Well Kiddies, we’re back from ConnectiCon! Everyone had a great time, as usual, and we made a bunch of new friends.

For those of you who don’t know, ConnectiCon is our Home Con. That’s right, eons ago we were just a group of crazy kids with a button maker, now we’re a couple of adults with a bunch of crazy friends…and said button maker - and still attending ConnectiCon.

This year ConnectiCon expanded to take up the entire Connecticut Convention Center; that’s right, no more creepy pet shows or Hula-Hooping Extravaganza’s to share with this time! The decision was made to move the Artist Colony out of the hallways and into our own space in the lower level exhibit halls. Everyone had a lot more room and for the big guys this was a major relief. We were kind of separated from the other goings on and the guest webcomic artists were still located in the Dealer’s Room, taking away a lot of the draw of the typical convention’s artist alley. So I’m still on the fence about whether the upgrade was worth it.

Thom spent most of the con working on his chainmaile, while I painted, pressed buttons, and crafted jewlery - Thank you to all the cool people who came by to watch us work! I sold my favorite necklace - but it looks so lovely on the girl who bought it. But we did find time to visit a couple of other artists and panels. This year we shared a table with Studio Jengalill artist, and creator of Bryanna Bunny, Briana Benn , who also ran a printmaking workshop where attendees could make their own ink prints with handmade stamps and paper. I was able to catch the workshop, and if she does it again next year it’s definitely worth checking out! Images of Moogles, Heartless, and Naruto made into lovely fine art prints aren’t something you can find just anywhere. And if you’re not interested in doing the work yourself she also sells her finished ones, matted and framed! I also got a chance to check out Owl’s Mirror Studio, producers of Magical Princess Anya that, despite what the title might suggest, is really funny and violent…with a little bit o’cute thrown in…but it usually gets kicked in the face, READ. The Prime of Ambition always draws me in, great style, good comic, nice people. Jenny, or Divinebird, not exhibiting this year, but still tempting me with her amazing yarns and of course the promise of new projects, is a super nice lady and uber chocobo fan! If you’re into yarn work check out her Etsy store. TheTodd got some b*tchin swag and I got a “I (human heart) Cthulhu button” from Caf-fiends .net! Not .com…I’m not sure what’s going on with the .com but someone said something about unwholesome…and fear…lots of it…

A strange little Xerox comic got into my hands somehow and I liked it - alot - others seemed confused. I can’t find this comic on her site, but Jennifer Weber’s got lots of other messed up comics in her gallery involving one f*cked up little bear.

I got lots of oohs and aahs for some sculptures I’ve neglected to put up before: My Plushie Illithid/Cthulhu Monster and newer creation Choco as well as many unique 1″ Katamari’s. I’m still chasing the spots from all the flash bulbs - Next year: No pictures allowed - not cause I’m a jerk, well mostly cause I’m a jerk - but really, brights light burnses us. I also got in some painting for the sake of painting and came up with some new logo/site ideas I’d like to implement in the next few weeks, if I can find the time.

Every con we come up with something weird to do or give out to the Con-goers. This year we gave everyone crabs. Well, we didn’t, we’re clean. Instead we hired a seedy young gentleman to spread the infestation for us, our ol’buddy Dave - ConnectiCon Volunteer and member of Connecticut’s 50-finest. Infested congoers approached us, angry and looking for abetment, so we cataloged and photographed them, then incinerated the 5 foot area. If you knew any of these individuals…sorry.

What’s in store for next year? Dunno. Maybe a couple workshops or a panel, more free goodies, a raffle…music, magic, and mayhem assuredly - but those are Con provided anyway!

All in all we had a great time. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, check out our work, let us take dirty pictures of you, and a special thanks to all those who didn’t press charges!

Edit by thomblake: higher-quality versions of the photos are available on our flickr site