into a world of rust and decay

Designer Vinyl Toy Blowout Sale June 10th

2011-06-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

FRIDAY JUNE 10TH 2PM - 10PM

Former local Vinyl Toy shops Synthetic Compound and Kaiju-X3 have teamed up along with Red Hot Robot and The Rusted Nail to bring you this fully loaded Designer Vinyl Toy sale. Featuring items by Kid Robot, threeA, Toy2R, Play Imaginative, Ugly Doll, StrangeCo, Super7, MINDstyle, and many more. Including autographed, rare & sold out items, open blind box, custom fodder, and much much more.

Come down and buy/sell/trade with local collectors and shops. Door buster deals, snacks and drinks, raffles, and more. At 6pm the local 2nd Friday art event kicks off, so stick around and check out other local shops and vendors set up along Main Street.

Have stuff to sell? Tables are available for $10. Share a table with friends and save some cash to spend on more vinyl. Grab your friends and family and see you there June 10th.

Contact therustednail@cox.net for table info and event details.

2010 - year in review

2011-01-02T13:07:00.000-08:00

rustedhalo 2010 - the year Steampunk broke

Click For Image Set On Flickr

I spent most of 2010 doing Steampunk related art shows and events, mostly locally here in Arizona. Kicked it off with the Steampunk Spectacular show at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa, AZ Feb. 12th and 13th. Discovered Arizona had a lot of talented artists who were into Steampunk. I met Ed Schenck who makes some awesome metal sculptures. He introduced me to Davin Lavikka who owned ArtSpace on Sixth, a gallery in Scottsdale, AZ. Davin invited me to another Steampunk show later that month at the gallery. As a kid in art class, Scottsdale art galleries were the only art I was exposed to back then. So for me to have my work in a Scottsdale art gallery just blew my mind. The show was insane and I met a bunch more people that were into the Steampunk scene.

In march I did something a little different. I was asked to be a part of a custom Kubkar show of sorts. Kubkar is the Canadian equivalent to the Pinewood Derby cars the Cub Scouts have here in the US. It wasn't a typical art/custom show, but something put together by a scout leader and art lover. The kids enjoyed it and I was glad to be a part.

One of my biggest and longest projects of the year, actually probably of all time took a greater part of two months. If 2010 was anything else it was the year of threeA for me. Other then a couple Doktor A and Andrew Bell releases most of my money went to threeA and Ashley Woods awesome robots. Well I decided to take a stab at robot making myself and constructed a 1:1 scale(about 5-6') cardboard Bramble. I posted WIP pics over on the Custom Toy Union message board and received lots of comments. Cardboard is the new vinyl.

After doing the show at Evermore Nevermore I discovered that Mesa had it's own Second Friday Art Walk and had a nice selection of shops, galleries, and vendors on Main Street. In May I set up for the first time and sold a bunch of stuff. Needles to say this was a repeat even in 2010 for me.

2010 also saw my first 100% sculpted, casted and painted resin figure in my Zombie Slugs: From Planet 13. After meeting local resin guru KiLL! and becoming good friends, I got a bunch of tips on doing my own resin stuff. They saw their debut at Phoenix Comicon May 26th-30th. After setting up at Designer Con in 2009 I was stoked to do another show. Splitting the booth again with KiLL! to save on cost. 5 days of PHXCC was a bit much for the both of us, but sales were great. I broke even on Friday and by Sundays end made $300. Not too shabby.

In June I was asked to be a part of Evil Dead: The Musical during it's opening night at the Phoenix Theatre. Being an Evil Dead fan I was stoked about this. Ended up being mostly the same vendors that are out in Mesa for Second Friday, but it was a nice laid back atmosphere and we all got tickets to see the show for free.

July, well we all know what happens in July. It's time for San Diego Comic Con. Despite all the drama that went along with the custom Dunny I did for the Custom Toy Union Dunny Series that was released at SDCC I had a good time at the con. There wasn't too many big releases this year I was chasing so I was able to focus on my own art. Other then the random tweets with give-a-ways, I had some customs in my bag selling at random places. Like in front of the October Toys and Steamcrow booths. I also had 2 custom Symbiotes over at the Symbiote Studios booth. One of the owners really liked my piece and said they'd be in contact with me about doing a possible artist series.

Along with the Second Friday Art Walk setups another new venue and showcase started in 2010. Atomic Comics Bizarre Bazaar which showcased local artists, mostly comic book related. It was a once a month thing with different featured artists. Indoors and really laid back. Didn't do a whole lot of sales, but then again the event was FREE so it was worth it just to set up and meet people and chat. KiLL! and myself brought something different to the comic book crowd.

October brought yet another Steampunk event. This time Steampunk Street in Mesa Oct. 8th hosted by Evermore Nevermore. Tons of Steampunk artists, vendors, cosplayers took over Main street Friday night. I was asked by Bob of Evermore Nevermore to help with this event by bringing in some talent. I got local Monsterologist Daniel Davis of Steamcrow to join in the fun as well as up-and-comer edstuff from the Custom Toy Union message board, who sent me two of his awesome metal robot sculptures. Again, crazy to see this Steampunk thing just take off in front of my eyes.

November was a crazy month for me. With Designer Con quickly approaching and several projects not anywhere near done it was time to get cranking. Along with the Designer Con stuff I was also asked to be a part of the custom Sketchbot show at Munky King the day before Designer Con. Along with the regular customs, I was also working on my second resin piece. After meeting and talking with Sucklord at SDCC I wanted to do something up his alley. I'm a huge Star Wars fan and especially enjoy the droids. So I created a Steampunk styled Power Droid 3.25" figure and of coarse it came in the classic blister pack style. Designer Con was a blast. I finally got to meet one of my favorite artists, the great Doktor A. He stopped by my booth on Friday while I was setting up and introduced himself. One of the nicest artists in this scene I've met.

Hot off the heals of Designer Con, back in Arizona KiLL! and myself were asked to headline the Nov. 27th Bizarre Bazaar event at Atomic Comics. It was nice to have our names on the flier, but the event still seemed it was lacking promotion. Still a nice FREE event to set up at.

While out in LA I was also asked to be a part of the custom OMI show at Munky King. I was a little disappointed with the cheap plastic figure and its shoddy base that quickly broke when I tried to assemble it. It was a pretty simple custom, but I was still happy with the way it turned out.

2010 also saw the soft launch of rusted-halo.net my first real website and me finally setting up some pieces at local vinyl shop Red Hot Robot. The first couple pieces sold instantly and I'm sure 2011 will see more of my stuff at Red Hot Robot.

So what does 2011 hold? Well throughout 2010 I have been all over Arizona checking out local art scenes and galleries. I've been looking into opening my own gallery for some time now and only met with disappointment and over priced property. After discovering the scene in Mesa I think I've found a place I'd enjoy. After a lot of juggling with realtor agents I finally spoke with the owner of a property I've been eying up. Last week I got the key and walked in. The owner is out of town and we still need to discuss some issues, but 2011 will see The Rusted Nail Gallery in Mesa, AZ.

SDCC/CTU custom Dunny Capt. Dornburg

2010-08-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

Capt. Dornburg, a social reject has vowed to make his presence known. Created by the evil genius rustedhalo, Dornburg must now fight his way back into the hearts of Dunny collectors. Armed with only his ray gun, he will blast anybody that stands in his way.

Custom 3" Dunny complete with hand casted resin hat and cloth cape. Initially supposed to be a part of the CTU Dunny series, then pulled from the series. I went ahead and did them anyway and released them at SDCC(San Diego Comic Con). The remainder are now available for sale online through the CTU Store for $35. At last check only 7 remain.

SDCC Zombie Slugs: Comic Con Charcoal Disguise exclusive

2010-07-07T16:31:00.000-07:00

San Diego Comic Con exclusive charcoal colorway limited to only 6 pieces. $15 each. I will not have a table or be set up anywhere so you'll have to find me. Follow me on Twitter @rustedhalo for more info on where to find me and ways to score some FREE swag just for finding me at SDCC.

Evil Dead: The Musical art show

2010-06-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

I was invited to be a part of this art show during the opening night of Evil Dead: The Musical at Phoenix Theatre's Little Theatre Art Space 100 E. McDowell Rd. June 12th @6:30PM. The art event is FREE to the public and does not include entry to the Evil Dead: The Musical show.

I'm not sure what all I will have out at the event as a lot of my stuff was sold at Phoenix Comicon. I have some single buttons left, but all button packs are sold out. I hope to make some more jewelry and have some of my new T-shirts done in time for the show. If you're in AZ be sure to come check this out.

Zombie Slugs: From Planet 13 resin figures

2010-05-31T14:20:00.000-07:00

My first resin figure entitled Zombie Slugs: from planet 13 was available this past weekend at Phoenix Comicon. The first picture is of my original sculpt using Super Sculpey, my preferred sculpting medium. I tried using 2 different casting materials/methods. A brush on mold using some cheap Cast n Crafts latex brand which yielded a figure with less bubbles, but more distorted and messy. The second was a 1 part mold using Tap Plastics Silicone mold, it yielded more bubbles bit with a bit of sanding a much cleaner figure. You can see the varied results in the second pic.

The figures stand in at just over 3" and come bagged with header cards(as seen) for $15 plus shipping. I still have some available if interested. SpankyStokes posted a review with a pic of my first test paint. I'll post some updates on the message boards so if you want one act fast. However if you do miss out I'm working with a couple companies to release other color exclusives. Stay tuned for details on that.

Introducting the Incandescent Bros. custom Dunnys

2010-05-12T14:25:00.000-07:00

I found some old small light bulbs in the garage and this little idea just clicked in my head, like a light going off. Not much to these guys, a simple dry brush copper and rivet effect to go with the old light bulbs. I decided to name them Swan and Edison after the two most notable creators of the Incandescent light bulb. They will be available for sale this Friday in Mesa, AZ at my table for the 2nd Friday downtown event.

ArtSpace Steampunk Show

2010-04-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Back in February I had the opportunity to have some of my stuff on display at ArtSpace in Scottsdale, AZ. ArtSpace is a huge art gallery in the heart of the art district of Scottsdale. I was honored to have been asked to be a part of their Steampunk Show with some other awesome Steampunk influenced artists.

1:1 scale cardboard Bramble

2010-04-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

A little behind on the blogging, but here's the 1:1 scale cardboard Bramble I did last month. Spent over a month working on this. From scaling up a WWRp Bramble and making up a blueprint of sorts to measuring and cutting cardboard. The final finish was done with a paper mache effect to give it more strength. You can see some WIP pics on my flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/36645617@N03/sets/72157623689167710/ or over on the Custom Toy Union message boards http://customtoyunion.com/04-12-gun-added-1-1-scale-cradboard-bramble-t796.html

Canada Kubcar Kit project

2010-03-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I was asked by a friend on the October Toys forums to customize a Kubkar(Canadian), these are the wood car kits for the Scouts in America known as the Pinewood Derby. He's a Cub Scout leader and is putting on a show for the scouts and asked some artists to participate. He provided 2 kits and even sent along some kinder eggs(yummy) all out of his pocket.

Everything I used either came in the kit or was everyday common household items(cardboard, duct tape, pen caps, pill bottle, wire, and an aluminum can). I had fun working on this and can't wait to see pics from the show.

Evermore Nevermore Steampunk Spetacular

2010-02-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

I had some pieces on display last week at Evermore Nevermore in Mesa, AZ. It's a fairly new shop with tons of cool collectibles, art, craft, and custom clothing. They hosted a Steampunk event and after seeing my work the owner asked me to be a part. They had an awesome turnout and I met a lot of other local artists with a Steampunk based style. It also lead me to ArtSpace in Scottsdale, a gallery where I currently have some more work on display. Here's some pics of the art on display at Evermore Nevermore http://www.flickr.com/photos/36645617@N03/sets/72157623469530928/ I may have some items for sale there. They do a 50/50 commission, but it might be worth it just to have my stuff on display there.

custom UD Bramble

2010-01-11T17:09:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge Ashley Wood/3A fan and love all the bots especially. After receiving my first WWRp Bramble at SDCC last year I was hooked. I bought the WWRp Bramble 6 pack and after playing with them for a while and in awe of the detail and articulation I knew I had to customize one.

I purchased 2 from HappyPandaToys.com , one of my new favorite online designer toys shop and went to town. After breaking one of the fingers on the right arm I was inspired to take things in a different direction by putting the gun on the arm itself. The handle popped right off and the hole was an almost perfect fit for the ball joint on the arm. I was also inspired by my newly purchased BioShock 2 Big Daddy figure. I took some elements from him and incorporated it into the back canister giving it more of that Steampunk feel. I also added some detail to the bullets, which came out quite nice. Without further ado I give you.... UD Bramble

attn: Dominos and Wade Ross

2010-01-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

On Sunday October 18th 2009 I received a call from my assistant manager and friend telling me not to come in to work on Monday as corporate just came and shut down our Dominos store. No warning, only signs my manager saw coming. There was no option for anybody to transfer to another location, except for my assistant manager. He told me that of all the other drivers, I would be the only one he'd re-hire.

I kept in touch with him and when the Dominos store he was now working for was hiring for Delivery Drivers he put in a good word for me and got me in for an interview. The interview went great, the manager said she had 2 previous interviews that were poor and had 2 more after me, but was looking to hire on 3 drivers. She told me she'd contact me before Tuesday so I could go in for orientation if needed. I never heard back from her.

Last night my friend messaged me telling me that he talked to his manager and that Wade Ross, the district manager had told her not to hire me or any other former employees for that matter. I was not fired, nor have I ever been in trouble or had any issues at work. I don't see why a company that I had already worked for wouldn't want to hire me back. I was the best driver they had at my store. They wouldn't have to train me, I'd already know all the systems and could start to work right away. This is discrimination and I will be taking action Mr. Wade Ross.

five...four...three...two...one

2010-01-01T15:25:00.000-08:00

five...four...three...two...one

happy new year, it's twenty ten
two more years until the end
so raise that glass and drink one more
as our sun melts the earths core

so have some fun and celebrate
make a resolution to loose that weight
kiss your girl and hold her near
and hope it lasts another year

stay on track and meet your goals
work your ass off stupid fools
enjoy your life and never quit
or at least what's left of it

so take a drink and have a smoke
cause twenty twelve is not a joke
as the rich take to the sky
you can kiss your ass goodbye

rustedhalo 2009 year in review

2009-12-10T14:50:00.000-08:00

Rather then uploading a bunch of pics to a forum I created a set on flickr displaying most of what I did or was involved in for 2009. Check it out http://www.flickr.com/photos/36645617@N03/sets/72157622851140089/ I think I only had 5 pieces in gallery shows this year. One being the Robolucha that a bunch of customs got stuck in...well customs and the shows never happened. The Illazilla which most were put up online for sale yet mine isn't and I've heard nothing back from TNES.

I had a couple things on display at SDCC including a Mez-it and the Gwins. It was cool seeing my art on display at such a big event. This of coarse was a major insiration for me to set up at Designer Con.

Designer Con was great I sold 3 mini Munnys, 1 Hazmapo, 5 Dunnys, 2 Gwins, 4 mechaduckies, several button packs, and all my stickers and business cards were gone by the end of the day. Several people contacted me after the show and I sold one other piece thus far.

Designer Con was a great way to end 2009 and 2010 is gonna bring some new things for me. I just launched my first web store/Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ru5tedhal0 and I'm looking into opening my own gallery here in downtown Phoenix. Here's to 2010

Etsy Shop up now

2009-12-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

my new Etsy shop is done with 3 customs left over from Designer Con up now. I'll be putting more stuff up later this week and will be selling my customs and other art here from now on so be sure to check it often or follow me on Twitter @rustedhalo for updates.

Designer Con Setup

2009-11-23T17:39:00.000-08:00

I only had my phone camera but here's my general set up for Designer Con. I sold 4 mini Munnys, 1 Hazmapo, 5 Dunnys, 2 Gwins(leftover from SDCC George gave me), 4 Duckies, several button packs, and all my stickers & business cards are gone. Damn good show, I need to do this more often.

Dunny Urban Decay series 1 for Designer Con

2009-11-20T10:33:00.000-08:00

here's just a taste of what I'll have for Designer Con. make sure you stop by and visit KiLL! and myself and booth # 4. we'll be having several give aways/raffles for you to win customs from both of us. urban decay series 1 limited edition of 10 custom Dunnys, no 2 are alike. they will be done blind box style and available for $25 ea

Custom Rollie

2009-10-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

Here's my custom for the Rollie show. This was something new and way out there. The base was an Avon roll on deodorant. The plastic was hard to sculpt on and melted in some areas but it kinda added to the effect of an old wind up toy soldier.

Custom Circus Punk

2009-10-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

I've always been a fan of the Circus Punks. I was pretty good at the knock down game as well. I started a custom a while back and never finished it. This is one of the small 7" one's that had a design on it. Tried out a new blue paint I borrowed from a friend, I really like how it turned out. This will be one of the MANY pieces I will have available at Designer Con/VTN this Nov. 21st in Pasadena, CA.

Best Birthday present ever...

2009-10-19T14:08:00.001-07:00

So I got a call yesterday from my AM at Dominos. There was a meeting that morning & they closed down more stores including mine. Only the AM's were transfered, my manager & fellow drivers were fucked.

My manager sent me a text message Saturday telling me about the meeting but my inbox was full & I was busy w/ my party I didn't get it until it was too late. I think that's pretty shitty that I didn't get a proper call or any warning. If not for Zach(the AM) calling me & letting me know I wonder if anybody else would have bothered.

I now have to go and reapply to other stores nearby and hope they'll pick me up since they'll probably be need a couple more drivers since they'll be picking up some of my old delivery area.

I was just really getting to like that job. Both my managers were cool, I got along with everybody for the most part, I was getting hours I wanted and tips were awesome. Part of me wants to stay with the company because I know it and the other part of me wants to go apply at the Pizza Hut across the street in spite of Dominos actions. Plus I know most of their delivery area already.

So this is my long ass entry cause I really don't know where I stand right now. I need some time to think. My mom tried to hook me up with this girl in Pasadena, CA. She said I could even crash at her place when I go up there November 21st. I just might not come back. The one steady thing that kept me going here was my job. I'll miss EJ and Reb but I know they'll come visit me. I need some time to ponder on this.

::end transmission::

UD.017 Custom Symbiote

2009-09-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

UD. 017 custom Symbiote I did up for the Symbiote Studios x SpankyStokes contest. The vinyl was a bit softer and thiner then say a Munny but overall I enjoyed the round sphere head and interchangeable hands(even though I didn't end up using them).

Custom Godamnit! edition of 5

2009-09-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

Limited edition of 5 customized Godamnit! figures. These now reside with KiLL! so you'll have to keep an eye out on his shop online at http://www.killgraffiti.com/ and see if he puts them up there or if maybe they'll be a part of some local AZ thing, or you might just have to come visit us at Designer Con this Nov 21st in Pasadena, CA.

Custom Robolucha finally finished

2009-08-20T19:08:00.000-07:00

I decided to have a little fun with this one. This is my custom Robolucha for the show put on by Mekazoo and PatchTogether coming to the UK this September. click for larger image

Secret New Project in the works

2009-08-18T23:41:00.000-07:00

Custom Gwins from SDCC up for sale

2009-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

The custom Gwins I did for October Toys for San Diego Comic Con are now up for sale online so go buy them quick before they are all gone. Hand numbered edition of 15. Also check out the other great artists pieces like OsirisOrion, DMS, Louie Lanford, and KiLL

http://octobertoys.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13_2&products_id=111

Munny Grubbers Show custom piece

2009-08-08T02:44:00.000-07:00

My custom Munny for the Munny Grubbers show here in Phoenix August 8th...which I guess is technically tonight. Dr. Steel and Steampunk seem to go hand in hand so I thought this was necessary. Used some new paint markers for the logo and it came out nice, no bleeding or smudging. The goggles are removable and were a last minute add. I think it gives it more character.

San Diego Comic Con...just a taste

2009-08-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple pics of the stuff I had on display at Comic Con, thanks much to Reb.
The first 2 are of the Mezco Mez-it I did. This was just a showcase to promote their new DIY platform figure. Dunno if these will be for sale or if I'm getting it back. O-well, it was different to work on.

The third one is of my custom Gwins I did for October Toys on display along with my business cards and some other great artists like Kill! and OsirisOrion. I made 15 and I don't think they sold out and George told me they would be putting the remainder online. So go to http://www.octobertoys.com/ and watch for them to drop soon. It was awesome to actually have my art for sale and on display at Comic Con. I can't thank George and Ayleen enough for the great opportunities they give me.

Custom Gwin Flyers for SDCC

2009-07-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I did up a couple flyers to promote my release at San Diego Comic Con. Limited edition of 15 will be available from the good folks at October Toys. I may get some printed out if time allows.

SDCC Zombieland Zombiewalk

2009-07-14T00:20:00.000-07:00

2009-07-04T18:55:00.001-07:00

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!

Custom Skully

2009-07-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

This is the custom Skully I did for the show at Chuckwa. It actually just got mail back to me this week so I thought I'd put a pic of it up. This is actually of it on display at the show. I also did a painting to go along with it.

Custom Mezco Mez-It for SDCC

2009-06-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my good friend George over at October Toys I will have a custom Mez-It up on display at SDCC(San Diego Comic Con). It seems everybody is jumping onto the DIY vinyl bandwagon. Anyway, here's a progress pic and finished pic.

Andrew Bell SDCC exclusive

2009-06-22T18:15:00.001-07:00

So yeah, I'm a huge Andrew Bell fan and I have the prints of this figure and this just came out soo nice. I can't wait to SDCC to pick 1 up for my collection. If you plan on going stop by the Dumbrella booth #1335/1337 and pick one up for yourself. Only $30

Munny Grubbers Show

2009-06-18T20:38:00.001-07:00

Flyer for the Munny Grubbers custom Munny show I'll be in. This one is local so all my AZ peeps need to check this one out. I'll be sure to be there. Help spread the word.

Custom Chucks up at Pink Ghost

2009-06-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

So yeah, I just found out that the custom chucks(Converse Chuck Taylor) I did for the Pink Ghost show are now up for sale online. Go check out all the cool custom kicks.
http://www.pinkghost.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4_31
and if you wanna buy mine here's a direct link. Also they are the cheapest of all the customs up.
http://www.pinkghost.net/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_31&products_id=1591

Robolucha Custom Show

2009-06-18T16:45:00.000-07:00

So yeah, I got my Robolucha's in the mail last week and I'm stoked to be in this show. Having my art in other countries, especially in the UK and Germany is awesome. I'll be posting progress shots of my piece up here but I have 2 other projects in front of this so it might be a while.

Custom Gwin

2009-06-17T21:42:00.000-07:00

Here's a custom Gwin I did for the October Toys/Toy Break custom Gwin trade. On a related/side note I will be doing something with October Toys for SDCC(San Diego Comic Con) so watch for more info on that to drop soon.

Custom Fatcap

2009-06-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

This is the Fatcap I did for the KidRobot forums Message Board Custom Fatcap Series 2 trade. I like using eyelets on vinyl toys so expect to see them in later works.

Custom Mini Munny

2009-05-29T21:42:00.000-07:00

This was a bit of a test subject for an upcoming Mini Munny Blind Box series I'll be doing...just to give you a taste.

2009-01-02T00:49:00.000-08:00

hmmm what does this button do?
hello, hello?
maybe someday I'll find my way out.
until then lets just enjoy the silence.

::interrupt feed::

this machine has failed
one fell off the assembly line

2008-08-13T20:42:00.001-07:00

::Begin Transmission::