Cameron House Records T's and Junos

Working down in the studio today, it's way too nice out to be stuck in the basement cleaning but things have really started to pile up down there, and then those piles fell over onto each other and then they made little baby piles. It's pretty chaotic.

So before I head back down into the dark I thought I'd post a picture, that I meant to get up on the blog ages ago of the Strumbellas at the Junos. If you've never seem/heard them you have to check them out and one of the fellas, apologies for forgetting your name man, is proudly wearing a "Cameron House Records" T shirt, which you can buy at the Cameron or online.

I'll be back at the Cameron House tomorrow and Tuesday finishing the walls, check back here for photos or head on down to see what I've done.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com



HUSK "Hot Corn" cover design first proof

First Proof, Needs Tweaking.

Here's the companion design that goes with the "F'n'R Stew" cover design a few posts down  and later on I'll post a link to band camp to check out the music you can stream and purchase. There may be two more done in this style, we'll keep you posted.

It's getting to the time of year where I reccomend you contact me if there's anything you'd like to commission for Christmas gifts, yes, it seems a long way off but my dance card does start to fill up right about now.

Paintings from my show "the Royal Families" (see label right) and the beautiful flying chairs will come down on the first of November, they are currently at the Wilson 96 (615 College Street, the Royal Families pieces are $160.00 each or two for $300.00) also the wall of Rayguns is at the Press Club, (850 Dundas West) don't forget to go to "Domestic Bliss Mondays" at the Press Club for Beer Specials, $7.00 nachos and $5.00 chili, prices to good to miss, music by Lamburger with Poor Ol' Jim.

and tonight at the Wilson 96 the below is happening

Sunday Supper! Chilli- the return.

Chilli night was such a hit we have more. Come on by for a bowl.

Beefknuckle is playing tonight from 6-9. To celebrate we have $5.00 Pints of Mill Street Organic and $4.00 shots of Jag all night.

(apparently they spell Chili with two "l"s, must be a College Str. thing)

Send us a question, we'd love to hear from you,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

F'n' R Stew album cover, 10 years in the making

This album cover originally started out as a two panel mural for a recording studio, I was asked to do the preliminary sketch for Twang Records probably in 1999 or 2000 I'll have to ask Carl to confirm that. The studio was busy and there never seemed to be a good time to do the piece and time went on for all of us. I was contacted last week for permission to use the drawing as an album cover for Twang Records (project details still secret, I'll fill you in when the album comes out). I couldn't possibly just have that sketch printed and we decided to advance the idea. I wanted to keep the comic book aspect of the sketch intact,  I didn't really want to paint it, I thought that doing a bar scene that may have taken place in the Haight or London in the late 60's would be best and then add the idea that it was an underground comic or leaflet/poster handed out at gigs. The next image was the block in for the second drawing and the bottom image is the final, I think it captures the spirit of the times quite well and has a very cool rock'n'roll feel.

This is my fourth album design this year, I've done Dany Laj "the match, Shotgun Wedding Band "OK Alrite", Twang Records "F'n"R Stew" and am still working with the Unseen Strangers on their album cover, each is different in design from the other and that's what I like about working with musicians other collaborators I get to flex another part of my brain producing something unique that serves both the music and the identity of the band, the whole album sound, it's alway interesting....hmmm I have more to say about this, but I have some work to do.You can see all my designs, posters, T'shirts etc. if you click the label "Pub Life Sketches" or TShirt Designs
cheers,
A.Shay Hahn

The Cameron House 30th Anniversary Celebrations

This week is the 30th Anniversary of the Cameron House, my second home, make sure to stop by to see some music this week. Here's a facebook link to Cameron House records to read about events and etc. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1634977327174.2082579.1618943436&type=1#!/cameronhouserecords

Here's a link to read an article on "the Grid" about the genesis of the label and the TShirt designs  done by yours truly and available at the bar (see pic above)  http://www.thegridto.com/culture/music/cameron-house-records/

and here's the facebook link to the 30th Anniversary event week https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1634977327174.2082579.1618943436&type=1#!/event.php?eid=153491618077596

the paintings posted are from my last show at the Cameron House, "The Royal Families" selections from it are hanging at the Wilson 96 (615 College Str.) until the end of the month.

head to the Cameron, have a pint, hear some tunes and be a part of the best bar in Toronto.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Unseen Strangers, Album Design Day 3

Here's the block in for the second version of "the Unseen Strangers: album cover, at first I was leaning towards the heavier blue black night sky of the first, but these tones seem pretty warm and a bit more appealing. Maybe I'll push the other even darker to make a better contrast between the two images. Also below it  is the almost finished TShirt design, just some more touches and line fixes here and there and we'll be good. I just wanted to say how glad I was that the band contacted me, the DSD has really become something I'm known for over the past couple of years, people really love them and I never really get tired of painting them (well after painting five of them I get pretty tired). I think this will be a great way for the band to be identified while they promote the album, it's got the right amount of hit and recognition, you'll know it's their record, their poster, their T etc. I hope that it helps to spread the work , visually of course.

I'm also glad to get this much laid in along with the two other commissions I'm working on I think I've hit upon the first head cold of the year and feel like I'm crashing fast, so I'll be glad to rest for a day or two this far ahead. One way that I can really tell that I'm getting sick is by rereading the above babbling, so I'm off to go slug down my cuppa neo citran and then six more litres of H20.
A.S.H
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band Day 7 - some assembly required

Front and back cover for "Ok Alrite" by Shotgun Wedding Band,

 design by A.Shay Hahn, concept done in collaboration with the band.

Now I think this turned out looking great, something I haven't seen in a long time, I think it will stand out from the pack quite nicely, let me know what you think. Doing this assemblage has also got me thinking of using the models for AHT to maybe do some staged dioarama photographs to print, so did the opening credits of "Dinner for Schmucks" but beyond that, the movie was a bloody waste of mine and my best girl's time.
Here's a link to Shotgun Wedding Band's Myspace, check'em out
http://www.myspace.com/jamesplouffe

Time to get back to writing.

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band Day 6 -Tshirts and models Post 1

Still a little tweak or two to do on the lettering, but coming along nicely, wanted there to be options for the shirt in case it's printed on different colours. Hard at work in the back yard studio building the model for the cover, first dioarama wave was too severe and had to cut and reglue it, placed figures, adjusted background, much happier with results, photos to come.
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Shotgun Wedding Band plays Friday

Here's a link to the Facebook Event to check out the Shotgun Wedding Band on Friday at the Silver Dollar, we're currently working together to design their new album, TShirt etc. there are links at the event to check out their music http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194823583907533 . Many thanks to my friends in Kemptville for supplying me with some spent shells, just wish I'd had a chance to fire off a few.
  A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Flaming Czars TDesign and Press Fest kicks off to a melty start

Here's the finished TDesign for the UK based folk duo, "The Flaming Czars", taking a break from writing out in the heat to work in the new studio on some commissions, no writing today, maybe just notes.

"Press Fest III" kicks off tonight at the Press Club, 850 Dundas West Toronto, if you like your music sweaty that's the place to be, here's a link to the weekend listings

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2050302030032&set=a.2011183812101.2107204.1618943436&type=1&theater#!/event.php?eid=121074224652491

posted some fun new photos a couple of days ago over at "Any How Town", click the link to check them out, moving into Book Three in first draft of the series and it's going well, your support is always appreciated.

The show is up until the end of July at the Press Club, if you had inquired about work it's there (see photos below) but nothing is being reserved, if there's something you like or contacted me about, I suggest you grab it now, Press Fest is a busy time.

 stay cool,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Vodka, Accordions, Left Handed Guitars and the burning head of Nicholas himself!

Yesterday was not kind my friends, this was all that I got accomplished, sad times. After two weeks of straight writing I wanted to do some drawing, luckily I was asked to do a design for the East European UK based folk duo, "the Flaming Czars" these are the concept sketches, yes there will be flaming russian heads.I thought I was going to finish but I was just really tired, the spiritual tired, when nothing works no matter how hard you force it. So, expect to see this and some other paintings by the end of next week. I know, I know, I keep pushing my commissions back because I'm enjoying writing far too much.
  As always please head down to the Press Club (850 Dundas West ) and check oot the stoof and for other news, head to the Any How Town link, I may post a couple of diorama shots later today.
 cheers,
A.Shay Hahn
madcraftshoppe@live.com

Cameron House Records, T-Shirts are here!

Cameron House Records T-Shirts are now available at the Cameron House $20.00 each, they come in a variety of sizes (don't ask me what those sizes are) and look exactly like the photo above. On the back of course is printed, "This Is Paradise".

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

p.s let me add to those who follow along a great and easy way to see my work, without all these words is to joing my group on facebook, "the mad craft shoppe" it's mostly just photos of paintings and will quickly let you see prices and locations of paintings.

Grand Trunk Winnipeg

Here's a design commissioned from Winnipeg, once I get the full info on what it's for and where you can get it, I will post that here.

cheers,

A.Shay Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

50 Posts in 50 Days #18, EAR SLAUGHTER!

Meant to get this up yesterday, but just didn't have the time (lots to do around here). Murder Squad are going on tour folks, and not just any tour, the Ear Slaughter Tour! Phone call goes something like this,

"Hey Shay, it's Murder Mike, I meant to ask you yesterday when I saw you but I forgot (musicians) and I know it's short notice but can you do a poster ?"

"Of course man Id' love t- "

"Great! Okay, what I need you to do is the skull faced cat guy you designed (see above and in Tshirt tags) smashing a guys head in with a Flying V Guitar, cuz the tour is called Ear Slaughter"

"Okay, I'll get it to you on Mon-"

*click*

And here it is, I don't have the finished artwork, I added lots more chains and shading to the figure, tried to push the high contrast, what looks great is that the dreadlocks seem to turn into chains. You know why this is so damn cool ? I'll tell you, this is my Eddie, (Iron Maiden's mascot, c'mon people) this guy up here who is quickly becoming a way to identify , Murder Squad by TShirt and Poster is my design and he's evolving as Eddie evolves, I'll probably do another couple of drawings of him for the band for that same reason. This will also be a TShirt, not sure when the printing will get done, but I'll post a photo of my Mom wearing one soon.

Expect a couple of posts today, things are nearing completion

A.S.Hahn

madcraftshoppe@live.com

The Liberty Boot Company

Top :Sketches for "Killaz" Style boots, unfinished

Bottom: "Matchbox Rooster" boot and block in

My man Tony Benattar and I have been collaborating on and off for a couple of years on shows at the Cameron House, this year's show "POP GOES THE COWBOY" which goes up at the end of March through the month of April {Opening Dates to be Announced in the New Year} will feature Ten {count'em} Ten large scale drawings of Liberty Boots as seen through the eyes of the mad craft shoppe . As always check his website, "The Liberty Boot Company" to see the styles and come here to watch the work in progress.

madcraftshoppe@live.com

A.S Hahn

Other Announcements , visit here for new T Shirt Designs coming straight from my head and printed by "Hardboiled" in the heart of Kensington Market. Should be available for purchase from them early March and my second brand new exclusive "mad craft shoppe " shirt (first run SOLD OUT} which you can purchase from me via this site.

Ta daa.

Super cool work we do here, the font is from another designer, the rest is all Shoppe.

Thanks to Mr.Micks for coming up with the slogan.

Hardboiled meets the Mad Craft Shoppe

Here are a couple of new T Shirt designs that I'm going to sumit to the "Hardboiled TShirt Collective" to see if the good folk at Hardboiled in the market will print and sell them as part of their line. I will refine the drawings that are chosen, may add a couple more to the site in this next day or so.

Here's "She Wolf" get ready for "Amazon".

A very happy Father's Day to me dear ol' Pa, love ya.

A.S Hahn

Graffiti's TShirt Design

This is a concept TShirt design for one of my favourite bars in the city, yes I know I do have alot of favourite bars, that's just the way I am. I love this, it is very successful as a T Design, I also hope to do a large painting ala those old liquor posters you see in framing shops around your city, it would be fantastic in that format. Not sure if these are going to get printed, but it is so boss, very happy with the design.

Best Live Show of the Year so far :Disfear at Sneaky Dee's check them out online if you like hardcore, it was an amazing show, thanks to Murder Mike and Grizzle for the invite to go, they kick ass.

madcraftshoppe@live.com

TShirts et al.

Yes our shirts are here, the men's large is more of an XL, though no fault of the great guys at wounded paw, it's just what they're supplier sends them. The women's medium is perfect, as J.C demonstrates in the photos. So come with cash to the Cloak and Dagger today to get yours today, they will sell out in minutes, seconds even.

ALL T SHIRTS SOLD OUT.

madcraftshoppe@live.com

Pub Life Sketches Eleven and Twelve

The first image is for a poster/TShirt for Kevin Quain and the mad bastards, if you've never seen them play at the Cameron House Sunday nights you are missing out on one of the greatest live acts in the history of this cursed city. He also plays Monday nights solo at Graffiti's in the market, Tuesdays at the Paddock and at The Rex, can't remember which evening that is, look it up. When you find out what I traded him this design for you will be so jealous your fillings will fall out.

The second image is for an old friend Duncan Nicholls who I went to Grand River High with, he now teaches there, which has to be strange, that's his band the Monster Show, who have a name that just begs for me to do a TShirt/Poster for. Check them out online.

A.Shay Hahn

SONG CURRENTLY STUCK IN MY HEAD: "By the Beautiful Sea" from Sweeney Todd, which if you don't know is where Belle and Sebastien ripped off all of their chops, so Sondheim should sue or maybe he gets a nice royalty cheque every month

madcraftshoppe@live.com

potential tshirts for the Shoppe and the Cloak

Once we get the first batch of shirts out into the world, which seems to be taking awhile, we may print this "Batman/Batmite" inspired image for the madcraftshoppe clothing line,depending on interest from you Shoppers. This may get printed in children's sizes.

Below it is one of the most popular catchphrases at the Cloak and Dagger rendered in an "Austin Powers" style 60's lettering, this may be printed by the pub but there seems to be a dispute {as always} between the owners which I won't get into because I don't take sides, I do the designs, they make the decisions, or at least attempt to.

FILE UNDER "It wouldn't be the Internet if we didn't talk about movies"

Just watched "Lars and the Real Girl" incredibly done, but it's distracting to watch a film where you know more than half the actors personally, heck one of them lives just up the street from me. By weight alone it should be a "Canadian Film". I thought the performance of the older brother was spot on. Nevertheless a wonderful film, very affecting music and they use my "wedding song" "This Must Be the Place {Naive Melody} by the Talking Heads, one of the most "real" love songs ever written.

In other news, I don't know about you but I read the paper online, I read the Sun at the pub, but you can get carried away with scrolling, so instead of a headline that reads, "Stolen Rhinoceros Horns could be deadly" my scanning eyes read, "Stolen Rhinoceros Porn turns Heads".

talk to me at the address below.

madcraftshoppe@live.com