Not Just Another Pretty Face!

No sir! At least, not anymore. January is flying by, snow has finally fallen here in SE Pennsylvania, and i'm designing my head off. And since i'm by myself during the brunt of the day and working unattended, my path seems to be somewhat erratic. I mean, really bad. Like, i feel like i've been going upstairs to go to the basement. So, i need to sit down and serious (re)think my work strategy. The problem with that is, i am having so much fun conceptualizing and creating these designs that everything else goes on the back burner. The only reason that i'm even mentioning this is because i have a strong suspicion that it is evident in the host of new designs in my shop.

Ok... i don't need to go on about that. I will work on a strategy. What i do want to discuss is digital photo restoration. I have been quite successful professionally over the last 4-5 years in this fairly demanding field, and am now free to offer this service at a very reasonable price for those who have need. The item requiring restoration can be either a photograph or a document, color or black & white. And, of course, the more intense the reconstruction, the more work that is required, the more expensive it will be. One important thing to remember is that the original photo or document will not be restored. It will merely be digitally scanned, and the digital reproduction will be reconstructed. Here is just one common example:

There is lots more to discuss concerning this service, but if anyone of you is truly interested in talking to me about it, or has any questions, simply e-mail me at bladimz@dejazzd.com. I'd be happy to chat with you about assisting you with reparation with an old family photo or birth certificate, for instance.

Think about it: Restore a really old family photo and have it printed on a number of mugs or tiles, or magnets, or shirts, etc. for a very special family picnic or outing. Not a bad idea...

Keep checking in. I'll keep posting new designs as i can!

The Back End of the Holidays...

That's right. When i say the back end of the holidays, i mean just that. I sincerely hope that everyone has taken the time this season to make the best of it, and squeeze every last second out of it. Soon enough, if we allow it, the feelings of good cheer and peace to our fellow man will fade as the media and our routine drag us back to the daily grind. We both know it'll happen. But, i can say that for a little while; a week or so; it was nice to be able to leave the crap behind and just enjoy what Christmas is to us. Somehow, what Christmas is entirely overshadows whatever else is tossed at us. Because... That is exactly what we want it to do. What a singularly magical time in our existence!

While most of us can escape for a short time during the winter holiday season, eventually we are back into it soon enough. For me, January is really kind of a wash; it always has been. But what really jerks me back to reality is Valentine's Day on February 14th. Like many insensitives, I've never had much regard for this "Hallmark Holiday"... The image to the right is from an actual valentine's day postcard published circa 1910. Almost 100 years of disgusting, stomach-wretching drivel. And it doesn't look like it's going to abate any time soon, as long as there is money to be made. That reminds me, below is one of my valentines day designs:

... and here is the link to that so-clever product line, the Certified Romance Technician, for those of you who must purchase one (or more) now! Since this design is fairly new, it's still in featured in the "Newest Designs" sections; it won't be in the "Seasonal Offerings" section for a week or so just yet.

Valentines Day will be here and gone before we know it, so keep the "General Store" section bookmarked. That one has by far the widest range of everyday ideas and designs, and grows almost daily. The more i work in the General Store the more i like it. What i would really like the best is some input from you, dear readers. Is there something that you'd like to see? Are there some ideas that you'd like me to work on? Do you have any questions? As always, you can e-mail me at bladimz@dejazzd.com.

Well, i didn't say it yet, but of course i wish you all a very healthy, successful and prosperous 2007. If someone asked me right now about how i feel about 2007, i'd change the subject i think.
Here's hoping that i'm wrong, as usual and that you, me and Bakktalk Online Gifts all have a hard time finding a way to get it all to the bank this year!!!

Bill Adams

This Holiday Season...

... I gave "Bakktalk Online Gifts" a new (and overdue) look, and a bunch more new designs for my growing customer base. I know that many people are close to finishing up their seasonal shopping already, but if any of you dear readers are still looking for something a little different and unique, well, take a trip through the shop. Bakktalk is intentionally not theme-based; I want to offer as wide an array of designs to as many different types of shoppers as I can. Specifically, the General Store section is just that. Variety is the spice... But there are other sections like the Specialty Licenses, the Off-the -Wallclocks , Seasonal Offerings, American Politics and Are You a Junkie? that shouldn't be over-looked. Each of those sections are theme-oriented in themselves and are worthy of at least a walk-through. Below is one of my newer designs now offered on shirts, sweats, mugs, etc. in the Seasonal Offerings section ... Then there is Things LBI, a section devoted exclusively to the vacation mecca on the Jersey coast, Long Beach Island. I've grown to enjoy the flavor of that 18-mile strip of sand over the last few decades and offer island-related products in its honor. If you are, too, a fan of the coast, you should stop in. All designs are exclusive and original.

Today, Bakktalk is in the middle of celebrating it's First Anniversary. I can tell you that it has been a real learning experience and a great creative outlet for me! If someone were to ask, I'd say that the first year was much like the first year of anything. New territory, lots of experimentation, small victories, along with bumps and bruises. Now that I've learned to "walk", I'm looking forward to my second year with Cafepress.com.

To close, of course, I want to invite you to e-mail me at bladimz@dejazzd.com with any ideas, suggestions or even to request any custom work that you might want to have done for someone special. And now that I've got that out of the way:

Here's wishing you all the
peace, happiness and holiday enjoyment
that you can muster this wonderful Christmas Season!
See ya on the flip side...

Bill

The Front end of the Holidays

Here it is just a couple two three days or so before the Thanksgiving holiday.

What can i say? It's all come faster than i thought possible. But isn't it that way every year? I have to say, first, that i am ... reservedly hopeful with the results of the MidTerm Elections earlier this month.

I created this graphic a few months ago with hope in my heart. I've not sold any product with this graphic on it, but there's no reason to think that it won't sell now. Especially with the success that the Dems have had in both the House and the Senate. Oh well. If i sell some, it's just icing on the cake. I 'm much more interested in seeing our nation make some course corrections, for the people's sake. Let's hope that the power shift in the legislature is a positive thing and not just a big disappointment.


It's been warm here in SE Pa for the first part of November. Warmer than i would like to see. Snow by the first week of December would be just fine with me, if anyone is asking. The way things are going, i may have to run a few hundred miles up I-81 to get my way.


I'm starting to introduce some personalized products in my shop, Bakktalk Online Gifts, in the section "The Name Game". It's just getting started and was inspired by that old popular song, "The Name Game" by Shirley Ellis, released in 1965.

I know that a lot of you are not old enough to remember it. But, i said, what the heck. I'll give it a shot and see how much interest (and sales) i generate. If you have a few minutes, go to www.cafepress.com/bakktalk, click on the section and check it out. I'd love some feedback on that project Actually, if you have a name that you'd like me to add as a selection, use the comment window here to tell me or just send me an e-mail, bladimz@dejazzd.com. I'd be happy to create for you.


One more thing. I don't when i'll have the chance to post next. I should do it more than i do, but since i'm here and thinking of it now: please take some time this holiday season to enjoy what it has to offer. And take a little time to think of one another. Show some care and consideration for those who might be having a difficult or painful time. Holidays can either be exceedingly fun or incredibly painful, depending on one's situation.

One thing is for sure. Time will progress and before you know it, the holidays will pass and, in one way or another, we will all emerge on the other side in 2007. Good luck, peace and happiness to all this season.

See ya on the other side!

Bill