EPBOT

Since I just used it in my goggles photo shoot, I thought I'd show you my seahorse candle mod.

We got it for $12 at a Caribbean knickknack shop, on account of the little seahorse missing his nose. I didn't like the smaller seahorses tacked on to the side like that anyway, though, so...










I figured I'd have to repaint the entire thing, but decided to try patching the resin areas with this old gold leaf kit I found in my craft box first:

And, would you believe it? The golds matched! A few layers of leaf, and then a little brown glaze patted on with my fingers, and...



Oh, and just for fun, I painted the little seahorses bronze and leafed them, too:

Side by side you can still tell which nose I carved - but I like to think it might take you a second or two. :)

So now I have these cute little gold seahorses, but no idea what to do with them. Any ideas? They're pretty heavy, and solid as rocks, so I'm open to suggestions!

Like many of you, I've been mourning the loss of new posts over at Hyperbole and a Half while Allie writes her first book. So, I was thrilled when she popped up on Twitter tonight.

If you've never been able to see those migraine-inducing Magic Eye illusions that were all the rage years ago, then you're going to hate this. But if you *can* see them, this is AWESOME.

While looking at both photos, cross your eyes. With your eyes crossed, you'll see three photos instead of two. Try to focus on the middle one. It takes a little practice, but when you get it, WOW. 3D!

This technique is called "cross-viewing" and is similar to the old-fashioned stereoscopes you see from Victorian times. The photos are by yowayowa camera woman, aka "the levitating girl." Her photos are gorgeous and oddly mesmerizing even without the 3D affect, so you'll want to see her other work, too. (And thanks to Mary B. for the link!)

Her site doesn't have a search bar to find just the 3D images, but I tracked down a few more for you here, here, and here.

Oh, and if you can't get your eyes to cross properly, Mental Floss just posted 12 animated stereoscopes which give the same general 3D effect without all the eye strain. :)

A trio of quirky siblings that brings A Series of Unfortunate Events to mind star in this delightful, quick read. (I finished it in one sitting.) I especially love the narrative style, which is written from one of the sibling's POV - but you have to guess which one. Without spoiling anything, I will say I have some complaints about the twist ending, but nothing severe enough to make me regret the choice. Definitely pick it up if you have the chance!




The story itself also seems dated, in as much as it has a slower pace (it gets interesting around page 50) and an almost painful predictability. The attempt at romance was also incredibly weak. That said, I did like the story, as it reminded me of some of Tamora Pierce's work, and in many places the prose reads like poetry. However, for someone used to the faster pace and more dynamic character growth in today's YA fiction, I'd recommend Pierce's books over this any day. (Sorry, guys!)

[Note: I've since discovered through Amazon & Goodreads that nearly everyone else in the world considers The Blue Sword to be The Most Amazing Book Of All Time, and it's won tons of awards, and people have called it "life-changing," so take my review with those huge grains of salt.]




This was also recommended by one of you readers for its great art and a plot that revolves around an astounding automaton that actually exists in real life.

The story would be perfect for parents to read with their kids. It moves quickly, and at times the simple pencil drawings are used to move the story forward for many pages without any text at all - a neat creative twist.

The only problem I found is that none of the characters are very likeable - the hero Hugo least of all - which was a big hurdle for me since I need someone to root for. Still, it was worth the read if only so I could discover the Maillard automaton. (OMIGOSH SO AMAZING.)


Stay tuned for more, or check the comments here for more of your fellow reader's recommendations!


Also, because it's a FAQ - I *do* have a Goodreads account, and have had one for ages, but I haven't had time to update it much the past three years. Since I plan to post my reviews here from now on anyway, rest assured you aren't missing anything. It's a great site, though, and I highly recommend it.