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Counterfeit goods generate hundreds of billions of dollars in sales each year, making up about 7 percent of all global trade. 

Peace, Elizabeth

Seminars will open for registration August 1, 2010. All seminars will be booked through the Portland Tattoo Expo. Please contact us at 541-343-8287 to secure your seat in one of these amazing seminars! More seminars to be added! Dates and times TBA. Unless otherwise noted, All seminars are approved for continuing education credit for all Oregon licensed artists. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Dan Dringenberg: Machine Tuning Workshop Description: This class, given by legendary machine builder Dan Dringenberg, will help you get to know your machines and keep them tuned. This is a hands on seminar. Danny and his crew will show you how to tune, and keep your machines running at their best. Bring the machines you want to work on, and a power supply to this very informative class, from one of the best builders in the industry. Website Fee: $175 ---------------------------------------------------------------

Nikko Hurtado: Color Portrait Desription: Nikko Hurtado demonstrates how to tattoo a color portrait. He covers his technique for making an intricate stencil and the application process. Nikko will then take you step-by-step through important aspects of doing a color portrait such as color choice, choosing the right photo, different needle groupings, and much more. This incredible seminar is packed with information that will guide the experienced tattoo artist to understanding the important components of a color portrait tattoo. Website Fee: $175

How can you not feel that? Especially if you are an animal lover like myself! Quite a few years ago, I worked for a company that treated animals with the respect they deserve. We trained animals for therapy: for nursing homes, abused children, and for people that were sick, disabled, or in the hospital. Many of those animals were rescues. To see the power an animal can have for helping someone heal, the power they have to make someone smile and try again, is amazing. Animals are not just animals, they, to me, are family. I have rescued many animals over the years, to give them a better home. I love them like they were my kids. They are pampered and spoiled and are given the best. My kids have grown up with animals their entire lives, and they have learned so much from them: empathy, love, integrity, responsibility, selflessness, unconditional love and unfortunately, in some cases, loss. They have become better people for being around animals. My daughter wants to go to college to be a veterinarian, and then be able to open up her own no-kill animal sanctuary. My son wants to have a farm, with every animal imaginable. I feel proud knowing that I was able to instill in my children the importance of animals. Calico Dragon Bags is a company that was started because donating to charity was one thing, but Candy Brown, owner of Calico Dragon Bags wanted to do MORE. Her idea was, "Why not start a company that says, "We donate to these causes; the ones on this purse!" We can (aid in) the benefit to animals financially, as a result of the message each purse reflects, we can benefit them indirectly as well." Candy's idea is that maybe someone will notice her tote bag that talks about fur, entitled "Mine Lost Hers," and make that person question if the fur they are wearing was worth the cruel death and loss.....maybe.... someone will see the anti-circus bag titled "Great Memories," and choose to boycott torture under the big top. Awareness is the first step. Brilliant. If that isn't enough to impress you about Calico Bags, check this out. Their line is produced by a lady in China; Anne Chenn. Calico Dragon, Anne was able to start her own home based business to financially support her 6 year old son AND escape her abusive husband. To know you are supporting a woman, who did it. Who did what she had to do for herself & her child. :) It makes you feel wonderful. Calico Dragon Bags is going to be hot. And you know why? Not only do you get attractive bags, but you get bags that STAND for something. Each bag has it's own design & statement. Be it a bag that states, "Overpopulation is a real killer. Spay or neuter your pet. Over 4 million homeless animals are killed each year simply because they were born" to a bag that states, "Whips & chains belong in the bedroom, not at the circus. Every circus ticket sold admits one to a lifetime of torture and abuse." Not only are YOU making a statement by purchasing one these bags and letting the world know what is important to you, BUT you are also donating financial support to the cause as a portion of all proceeds are donated to charity. You can look fabulous and help protect the animals. Perfection. "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened"- Anatole France Blush asks Candy some of life's most important questions: If you had 3 wishes that would come true, what would they be? 3 wishes is a big order! That being said, my number one wish would be that no harm would ever come to any animal in the world. Knowing that is an impossibility, I do wish to see stricter laws and harsh, extremely harsh punishment against animal abusers in the very near future. And lastly, I wish the gulf wasn't being drenched in oil thus killing off marine and bird life as we know it today. What kind of TV commercial would you like to make? I actually have footage from PETA featuring commercials that are anti-circus campaigns. As soon as I have enough funds saved up I plan to run them in my area, and right before the Shriner's Circus comes to town! If I ever win the lotto I'll run them nationwide - or even better worldwide! What is the most important piece of information you have picked up in life so far? You can't change what people think about animals by being extremely radical, so I have learned to tone it down when necessary, in order to be heard and to get my point across to some of the most difficult people. What do you believe in? I believe children, young children, and all animals are completely innocent and beautiful. What kind of pet did you have as a kid? A dog, a cat and a gerbil. Later on many more cats! Until next time, xoxo ~ Blush

Blush Meet Blush. Yeah, B-l-u-s-h. Have you ever met someone so eclectic you have to sit back and ask yourself, "Is this person for real?" My girl Blush is the is this girl. At first glance, you see her and think "WHOA!"....but in a good way, (of course)...and then when you actually have a conversation with her, you'll find she is more than just the "girl next door/hardcore/badass/beautiful" mortal on the outside. But check this....she actually has...wait for it, wait for it........a personality too! In this world full of facades and images, she is the REAL DEAL! Here are some tidbits and trivia about her dynamics... "You remember American Pie, when Michelle is sitting on the couch and says, This one time, at band camp.... Let me start the story that way, but with an added little twist...This one time, at the dentist, I was asked about my "daily activities." I was thinking we are in the dentist so she must be asking me about dental downfalls...so I admit I am a Coke addict. Immediately the dentist squints her eyes in genuine consternation and asks if I have ever sought treatment for the problem. I'm talkin' about a soda, she thinks I'm into drugs," Blush details..."This is really how my life rolls every day. Sort of like a fill in the blank puzzle book that I have to figure out." Blush began in the fashion and apparel industry, employed for a clothing design company that specialized in soccer and athletic wear for Diadora and Puma. She worked in the office in coordination and training employees on the use of software programs. Blush is a pop culture toy collector and has been selling the same on eBay for many years. A radical career change lead her to working with animals in therapy for humans. So it won't surprise many to find a "Welcome to the Zoo" sign aptly swinging from her country home. Blush is a mom of two fantastic kids and slew of chickens, geese, ducks and even a pot-bellied pig. Not to mention the indoor animals which consist of fish, a turtle, a bunny and a cat named after Garfield (whom the cat very much resembles) two dogs-a Bully named Diamond after her favorite singer, Neil Diamond, and the other named after a character from Stephen King's Dark Tower series - King Roland. When not directly parenting or poop scooping, Blush over indulges on Stephen King's "On Writing," which she will highly recommend to anyone and everyone. Consider it part of the "Blush Book Club." She owns every published Stephen King book. Blush, her man and her children, enjoy an annual trip to Hollywood, and Adam Sandler's house. She enjoys dancing, country music, collecting movies, roasting marshmallows on hot summer nights, being barefoot, wine drinking, and bon fires. She says if she won the lottery she would hire a "stable boy" for her zoo who would of course HAVE to be hot...and GAY. She has a thing for hot gay men. Blush lives by this motto: "Karma is a bitch. Watch your back." and firmly believes that what goes around comes around. Moodswings welcomes Blush as a contributing blog writer for Moodswings Inc, and as an assistant to the marketing department and in social media promotions. Moodswings: Why are manhole covers round? Blush: A circle is the strongest shape. Look it up. It's true. Moodswings: What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Blush: Wine, cheese, oranges, strawberries, Coke, whip cream, grape juice, chocolate syrup, milk. All the fixings for 9 1/2 Weeks, the 'Claw style! Moodswings: What was the last movie you went to see? Blush: Paranormal Activity. All I can say is BRING IT. Moodswings: If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want? Blush: To rule all. I would also like to meet E.T. I would request that. Moodswings: If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be? Blush: Melissa Fuller. "The Boy Next Door" by Meg Cabot. Moodswings: If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? Blush: Yummy, duh. Moodswings: If you were a salad, what kind of dressing would you have? Blush: None. You know how much fat is in dressing?! When we asked Blush to share ten things about herself: 1. I love my kids more than life itself. 2. I love the 80's. 3. My Granma is my hero and who I strive to be. 4. I am stubborn, opinionated and tactless. 5. I'm the boss. 6. I hate liars. 7. I am a movie whore. 8. I love to read. 9. I'm eclectic. 10.I'm like no one you've ever met. She can be reached at moodswingsmedia@comcast.net

As a child of the 80's and My Little Ponies I can see why unicorns take people back to their childhood day dreams of rainbows and faraway lands. When you were a little girl, did you ever envision of being a princess? I sure did. And other than the "knight in shining armor" what else did you dream of? Well for me, it was a unicorn to carry me around, to protect me and to make me feel secure. I mean, think about it, while you are laying in a field of lush green grass and beautiful flowers, looking up at a bright blue sky and feeling the sun kiss you with its rays and daydreaming; up comes this beautiful, gentle, pure and one-horned mystical creature with hair that looked like satin when the sun shined on it. How much better could you get than that?! I always felt safe knowing I had a "best friend." One that was selfless, one that was always there for me, one that would heal me if you got hurt and would make sure it would do whatever in its power to ward off evil from me. The little princess that I was. In all of mythology, no other animal was respected and awed for the amount of power it had...an amazing animal that stood for purity and honesty. You could never go wrong with a unicorn by your side. Unicorns in fashion and trend have made their way back into the culture in full speed forward. This Jeffrey Campbell 'Unicorn Princess Heel' (above left in Gold and Patent Black Leather) has us swooning big time...with the sparkly ruffle and unicorn horn twirl heel, there's nothing much left to say other than just plain, 'Wow'... There are unicorns of the sky, The Bible, India, Royal Unicorns, Western Unicorns, and unicorns by Iron Fist...which is what leads me to writing this little blog....two of the hottest selling trend accessories in the market today..... See right....Unicorns do exist and the evidence is on this snap wallet featuring a colorful unicorn head and stars. Exterior back ground has a glitter finish. Interior includes card slots, billfold, clear ID display and zipper pocket. 4.25 in x 4.25 in x 1 in. Vegan Friendly. By Moodswings Inc

Melody Mertens began part-time/project-based work in September 2008 for Moodswings Inc. This gradually changed to full time by January 2009. We scooped Mel up as soon as we caught wind of how Mel's brain works! Quick, smart, analytic, problem solver with excellent memory and an ever-so-pleasant personality to work with, Melody is our Joy! (her birth name is Melody Joy) Melody is trained in so many functions of operations at Moodswings it would be impossible to list them all, but her specialty is that she is a "Master of Excel" and can manipulate data faster than anyone I have ever seen! She has learned Search Engine Optimization, how to manage inventory, warehousing, and shipping operations. Mel works customer service and support, and in and with complex multi-channel software programs such as Channel Advisor, and ASPDOTNET, Quick Books POS, Amazon, eBay Seller, and SAP. She is an important part of Moodswings Inc! A little bit about her off the clock: Mel is water girl and began lifeguarding at age 16 and she hasn't given it up! She has an AA with an emphasis in Music from Highline Community College and a BM (Bachelors of Music) in Music Education, Choral Emphasis from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. You can't double-major in the same department, or she'd also have a Vocal Performance degree. She teaches beginning piano and all ages voice lessons to help fund her own musical adventures. (if you need her number get at me:) She recently performed with the Puget Sound Concert Opera http://www.pugetsoundconcertopera.org/, and from there was recommended to Bellevue Opera. Don Carlo is the first time shes been in a staged production since 2007. Melody will be performing with the chorus. She says it is a fun way to get back into singing and acting! She is working to improve her skills as both singer and an actress, which is why she joined http://www.bellevueopera.org/Don_Carlo.html. Don Carlo is THIS WEEKEND in Bellevue, WA at the Meydenbauer Center. Friday and Saturday, 7:30pm. She will have a small solo in excerpts from The Fairy Queen with PSCO on June 4th and 5th. We asked her 20 questions and here are a couple of those: Moodswings: Why are manhole covers round? Mel: So that people of all sizes can escape into the sewers. Moodswings: What is the last book you read? Mel: Oh my... I believe the last book I finished was "Certain Girls" by Jennifer Weiner. Her and British author Carole Matthews are two of my favorites when it comes to fun reading. Moodswings: If you could be any character in fiction, whom would you be? Mel: Ophelia - but I would write a different ending! Moodswings:If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be? Mel: Flight, with the capability to control my speed! I'd also love to be able to swim underwater without needing to breathe. Moodswings: If you were a type of food, what type of food would you be? Mel: Chèvre! A soft, creamy goat's milk cheese - slightly nutty and packed with flavor! You either love it or you don't. Moodswings: If you were a car, what kind would you be? Mel: Does a Harley count? I might not be one, but I'd certainly like to have one! Melody can be reached at Moodswings Inc., moodswingsonthenet@yahoo.com Peace, Elizabeth Bighorse