calendars! Tychoaussie and I will be fursuiting at the Michigan Mile race for kids and then in Okemos for the Celebrate Okemos event the very same day!

So get out there (if you live in Lansing or Okemos, or anywhere!) and have some fun!

Worked the crowd pretty well on Saturday for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, another fund raising attempt for breast cancer research. The rain was terrible! I used an umbrella, but boy, did that suit get heavy! Literally, my feet were lifting out of my foot paws because the shoes soaked up a lot of water. Being wet didn't dampen Snark's spirit however! I posed for quite a few pictures, and one of the best psrts was my partner of 11 years was there with me, taking photos, guiding me around obstacles, and basically handling me like a pro! I was very happy with this turn of events, because originally, he abhorred the idea. He was smiling and laughing as Snark danced around. That made me very happy.

He's already told me he probably wouldn't be comfortable going to a fur con, but you never know. Small steps!

Next up is the Elle's Place race and the Michigan Mile. The weather is bound to be a bit warmer, what with both events being held in June... but I am remaining hopeful it won't be too hot!

Thinking about attending IFC this year. It's not too far of a drive, and it looks like fun. Whoozfurs? Who wouldn't like a name like that?

It's in August and I think my new fursuit will be done by then... Although I haven't actually set any kind of deadlines for it.

Now... For the big decision... Sponsor or super sponsor? :)

I've decided on my next fursuit. Although I have gone back and forth on exactly what I was going to be, Grizzle the Grizzly bear will be my next fursona. Snark of course will still be my favorite, but Grizzle will come with me to this year's Midwest FurFest. The fantastic  marshmallowe has already drawn up a design, fur has been chosen, and decisions made about eyes, claws and etc.

Bears are pretty awesome creatures. They eat what they want, sleep 3-4 months out of the year at a stretch and basically dominate the landscape. I'm surprised there aren't more bears in the furry world. Huskies and other breeds of dogs, wolves, foxes and all the hybrids in between exist in droves. Bears tend to be loners, which could be why you don't see many of them gracing parades and events.

Stay tuned for more information. Construction will begin in May...

Here are some random videos of Snark being Big and Blue!


Teddy Bear Hospital and Picnic 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgnCCM1hdJ0

MFF 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bbG8QBnVLA

Boo at the Zoo 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poXuRSBA9ZM

More Boo at the Zoo 2012 MidMichigan Furries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqKg-dnUAqI

I've booked my hotel room for the convention in Illinois! The hotel is a little pricey, but it's a nice place, and it's actually in the hotel, so that's a benefit. I'm also hoping to volunteer at the con because I don't just want to be an attendee, I want to be an actual part of it! Hopefully will hear back from the volunteer board as time grows closer.

I've also asked to do a panel again on Beer & Mead making. Pirates drink mead, I think it would be an awesome coupling! And no pirate in his (or her) right mind would say no to a good beer! So, with any luck, I'll be showing up on the programming panel!

Had a really good time at the FCN con this year. However, some of the timing of the events was a little odd (like the Fursuit dance competition and the super sponsors's cocktail hour being held at the same time...) so I missed out on free booze. Which was ok, because I'm not a big drinker anyway. They also gave out air fresheners as part of the swag to attendee's, although I don't know if they were trying to imply something? I smelled nice, dangit! I wore it on my ID card around my neck for a little while, just to see what it smelled like. Kind of like fresh laundry and urinal cakes. Weird. I put it away...

The hotel staff is to be commended on their friendliness and accommodations. I had the opportunity to speak to one of the room service folks. I aksed her what she thought of the furry convention and she said she loved it, and that "furries are really nice people. And they tip well too!" Of course we tip well, lady! We're furries! :)

The hotel's elevators seemed to be having some difficulties, so I took the stairs a lot, giving the elevator space up to our fuzzy friends.

Great time! Can't wait til next year! GO FCN 2014!

Started off pretty early with breakfast in the 211111 restaurant.(I don't know why it's called that). Very nice spread for $10. Then started prepping for the panel. Had a full room, so I took that as a positive sign. People were genuinely interested in how to make alcoholic beverages! Go figure! Our presentation lasted about an hour and a half, with lots of questions from curious folks. As soon as it was over, I hightailed it back to my room and got into suit. The parade, thankfully, did not go up stairs or on escalators, and did not last nearly as long as the MFF parade. Pictures were taken, and I danced a little bit and got to hang out with Brandon, which was cool.

I also had the opportunity to eat dinner with some friends at Benihana's. pretty good sushi!

There are lots of fantastic fursuits here! The inventiveness and genius of people never cease to amaze me.

I have found, however, that wearing the Snark head is very taxing on my vision. The next head will have to have better vision and some structural modifications if I am going to wear it more than a couple of hours. I've already been in talks with  marshmallowe for the next version. Although I love the color blue, I will be changing to a different color soon.

Heading home tomorrow... Snark is packed up and ready to go!

I was hoping to have a room in a distant corner of the hotel... that was not what the gods had in store however. Instead, I am next door to a group of very loud furs who believe yelling is the only way to communicate. In their defense, the music they are playing is pretty loud, so that could be why they are yelling. Apparently, vomiting is the topic of discussion tonight, as they try to outdo one another with their stories of, "Dude, I was so f'd up I shot vomit out of my mouth across the room!"

Yeah, it's like that.

I knew what I was getting into when I came to the con, and knew that noise might be a problem. I'm okay with it for a while...

Now the act of farting has apparently captured their attention.

In other news, the con is excellent! The hotel staff have been very accommodating to me. My insulin pump battery died (that's bad) so I called the front desk and they provided me with a triple A battery for a small fee. It beats the hell out of having to find a store that's open this late, then drive there, find what I need and drive back. The Sheraton in Novi has been excellent so far. It's a great space and there are a lot of smiling faces.

Tomorrow is a big day. My panel is at 11:00 to 12:30, and I am looking forward to see what kind of turn out we get. I brought a bottle of Joe's Ancient Orange Mead for Uncle Kage, if I can run into him. Last year at FCN, he happil posed for a picture of me, but I was not in suit at the time. This year, I will be in suit when I present the mead to him! I hope he likes it.

The man can drink wine like no one's business.

My son Brandon Nodnarb123 is also here and he has a pretty cool tie that he created with LE wire. It's really very nicely done. His friend Tyler is here too (this is his first con) and he seems to be having a good time. He's a good guy.

Looking forward to tomorrow!