Calling all furbangers...

Alcide Hervaux is finally ready for Sunday night's finale! Just in time to save Sookie, too! Feast your eyes on the beefcake and have fun kids. Be sure to download the high resolution PDF from my website http://andyswist.com/TrueBlood-dolls.html

I've plans on including more extras for this one in the near future. Who can resist Alcide in that jumpsuit, or that bathrobe? Well, you'll have to make do with the basics for now. ;)

Paper Dolls to the Rescue!

AAARRRrrrrooooooo! Sunday is the True Blood finale and I'm busy getting one more paper doll ready. I've received a lot of requests and speculation as to whom (or what) is coming next, and I thank you for them all. So here (sketch at top left) is a peek at what to expect... can you figure it out now? Regardless, be sure to check out my website later tonight and see the final results.

If you appreciate my hard work, I'd love to know... and a small donation would be much appreciated, too. (just click on the button at the top right of my blog). The money goes to keeping my site up and running for fans around the world: Brasil, Poland, Australia, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Canada, Holland, Croatia, Iran, Mexico, England... and some strange place called the United States. Many, MANY thanks to those kind folks who have already shown their generosity!

To date, I've also used donations to help non-profit causes for charities supported by True Blood actors: the Stephen Moyer Kids Theatre Fund, and The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF).

The Kids Theatre Fund helps to produce a Christmas show and provide low-cost transportation for the hundreds of children that experience the thrill of live theatre. Stephen Moyer is the patron of the Brentwood Theatre that created this fund in his honor. To learn more, visit the Brentwood theatre's webpage http://www.brentwood-theatre.org/ The Vault is a True Blood fan site that is currently giving fans a chance to win items autographed by Stephen Moyer with donations to the Theatre Fund, but only until September 30th! Hurry and get your chance to win while helping needy kids http://www.allstephenmoyer.com/stephen-moyer-kids-theatre-fundraiser/

Deborah Ann Moll's boyfriend, E.J. Scott, suffers from a rare genetic disorder called Choroideremia (CHM) which causes a person to slowly lose their sight. The Choroideremia Research Foundation helps in researching a cure and developing treatments. You can help support Deborah and E.J. in their goal to raise $100,000 for Choroideremia research this year by donating here http://ejcurechm.blogspot.com/ or via the True Blood fansite The Vault here http://www.trueblood-online.com/choroideremia-research-foundation/. You can also donate to the CRF directly and learn more about this disorder by visiting their homepage http://choroideremia.org/crf/

There are also many other ways you can help your favorite True Blood actors help their favorite charity:

If you haven't already heard about the "Battle of the Fang" it's a fun contest between Bill and Eric fans to see who's team can raise the most money for charity. Stephen Moyer is supporting the Gulf Crisis, and Alexander Skarsgard is helping the SOS Children's Villages. There's only two days left to battle, so help out your favorite vamp now! http://www.trueblood-news.com/battle-of-the-fang-a-looziana-grudge-match
I'm proud to say that Team Bill is currently in the lead! WOOT!WOOT!


Finally, I've seen Kristin Bauer showing off her whale tail a lot. Of course, I'm talking about the ocean mammal, not Pam's thong! In fact, Kristin's husband, Abri Van Straten, is a talented musician from South Africa and together they both support the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). If you buy Abri's new album on Amazon, Kristin has graciously agreed to include a personalized autograph! AWESOME!! Go to Kristin's website now and order a copy http://kristinbauer.com/Kristin/%22Voices%22_for_Whales.html

I'm sure there's a lot more charities to mention, but these are the ones that are close to my heart. Now I'm off to complete my paper doll! Everyone enjoy the week-end and remember to watch the True Blood finale on Sunday with your new paper doll friends!

Russel's ready for action!

Print out and bring Russell to life while watching TrueBlood tomorrow night! Oh... and make sure you print out an Eric paper doll for the big showdown! WOOT WOOT!

Download Russell and the rest here (the jpeg posted here is low res, and not as pretty)
http://andyswist.com/TrueBlood-dolls.html

Thanks so much to everyone for their awesome suggestions for Russell's undies. I actually had to sketch a few before deciding upon the gorgeous silk boxers. I chose a regal looking print for this now ex-King of Mississippi, and think Talbot would have approved. And how about them socks? A bit old fashioned, but then again... Russell is an old timer. Enjoy!

Russel's dirty laundry

This week's BloodWork! announced my next paper doll will be the genius that is Russel Edgington! No doubt his doll will feature things like designer shirts, sunglasses, jodhpurs and an oversized antique crystal candydish filled with Talbot's remains! But what, pray tell, does the man wear beneath it all? Tweet, email: askandy@andyswist.com, or post a comment to share your ideas and help me decide.

If you haven't yet watched the vlog yet, then check it out below. Note I'm wearing my "Billsbabes" t-shirt to show my love and support for my peeps and fellow Bill Compton lovers. And did you know that the Billsbabe T-Shirt is available for purchase in the Billsbabe Shoppe? All proceeds of the sales go to the Stephen Moyer Kids Theatre Fund, so go ahead and shop til you drop!



Also show your love for CampBlood, and pick up some merch there to help support and keep the Camp alive and well.

Baby Vamp Jessica Paper Doll

I finally finished and posted Baby Vamp Jessica! Why not download the art and combine with the other True Blood characters to have ready for tonight's episode. Paper doll tip: DON’T cut out the white space between legs unless you’re using sturdy paper. The more parts you choose to dress Jessica up with, the heavier the doll becomes. If you have several pieces on already AND you cut out the white space, she might have a wee bit of trouble keeping her from falling over. ENJOY!

and don't forget to tune for Loving True Blood in Dallas' BlogTalk radio show after tonight's episode for the chance to speak with myself and CampBlood's creator and my partner in crime: Brian Juergens!

My True Blood All-Star LGBTQ dream team

True Blood is such an amazing show, and I love it for so many reasons and on so many levels. One of the reasons I love it so is that it's nonjudgmental and openly expresses human sexuality. One of the most beloved characters on the show is a gay African American man, Lafayette Reynolds. He has some of the best one-liners and wardrobe of the entire cast! Nelsan Ellis is the actor who plays Lafayette on the show, and he does an incredible job. In fact, I can't think of anyone else in the world now that could play the part. Nelsan is not gay, and that got me thinking: What would the cast of True Blood look like if all the roles were played by LGBTQ (Lesbian/ Gay/ Bi/ Transgengered/ Queer) actors? Don't get me wrong: I dearly love all the actors on the show and woudn't change a thing (Mr.Ball you're amazing)! Just having a little daydream here and thought to share my "Queer Dream Team". Got any additional talent you'd like me to consider? let me know what you think!

Sookie Stackhouse played by the beautiful and talented Portia de Rossi
Bill Compton played by the handsome and brooding John Barrowman
Eric Northman played by the multi-talented genius that is Neil Patrick Harris
Vampire Pam played by the stunning and glamourous Candis Cayne
Jason Stackhouse played by the fun-loving and handsome Lance Bass
Tara Thornton played by the charismatic and powerful RuPaul Charles
Lafayette Reynolds played by the beloved and witty WilsonCruz
Alcide Herveaux played by the incredibly fit and dreamy Ian Roberts
Jessica Hamby played by the complex and vivacious Lindsay Lohan
Hoyt Fortenberry played by the adorable and true Matthew Montgomery
BTW- If you haven't read the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlene Harris... what are you waiting for? This amazing show wouldn't be here if Charlene hadn't written these books, and it will give you great insight about what's to come.

And don't forget to stop by and see all my True Blood paper dolls- I'm adding more for Season 3, starting with Jessica Hamby!

Bill the Bunny

Nooooo... this is NOT Stephen Moyer's screen test for Bunnicula the movie! He was on Chelsea Lately the other night and he did his best impression of a vampire sneaking around in the woods like a little bunny. It was hilarious, and I just had to do it. Gotta love a man that isn't aftraid to act ridiculous in front of millions. Get ready for True Blood this Sunday! WOOT! WOOT!

Blood Work Season 3

True Blood starts next week, and I can't wait! In case you might have missed it, I'm a huge fan and help put together a video blog (vlog) each week, called "Blood Work", with the help of my dear hubby Brian Juergens over at Camp Blood. It was this vlog that started my True Blood paper dolls last season, and you can rest assured that I'm adding to the collection. Find out what paper doll is coming next and what else is in store by listening to Dallas' talk radio blog tonight 9pm CT.
http://www.lovingtruebloodindallas.com/2010/06/talk-blood-tonight-true-blood-season-3.html

Bill on the Brain

Sorry Sookie... I've been glamoured again ever since I saw the TrueBlood minisode featuring vampire Bill Compton in his robe. Sorry Bill, but if you answer the door half-naked and glistening from your bathtime... how can you blame anyone objectifying you? I can't figure out is if I like it more when he's naked and rolling around in the dirt, or when he's getting all squeaky clean in the tub. Decisions... decisions. Anyways, here is a load of animated GIFs and screenshots of my favorie moments in the minisode. Much love to all my fellow Billsbabes and Billsbelles out there! Watch the minisode and see for yourself... just watch out: Bill might just glamour YOU, too! http://tiny.cc/vl3d2

CampBlood Comics

In case you didn't already get the news, my new web comic site is up and running. It's called "CampBlood Comics" and in addition to focusing on horror comics and related art, there is an exclusive webcomic there titled, "The Mystery at CampBlood"! The webcomic will be updated weekly (on Wednesdays) and it follows the adventures of two unlikely heroes, Buzz and Chucky.

It's a story for all ages (no graphic violence or nudity) and meant for anyone with an open mind who enjoys humor, mystery, and the supernatural.

Feel free to stop by and follow the story as it develops while getting the scoop on what's going on in horror comics at CampBlood Comics!

http://www.campbloodcomics.com

webcomic: "The Mystery at Campblood"
http://andyswist.com/campbloodcomics/mystery/

Blood Money: support a starving artist!

Hey everyone! Just letting you know that I've got goodies for folks that donate money to a starving artist (errr... that would be me).

Every donation gets a "Thank You" from me which consists of a professionally printed post card featuring my Sookie, Bill, and Sam paper doll art. You can easily cut and fold along the guides to make nifty paper mini figures! Sound cool?

Well, if you donate $10: I send you an envelope containing the post card along with an additional oversized card with Pam, Laffy, Tara, Jason, and Eric! There's even artwork to make your own Merlott's bar or Fangtasia club. I'm digging thru my records now and sending folks who have already donated, and a big thanks to everyone in advance for their support.

Check out the photo above and see for yourself. When you click the donation button on my site, it usually includes a mailing address/ contact info. If not, you have to make sure and write in your address or the address you'd like for me to send it. All cards are sent US Mail.

BTW- Did I mention it makes a fun gift idea? ;)

Big announcements- lissenup!

First and foremost: the winner of last month's contest is MissFlax! Don't you feel lucky? So send me and email with your address and I can send you that lovely Anya picture when it's ready (unless you've changed your mind already)?

I've just started watching Buffy season FIVE now. Since when did Buffy have a younger sister (Dawn)? Ha! This is amazing stuff. I remember that Dawn is important, but as I was never an avid fan back in the day... it's still a mystery to me at the moment. Also, I think I love Willow more and more. I didn't gravitate to anyone really for a while. But ever since I saw what had happened with the whole Oz relationship... it melted my heart. *sigh*

Next big announcement: I'm going to be at MoCCA (The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) Fest this Saturday and Sunday. I'll have a table there with all sorts of goodies, so please stop by if you can. "The annual two-day event attracts thousands of comic art lovers and creators from around the globe to celebrate the world's most popular art form in the heart of New York City." Why not check out the site and see all the good stuff for yourself? http://www.moccany.org/content/mocca-festival

Finally: I'm starting my own web comic! That's right. It's not quite ready yet, but it's a fun supernatural horror story called, "The Mystery at Campblood"! Is anyone excited? Any ideas what this is about? I will admit that it features characters Buzz and Chucky from the popular site http://www.campblood.org/, and is loaded with supernatural goodness (or "badness" as the case might be)! More about this coming soon. I'd love to hear any comments if you care to share them. If not, that's OK. I'm still going through with it.

March madness

Last month in honor of Valentines Day, I held a caption contest for a Holiday inspired cartoon. The prize awarded was a 4x6 sketch of the winner's choice of True Blood characters. The winner was DeeDee, and can you guess what character she picked? Here's a clue:

Well, seeing as this month is St.Patricks Day I suppose it's time for another contest.
This time I'm going to pick a person completely at random that's posted a comment. The winner will get a 4x6 sketch of their favorite BUFFY the Vampire Slayer character!

Why BUFFY? Well, I happen to be watching them all on DVD right now. I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out who my favorite character is. I'm torn between Giles and Willow. But really, I love them all. Right now I'm on season three, or is it season four? It's the season that they go off to college. Anyways, I love this show and hope you all do too. You do... don't you?

However, you can only post ONCE! Be fair: one chance per customer.
(Lissen up, DeeDee: I'm barring you from this contest so someone else can win, OK?)
So rub something Irish, and hope the luck transfers with your post.
The contest starts now until March 29th! Happy St.Paddy's and good luck to you!

I recently finished an illustration that was a lot of fun, and thought to share:

The slogan that appears is derived from a good natured private joke that a close friend of mine likes to tell. Even if you don't know the whole story, it's hard not to smile. Oh, and what a great conversation starter, too!?
Why not buy a T-shirt, mug or magnet and make that smile last a bit longer?
http://www.cafepress.com/wahrdrobe

and the winner is...

Well, I've muddled over the hundreds of entries for the cartoon contest for long enough. I am tickled by all the witty replies and it was actually a bit tough to choose a winner. However, there was one out of the bunch that just kept grabbing my attention:

"Bill, Eric, Alcide, Quinn, Sam, Calvin..... Tiger Woods?!" submitted by DeeDee.

Congratulations, DeeDee! I'm going to sketch your favorite True Blood character and mail it to you. (gosh... I hope it's Bill! *fingers crossed*)

Tiger's sexual affairs aren't really something to laugh at, but I really loved how it made fiction relate to real world/current events. Bravo!

Some of my other favorites included:

Suzgiourmatakis
"Death by chocolate, that's sure not how I thought Vamps did it ...."

Jasmin
Tara to Sookie: "Just like a damn vampire to show his love by burying you."

Rachel
"See I told ya that you'd end up buried from hanging around all those vamps!"

Thank you to everyone who took a stab at the caption contest. I really enjoyed everyone's contributions, and I hope you all had fun!

By the way: Has anyone seen Jason Stackhouse? My guess is he's still hanging around with his Valentine. ;)

Hamm it up, Valentine!

Let's face it. John Hamm was amazing on SNL. I couldn't resist making a quick animated GIF of him dancing. It's just too funny. I wasn't really a fan before, but I am now.
Just click on the Hamm and watch him dance away the heartache!

True Blood Valentines

I thought it would be appropriate to make some fun Valentines Day e-cards with some of my paper doll art for folks to use. Sorry there's only a select few characters at the moment. I'll try to add some more, but no promises! Just click on the card you want to open a larger version and drag it to your desktop, or right click on the image and "save as" to your computer.
































I'm also going to hold a contest here for the best caption to this True Blood valentine cartoon.
If you think you've got a clever caption for what Tara is saying to Sookie, then post it in the comments section to this post. I'm going to pick my favorite, and if it's yours I'll sketch a portrait of your favorite True Blood character on a 4 x 6 card and send it to you! Contest starts now until midnight, February 21st 2001.

BTW: I've done lots of other valentines in the previous years that have been posted on Campblood.org so why not stop by there and check them out? They're all horror-related and campy fun!
http://www.campblood.org/Features/Valentines2007.htm
http://www.campblood.org/Features/Valentines2006.htm
http://www.campblood.org/Features/Valentines.htm

Be sure to check out all of Campblood's amazing movie reviews, news, and fun while you're there! http://www.campblood.org/

A True Blood companion

Recently, I was contacted by a lovely woman named Rebecca Wilcott who is not only a fan of the True Blood television series, but also the author of an upcoming companion guide to the series called "Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion" (June 2010, ECW Press). From what I understand so far, the book contains a series of sidebars and short interviews with a wide variety of people responding to True Blood and/or the vampire genre. The point is to show how pervasive the genre is/has always been in society. Each sidebar is unique in that each person's contribution is different.

The best part of all this (in my opinion) is that Becca asked me and my dolls to be a part of it, too! I even did up a portrait of myself just for her book in "True Blood" style. Oh, I suppose I should mention my better half, Brian (the genius behind Campblood.org and the ever fabulous Blood Work vlog) is also featured. Yeah!

For more about Rebecca and her work, visit her wordpress web page:
http://rebeccawilcott.wordpress.com/about/

I'll post more news about the book when I hear it. For now, you'll have to just play with my paper dolls and wait.

Happy New Decade!

Finished assisting the display team at Barnys in NYC this week, and it was fun. I never realized all the people involved in such things. There were easily a dozen or so people involved, lighting, styling, choosing accessories, taking inventory, etc.

Another thing I learned is that being inside a store window is (I imagine) not unlike being an animal at the zoo. Hundreds of people pass by giving you strange looks, stopping briefly and pointing, etc. The funniest thing however, was how on a couple different occasions several women dressed head to toe in fur (wish it was faux) tapped on the window and give me an enthusiastic "thumbs up" as their eyes twinkled with excitement. LOL

Here are a few pics I snapped from INSIDE the window: Enjoy!



As I was painting out the floor around mannequins in priceless couture on my last day, I noticed a older gentleman hanging out snapping photos. I came to find out that man is none other than Bill Cunningham from the New York Times. I will admit I don't read the Times but I am going to start checking out Bill Cunningham's online video commentary installments called "On the Street" because I think he's got an interesting perspective and something to say. I've only watched a few of his videos thus far, but I got a kick out of his stories and seeing his unique pics scroll by as he talks about street life in NYC. I'm going to take careful note of his column in the next two weeks and see if yours truly makes a brief appearance (fingers crossed)!

If you're unfamiliar with Mr. Cunningham's work I suggest you pop over to the Times website and look for his series "On the Street" (in the style section):
http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/style/on-the-street/1247463985977/index.html.

Barney's Newest Addition

I've been hard at work these past couple of weeks preparing things for the new windows at Barneys Department Store in NYC. Today was my first day at the Madison Ave store, and got to help take down the Christmas windows. Did anyone see them? It was all based on Saturday Night Live skits! (Photos: Pamela Skillings)

It was kind of bizarre holding a giant-sized Christmas ornament shaped like heads of characters like "Pat", and "Mango". There was even some very nice and appreciative people there from SNL to take what they could of the displays which was a nice gesture.

Well, then it was time to install the new ones based on designs by Simon Doonan for the New Year. All I can say right now is that it involves LOTS of fortune cookies. It's a lot of fun, and I'll try to snap a few pics to share for any curious folks out there. I'll be there until about Wednesday this week and if you pass by in the daytime, chances are you'll see me gluing my heart out. Barney's stores across the country are in the process of doing the same, so if you have one near you check it out.