Budge Blog

Coming Soon...

2011-11-02T20:53:00.007-04:00

Be sure to come check out the Budge and many other talented local artists at this great event!

Opening party - Thursday, November 17th

from 2pm to 10pm.

We'd love to see you there!

* -* -*

Budge Update...

2011-10-11T22:52:00.006-04:00

I am proud to announce the newest Budge location in town:
Cafe Neon (241 Wallace Ave., Toronto). Cafe Neon opened about two months ago and is without a doubt one of my favourite spots to go to while I am in the west end of town. Friendly staff, great food and delicious coffee (still thinkin' about my last latte... Mmmm...).

Be sure to go visit the Budge, perched amidst the aroma of freshly ground espresso and wonderful food (That's one lucky Budge).

For more about Cafe Neon, check out this recent article on BlogTO... http://www.blogto.com/cafes/cafe-neon-toronto

Zzzz...

2011-05-31T22:38:00.006-04:00

One of the Carrier Budge Teacup Dogs,

just perfect for the Illustration Friday topic -- Asleep

Birthday Fuz: Part II

2010-11-16T22:01:00.005-05:00

- * Budge's birthday accessories always come in handy *

Still Pug Magazine material.

* * *

Happy Birthday Calvin! Hope you have a great day!

( For more Birthday Fuz, click HERE )

To Canada with love from the Budge.

2010-07-01T23:47:00.011-04:00

Happy Birthday Canada!

Cheers to a truly great country.

* o* o*

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-06-25T15:35:00.009-04:00

Another great June birthday to celebrate! Time for my first ever Renoir-inspired family portrait...

.Renoir - Luncheon of the Boating Party photo source - Wikimedia Commons

Happy Birthday Dad!! Hope you have an amazing day!

Lots of love,

Holly & the Budge

Happy 30th Lisa!!

2010-06-23T21:02:00.007-04:00

Today's my sister's 30th birthday! Definitely cause for celebration! Even a 5.5 earthquake to mark the occasion!
Whoo hoo!

Hope you had a great day, Lisa!

Lots of Love,

Holly & the Budge

Birthday Anteater in the Lazy Day Treasury...

2010-06-23T20:40:00.004-04:00

This week seems to be treasury week! This time it's the anteater's turn. He's hangin' out with some sloths and fellow anteaters on the Lazy Day Etsy Treasury.

To have a look at all the great items, click on the link below

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c2131769b996d914580707b/lazy-day

Tired Squirrel in the Run! Etsy Treasury

2010-06-22T01:56:00.001-04:00

The tired runner squirrel has done it again! Dragging his tired little body across the line to be chosen for the Run! Etsy Treasury! Very happy to be a part of it.

Click on the link below to have a look . . .

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c1bdf45b6136d9187e90fba/run

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-22T01:33:00.005-04:00

A beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon, with the smell of barbeque in the air... Mmm the smell of father's day.

Cheers to all the wonderful dads out there!
Hope you had a great day!

- one fine catch -

2010-05-27T01:22:00.006-04:00

A quick drawing for illustration friday. This week's topic is early...

I just couldn't help myself...

xox The Budge

Carrier Budge Website is Now Up & Running!

2010-05-10T12:50:00.008-04:00

It's official, the Carrier Budge website is finally up & running! Check out all the great Carrier Budge greeting cards, read up on the Budge, or just go exploring. Whatever the reason, it is worth the visit to- www.carrierbudge.ca

Be sure to have a look.

xox The Budge

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T22:33:00.006-04:00

INSIDE: Love Always, Your Little Baby

Carrier Budge's "Little Baby" Mother's Day Card

Cheers to all the amazing mothers out there.
Hope you had a fantastic day!
o
♥o ♥o ♥

Cheers to a Speck-tacular Occasion!

2010-05-02T13:00:00.004-04:00

- click on image to enlarge -

Another great birthday to celebrate! This one's for the one and only Krystal Speck, maker of fantastic ceramics and tableware.

Cheers, Krystal! Hope you have a wonderful day!

xox The Budge

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more ceramic goodness, check out http://krystalspeck.blogspot.com

Birthday Wishes from Dag the Puppet

2010-04-26T14:18:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday Steph! Hope you are having a fantastic day!

xo 0The Budge

----------------------------------------------------------------------
For more puppet pics and info, check out
http://samizdatsyndicate.blogspot.com/

Carrier Budge Now Available at Midoco!

2010-04-22T21:47:00.001-04:00

Midoco Art & Office Supplies (Your Creative OutletTM) is your one-stop shop for creative expression

... and the Budge.

Living and working in Toronto's Annex, the Bloor Street Midoco has been a neighbourhood favourite of mine. A great selection of art supplies and all within walking distance, absolutely perfect. I am very pleased to now have Midoco as a Budge Retailer.
Go in and take a look.

Midoco Art & Office Supplies Inc.
555 Bloor St. W. Toronto, ON
(416) 588-7718
www.midoco.ca

Carrier Budge Featured on Invitation Buzz!

2010-04-06T11:55:00.010-04:00

= =
With the Boston Marathon only a couple weeks away, the focus on Invitation Buzz today is runner greeting cards and Budge has been listed as a part of the lineup!

Be sure to check it out!
http://invitationbuzz.com/posts/70-boston-marathon-just-2-weeks-away-

Thank you to Emily and Heather for featuring Carrier Budge!

Invitation Buzz is also helping raise donations for Heather's sister, Crystal, who will be running Boston for the first time as a part of the American Liver Foundation team.

To read Crystal's story or to make a donation, please click here

Good Luck at Boston!

While on the topic of marathons, the Budge also wants to wish Greg good luck at the Ottawa marathon! This will also be Greg's first marathon so here's hoping for a great run! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

Happy Running Everyone!

xo x The Budge

Bright. Cheerful. Filled with Love (and some hearts).

2010-03-30T23:31:00.013-04:00

I (Heart) U - Budge Card (front)

Spring. A time for frolicking with greeting cards in a dewy meadows (possibly delivering messages of thanks, appreciation, or love - but not necessarily).

In any case, this I (Heart) U Budge Card is perfect for the occasion. Its bright, cheerful exterior is paired with a pink interior and a few hearts - A great backdrop for your personal message.

♥ ♥ ♥

For more information on how to get your own I (Heart) U Budge Card or other cards like it, please contact Holly at carrierbudgecards@gmail.com

Easter Post

2010-03-29T15:02:00.007-04:00

- click on image to enlarge -

Well Easter is almost here so I thought it was about time to jazz up the blog with some festive goodness (this obviously entails a frantic chicken running) - done and done.

Have a great Easter!

*Drawing inspired by this week's Illustration Friday topic - Rescue.

Customizable Dickie Dog Cards Now Available on Etsy!

2010-03-17T21:12:00.005-04:00

Good Luck - Customizable Dickie Dog Card

They're here! The first line of customizable greeting cards offered through Carrier Budge. And who better to start things off then Dickie Dog and his array of festive dickies. What a great way to add a personal touch to your next special occasion.

Want to see more? > www.carrierbudge.etsy.com

New customizable greeting cards will be coming soon so be sure to check back.

Hope everyone had a great St. Patrick's Day!

Cheers ~

Carrier Budge Now Available at Valhalla!

2010-03-10T19:34:00.012-05:00

=
Yes, that's right, Carrier Budge cards can now be found at Valhalla Cards and Gifts located at 823 Queen Street West, Toronto! What a fantastic opportunity to spot the majestic Budge amongst many unique gift items, cards, stationary, toys, games, books and even a fun house mirror (Budge is going to enjoy staring into that one).

Possible Budge sightings include cards such as: Budge Birthday Card, Little Baby - Mother's Day Card, and the Squirrel with Nut - Thank You Card (shown below in previous post)

So if you find yourself out and about in the GTA, be sure to stop in at Valhalla and check out the Budge. You'll be happy you did.

For more info about Valhalla, please visit http://www.valhallacards.com/

2010-03-10T13:41:00.010-05:00

Squirrel with Nut - Thank You Card (front)

A new addition to the Carrier Budge card line:
Squirrel with Nut - Thank You Card

A pleasant way to say thank you ~ And look, he's even left his nut for you inside the card - How sweet ~

* Note: Aside from the lone nut, interior is blank - perfect for thank you messages or custom squirrel drawings (such as example below...)

An Amazing Bird

2010-02-26T13:06:00.003-05:00

No, I'm not just talking about the Budge (although he is pretty fantastic), I'm talking about the lyre bird from Australia. This bird can mick over 20 other species all in the hopes of attracting a mate. And if that isn't impressive enough, he can also mick random sounds such as a camera shutter and a chainsaw (who knows, maybe he's trying to seduce the sexy chainsaw he saw earlier... in any case, he's really leaving his options open).
Amazing.

Video provided by BBC Wildlife hosted by David Attenborough

After watching the above video it automatically went on to play "Male Birds Show Off Their Beauty to Attract Females" and I am so glad it did. Hilarious. I really recommend you watch it. The male pheasant may have "spectacular waddles" but the female's just not havin' it. And as for the others, is it just me or do the female birds look slightly uncomfortable in the presence of these elaborate displays?... Too funny.

Budge Baby Names...

2010-02-22T14:54:00.005-05:00

"I see you've taken the liberty of naming them..."

Just a quick Budge comic for Illustration Friday.

This week's topic is propagate.

This also falls in line with my sister and her husband deciding on a name for their new baby a couple days ago. It has yet to be announced. I still think they should go with their two year old daughter's suggestion and name it "Grocery Store" Leskien. Pretty name for a girl or boy. I guess I'll find out soon enough...

*** Click on the image to get a better look at the Budge baby names

Karaoke Anyone?...

2010-02-10T18:37:00.005-05:00

Complete with a walk along the beach, fantastic wall lean with guitar, and ofcourse a cowboy...

muddy valentine ♥

2010-02-07T23:13:00.003-05:00

- click on image to enlarge -

Focused Admiration...

2010-02-04T15:59:00.007-05:00

One longing stare

+ double the festive dickie

+ an uncomfortable Dickie Dog
____________________________

= the perfect combination for the new True Love Dickie Dog Card

offered by Carrier Budge.

* Also ties in quite nicely to this weeks Illustration Friday topic

Hope you enjoy :)

Dickie Dog True Love Card

Perfect for Valentine's Day ♥

(FRONT) "When True Love Finds Each Other..."

(INTERIOR) "It's Something Special to Look At."

________________________________________________

For more information on how to get your very own Dickie Dog True Love Card, please email Holly at carrierbudgecards@gmail.com

Dickie Dog's Secret Admirer...

2010-01-27T21:59:00.007-05:00

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, Dickie Dog has traded in his Santa dickie for yet another festive beauty and, in doing so, seems to have attracted a new friend...

Stay tuned for the unveiling of Dickie Dog's admirer along with a new Carrier Budge card to celebrate the occasion ♥

Belated Birthday Wishes...

2010-01-19T16:56:00.006-05:00

- click on image to enlarge -

January 18: Happy Birthday Tanya!

Last year Tanya and friends were giving out free hugs on the busiest street corner in Toronto, and so in celebration of her birthday some Budge characters have decided to do the same...

If you'd like to see more free hugs or find out more about this fantastic spoken word artist, check out

http://www.myspace.com/courageoustruthtelling

And one more Fabulous belated January birthday...

- click on image to enlarge -

January 5: The Carrier Budge stilt performers Birthday Debut

Going to new heights to wish Julie a happy birthday!

next apparatus: aerial hoop ( ...for the real thing check out http://www.a2d2.ca/)

** If you're looking for a great cirque and event planning resource, check out Julie's blog at

http://www.circusblog.ca/

Illustration Friday: Confined

2010-01-12T16:13:00.003-05:00

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008)

2010-01-09T20:10:00.008-05:00

* * click twice to view video through You Tube

My cousin showed me this video when I was back for the holidays and I just had to share it. It makes me smile each time I watch it. Definitely a feel good video.

If you'd like to know how this all got started, see more videos, or find more about Matt, please visit

http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/

or you can also visit the "Matt's Place" link at

http://www.stridegum.com/

Happy 2010!

2010-01-06T12:50:00.013-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

It feels great to be back! After a fantastic Christmas break I am feeling energized and excited for all the new card designs and Budge comics to come in 2010. Expect more Budge characters in addition to new designs with some of the Carrier Budge favourites.

The Budge Shop - For 2010, the Budge Shop will be expanding the items available to buy online. We will be offering new designs not yet available in the Carrier Budge card line and also we will soon be introducing the option of customizable cards, made to order through the Budge Shop. With new items being posted regularly, be sure to check out...

http://www.carrierbudge.etsy.com/

Carrier Budge Website - http://www.carrierbudge.ca/ - expect to see changes coming early this year. The temporary web page will soon be replaced, I promise.

2010:

The Year of the Tiger

According to Chinese astrology, 2010 is the year of the Tiger. And so I thought a tiger related comic was in order to start off the post...

and ofcourse this guy wanted to celebrate too ---------->

... can't argue with that.

Cheers to a very happy and healthy 2010!

Hope to see you again soon ~

2009-12-20T14:11:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying a very happy holiday! And for those who still have Christmas shopping to do, I feel your pain.

5 Days to go!

Warm Wishes,
The Budge

Thank you to everyone who came out!

2009-12-10T18:58:00.007-05:00

Thank you to everyone who took on the cold winter weather to make it out to the 2nd Annual Holiday Show and Sale at Shop 103! It was a great night filled with art, jewelry, crafts, and food. It was a pleasure to be a part of it.

Special thanks to Victoia Cowan for all the organization and planning that went into the event and all the members of Studio 103 who helped execute an all-round great night.

-
Special mention also goes to Diem and Dexter who brought August, a real life dickie dog, to the party. August even changed mid-way through the night into a very festive "August" dickie. Absolutely perfect. August truly made my night.

(Now if only he still had those long-johns...)

Thanks again everyone!

Carrier Budge Cards now available on Etsy!

2009-12-10T18:41:00.004-05:00

Carrier Budge is now on Etsy! The Carrier Budge shop is stocked with a random sampling of cards and will soon be offering customizable templates, original Budge art pieces, One-off cards and more!

Please check out all there is to offer at http://www.carrierbudge.etsy.com/

New items will be added regularly so be sure to check back to see the new Budge merchandise.

Holiday Fruitcake

2009-12-07T23:13:00.006-05:00

Yes, this design's been kickin' around since last year and still fresh as ever to be passed on to someone you love.

Gummi Details...

Holiday Fruitcake Cards Sold Individually -

2009-12-07T16:53:00.002-05:00

REMINDER:

Holiday Show and Sale just two days away...

Check out more information on Toronto Craft Alert
SHOP CRAFTY: 2nd Annual Holiday Show at Shop 103 (December 9)

Upcoming Budge Sighting on December 9th

2009-12-01T18:30:00.010-05:00

On Wednesday December 9th, 2009, Carrier Budge is happy to be taking part in the

2nd Annual Holiday Art Show at Studio 103

267 Brock Street, Toronto (South of Dundas Street West)

from 5-9:00pm

With Artwork, Jewelry, and Crafts by:

Abena Asomaning, Stephanie Atkinson, Marina Babic, Erika Beyea, David Brown, Hannah Cowan, Victoria Cowan, Jenal Dolson, Agnieszka Foltyn, Beth Frey, KaBe Art Glass, Jenny Kuri, Holly Main (of Carrier Budge), Jon Maki, Paula Rossley, Knotted Nest, and Amy Wong.

And Musical Performances by:

Jon Maki and Kat Burns

Carrier Budge will be selling festive box sets and a sampling of individual holiday cards. And Yes, Dickie Dog will be there.

Buy a $2 raffle ticket for the chance to win your very own Dickie Dog Box Set amongst many other fantastic prizes!

This beauty could be yours!

- Hope to see you December 9th! -

Get Well Soon Budge

2009-12-01T17:48:00.009-05:00

INSIDE: No one likes being cooped up. Hope you feel better soon.

. . .-

Don't worry, the Budge isn't sick, but it seems to be that time of the year when apartment neighbours can be heard hacking up something on the other side of paper-thin walls... not speaking from personal experience or anything...

And so begins December!

___________________________________________________

- Click HERE to see more Budge cards from the same series -

Greg and Greg Jr. - Birthday Card

2009-11-26T01:49:00.004-05:00

INSIDE: Hope you have an absolutely fantastic day!

Allow me to introduce Greg and Greg Jr. - brought together in celebration of their owner Greg's birthday, 2009.

I am happy to say that both Greg and Greg Jr. are still alive and well and looking forward to celebrating Greg's next birthday.

¿La música cualquiera?

2009-11-25T15:12:00.007-05:00

(click on image to enlarge)

Just a quick comic for Illustration Friday.

This week's topic: music

I would've loved to have given this one some colour but time-wise it just wasn't happenin'...

Hope you enjoy! Olay!

A Budge Birthday Favourite...

2009-11-25T11:58:00.006-05:00

The little pinata birthday card, 2009.
INSIDE: Take a load off, it's your birthday

- Birthday Fuz -

2009-11-18T01:28:00.007-05:00

Fuz may have grown a bit since his puppy days shown here, but he is still prime Pug Magazine material.

Calvin, hope you had an absolutely fantastic birthday!

Unbalanced (to say the least)

2009-11-15T18:21:00.006-05:00

This week's topic for Illustration Friday is Unbalanced so, staying along the same lines as the slightly awkward Dickie Dog, I came up with this little guy...
He may have been put in one dress too many.

While looking for slightly sketchy dogs to use as inspiration for this illustration, I stumbled upon "pet wigs"... absolutely hilarious. Turns out pet wigs have been available for a couple years now (Where have I been?). If you've never seen this, it's worth checking out Total Diva Pets .com

Carrier Budge Holiday Greeting Cards - 2009

2009-11-12T18:29:00.007-05:00

With Christmas less than 2 months away, and holiday displays hitting the stores, Carrier Budge would also like to join in the festivities and introduce our holiday line-up for 2009...

Dickie Dog Christmas Cards
-Oh-So-Festive, Oh-So-Dickie-

"Who's the Jerk in the Festive Dickie?"

Share smiles and laughter with Carrier Budge's very own Dickie Dog. He is slightly awkward, but very lovable, and proof that sometime's it's the little things that can bring the most warmth during the holidays

INSIDE: merry christmas

(Back)

. . .

Preggo Holiday Greeting Cards
Wrapping Every Moment in Added Warmth this Festive Season

"I take it the bacon-wrapped cookies were your idea..."

Wrapped in love. Wrapped in bacon. These well-rounded Carrier Budge holiday cards make spreading festive cheer even more enjoyable with cards that tell a story, front to back.
And with a bacon-weave backing on every card, you are sure to please any palette.

INSIDE: Hope your holiday is filled with all your favourite things

(Back)

Celebrating Pregnant Women And All Their Holiday Cravings

"Economy bag of jerky, waffle maker, AND a wading pool full of pickles?!! How did you know?!"

Another front to back good time starring Preggo. It's a holiday card that just keeps giving!

INSIDE: Cheers to the best Christmas ever!

(Back) "Honey, it's best not to bother mommy right now..."

To purchase Carrier Budge holiday cards or for more information, please contact

carrierbudgecards@gmail.com

Budge Contributions...

2009-11-08T03:10:00.002-05:00

A Boombox Birthday!

2009-11-05T18:23:00.005-05:00

Quick birthday wishes for the one and only Boombox!

Hope you're having a great day Diego!

For music news, artist interviews, photos and much more

check out
Bring Back the Boombox
at http://www.bringbacktheboombox.com/

Budge's Halloween Contribution...

2009-11-02T22:01:00.009-05:00

(click on image to enlarge)

A slightly belated Budge comic in celebration of all the Halloween festivities happening this past weekend.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

Budge in Flight...

2009-10-13T20:40:00.004-04:00

Acrylic on Canvas, 2007

Introducing Our Very Own Trail Runner...

2009-10-05T22:31:00.011-04:00

Carrier Budge is proud to introduce our new line of runner cards featuring our very own trail runner, the Squirrel. These cards celebrate runners in all their glory, and are a perfect way to congratulate your runner after a long race.

The Carrier Budge runner cards made their debut this past weekend at the 8th Annual Run for the Toad held in Pinehurst Conservation Area (Cambridge, Ontario).

We were happy to be a small part of such a great race and be there to cheer on the runners as they took on the 25k and 50k course.

Special thanks to the Cambridge Harriers running group for allowing Carrier Budge to share their booth and thank you to George and Peggy Sarson, race directors of the Run for the Toad, for their kindness and support and for putting on such a great race each year.

For more information about the Run for the Toad, visit http://www.runforthetoad.com/

Or if you are looking for a great group of people to go running with in Cambridge, check out http://www.cambridgeharriers.com/

Mmmm...

2009-10-05T21:35:00.004-04:00

INSIDE: Because Everything's Better When It's Bacon Wrapped

The Martini Card

2009-09-11T14:01:00.003-04:00

Another card to add to the mix...

Martini Card, 2009

The Happy New Parents...

2009-08-30T20:37:00.006-04:00

INSIDE: Congratulations to the happy new parents!

The newest addition to the 2009 Carrier Budge card line. This little baby will be available September 5th at Marileena Maternity located in Southworks Outlet Mall, Cambridge Ontario.

2009-08-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

Accounting Budge Busy at Work...

2009-08-18T01:18:00.004-04:00

The Budge in Love...

2009-08-04T19:18:00.005-04:00

Budge Wedding Card, 2009

#1 Dad: Budge Father's Day Card

2009-07-28T19:02:00.006-04:00

The Budge, not only a fantastic carrier but

a celebrated father as well.

Budge Father's Day, 2009

Gift Bag Birthday Card

2009-07-19T19:18:00.004-04:00

INSIDE: "Ending the day in a gift bag, the sign of a great birthday"

Gift Bag Birthday Card, 2008

The Original Budge

2009-07-16T17:02:00.012-04:00

Here he is, the One and Only.

Inspiration of Carrier Budge Card Company.

Picture taken during his cage days before the big escape

. . . . . .

The Extreme Card Shop

2009-07-16T16:43:00.004-04:00

Part of the Carrier Budge 5 year plan...

(*click to enlarge*)

Perched Budge Cards: Birthday and the Love Birds

2009-07-15T21:13:00.008-04:00

A couple of our celebratory Budge Cards from our Perched Budge line produced last year...

Perched Birthday Budge, 2008

Perched Love Birds, 2008

Welcome from the Carrier Budge

2009-07-13T19:48:00.010-04:00

Carrier Budge Card Company is Pleased to Welcome You to Our Official Blog

Hello and Welcome!

Carrier Budge Card Company is excited to have the blog up and running. We will be using this blog not only to post new Carrier Budge products and card designs but also our comics featuring The Budge, our illustrations, and random things that make us smile. We encourage you to post comments or send the Budge an email if there's something funny we're missing out on.

We hope you enjoy!

Thank you for stopping by and we look forward to talking with you soon!

Cheers,

Carrier Budge Card Company