Dispatches From Tanganyika

We've had a lot of scary and unexpected medical expenses recently, so I am having Night Owl/Early Bird Sale: 3 AM today (3-31-14) through the stroke of midnight, 50% off all Nola Jewels (my handmade jewelry) and paintings on canvas. The jewelry ships free worldwide with purchase of any other item in shop.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/PZBART

"It Costs $10,000 To Be A Man," mixed media shadowbox sculpture, $100 or best offer.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/174717197/poppy-z-brite-original-shadowbox?ref=shop_home_feat

I listed a bunch of new artwork on PZBART last night, including this piece since folks seemed to like my other black cat:

"Black Cat 2," acrylic on canvas, 8" x 10", $45

https://www.etsy.com/listing/171980748/original-painting-by-poppy-z-brite-black?ref=shop_home_feat

The building of NolaLooks, my vintage fashion and handmade jewelry shop, continues apace. Over the past few weeks, when I'm not making jewelry or assisting Grey in the photography of my items, I've been studying search engine optimization and advertising on social media, and, just incidentally, brushing up on my fashion knowledge. I feel I'm using some skills I developed over 44 years of doing drag that would otherwise go to waste now, but I was never fashion-forward enough to, say, know a baguette from a clutch or spot that ILGWU label that's one of the tells of a true vintage item, so I'm learning. I also find that I enjoy clothes shopping a hell of a lot more when I don't actually have to try on or wear any of the clothes ... and anyway, vintage shopping has a lot more in common with treasure hunting than with ordinary mall/store shopping.

I'm still doing art, too, but mostly just for enjoyment -- I mean, I still sell it online and take commissions, but I'm neither productive nor commercially appealing enough to make any kind of living at it. My goal is to finance the art-making with the vintage and jewelry, so if you're interested in one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and vintage fashion with an accent on plus sizes or know someone who is, please visit or pass the word along. You can also like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (@nolalooks).

Cat emergency: Something has gone terribly wrong with our Deano's right front leg, either a tumor or a freak break, and it will probably have to be amputated. The vet is working with us, but it's still going to be pricey, so I'm running a coupon special in both my shops. Now through Sunday, enter coupon code DEANO at checkout for 20% off any item from NolaLooks (handmade jewelry and vintage fashion) or PZBART (original artwork and signed prints) .

http://etsy.com/shop/NolaLooks

http://etsy.com/shop/PZBART

Also, if you don't want to make a purchase but would like to help with his medical care, it's possible to call the Magazine Street Animal Clinic at 504-891-4115 and tell them you'd like to contribute to Deano Martin's medical fund.

Today is the last day of my Etsy testosterone fundraiser. Enter coupon code TSHOT at checkout for 20% off any item at NolaLooks (my handmade jewelry; vintage clothing and accessories) or 40% off any item at PZBART (my original artwork and signed prints). Thanks for looking.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NolaLooks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PZBART

"Helmut," tiny voodoo doll, $45 or best offer.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/164371238/helmut-tiny-voodoo-doll-handmade-by

"Found Dog," acrylic on canvas, 12" x 12", $50 or best offer.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/163882736/found-dog-original-painting-by-poppy-z?ref=shop_home_feat