Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Friends From the Attic




Hoisted my buns up to the attic to collect a few friends who enjoy living up there for a good part of the year. They were quite glad to see me and accepted the invite to come on down for a bit. Two of them decided to hang out in the spare room (together, of course)and they looked so cute, I just had to take a "friends forever" photo.
Also, I discovered some little "Gangsta Punks" that I made last year and never did anything with (they are completely disgusted with me) so to make them less hostile, I took their photo as well.

Monday, August 30, 2010

All Together Dead's Giveaway


Not that I want to lessen my chances of winning, but All Together Dead is hosting a fabulous giveaway. Hurry on over because the contest ends on 31 August!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Something for Nothing Halloween Giveaway






Well, I guess it's time for a Halloween giveaway from Labyrinth Creations. Haven't hosted one for awhile so guess it's my turn. All one has to do to enter this giveaway is become a follower of my blog and note me that you would like to be considered for the "Something for Nothing Labyrinth Creations Halloween Giveaway". If you are already a follower (bless you), just leave a comment. Here are the goodies you will receive should you be chosen as the giveaway recipient: a "spooky graveyard soap set" - a creamy coffee scented skeleton and tombstone handmade by Midnitemuse , and a hand sculpted, one of a kind Halloween ornie set in a vintage pocket watch case entitled "nasty punk" - made by yours truly. A nice little skull and crossbones cloth totebag will also be included. Winner will be announced on Saturday, 4 September.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Books






I recently received two books in the mail--both of which I had been most anxiously awaiting. Perhaps many of you are already familiar with them, but I thought both of them deserved mention.
One is pure fun and delight if you're a Halloween 'geek'--"How to Haunt Your House-Book Two" by Shawn and Lynne Mitchell. Some say that a lot of the "how-to" techniques they present regarding prop making and scene setting is already known to most seasoned home-haunters. Perhaps...but that matters little--there are few haunt books out there that can compare in the slightest when it comes to 'gettin' you in the mood' to create. The photography is delicious--curl up with a cuppa', this book, and enjoy.
The other book is a horse of another color completely. I first discovered the existence of this book via the Morbid Anatomy blogspot, always chock full of fascinating and never disappointingly morbid curiosities. Jack Burman's "The Dead" is a sobering and splendid 'commentary without words' regarding well, the face of death--literally. Inside you will find a photographic compilation of death as it exists in anatomy storerooms and museums. I found this book to be a stunning and a rather emotional experience and while it is definitely not an uplifting perusal, I highly recommend it.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Black and White









In keeping with the confused nature of my blog and my continuing dark mood, I decided to shift gears a bit and share some favorite images and items that just happen to fall into the 'black is my favorite color' category. (I know--black isn't really a color.) Enjoy if you can. The last image of "Baba Yaga" is from Isabella's Art. You can find her work on Etsy .













































Wednesday, August 18, 2010

What Kind of a Blog is This, Anyway? And Thankyou.

I've been keeping this blog going for over a year now and I'm still not sure what the hell for! Originally, I suppose it was to create another outlet for sharing both my art and that of other artists I admire. Then, Halloween crept into the picture and I discovered that there were many other people/artists (yes, they most assuredly ARE artists) who loved this holiday as much as I do. Lately, I've discovered some fascinating people who delve into the paranormal world and those who share both their ideas and their love for dark, gothic, medieval design.
So, I still have no idea what kind of blog this is but that is of little consequence. I have come across some delightful 'keepers of blogs' and I must say that I have been surprised and humbled by the often unheralded talent in 'blogland' and also by the willingness of these artisans of many talents to share their expertise and know how.
Therefore, I thank all of you whose blogs I follow--you are truly an inspiration. And to those that follow my own rather disordered blog, I am honored.

Monday, August 16, 2010

I 'm Strange, Have a Strange Blog and I'm Proud of It!



How's that for a blog title? My good friend Jessica Penot whose blog I avidly follow (because she always tells the best ghost stories) - Ghost Stories and Haunted Places has bestowed upon me the "Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits" award. Now THIS is one heck of an honor as only the strangest folks can be a recipient. So, if I've picked you to also receive this award, consider yourself one of my favorite strange people...hehe.
The award originated with Cate Gardner who is celebrating the pre-release of her book, "Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits" and receiving this award also qualifies you for a contest with some pretty cool prizes.
To accept the award, however, you have to do some "strange" things--like, go forth and celebrate the strangeness of friends (and strangers, who are always allowed) by nominating seven blogs run by strange folks. So, here's my list of some of my favorite 'strange' bloggers:

Mr. Macabre of Mr. Macabre's Hallowe'en Cerebrations : if anybody can get me rolling on the floor laughing with witty narrations of strange stories and predicaments, it's Mr. Macabre! I wish this man would write a book because he truly has a gift for words and humor. (plus he has a very generous, albeit 'strange' nature--hehe. He hosts some great giveaways!)

Professor Pym of The Phantasmagorium of Professor Pym : a relatively new blogger, but an individual who seems born with the skills for creating and maintaining a fascinating and informative blog. His 'strange' dedication to the search for interesting and sometimes weird subjects should be applauded. (well, I'm applauding...besides he is a fantastic artist!!!)

John Wolfe of Seasons of Shadows : always a blog worth spending time at, John is one of those 'strange' Halloween people who really takes time with his blog; who finds some weird and fascinating info and who always responds to readers' comments. He also has some of the funniest "You Know You're Obsessed With Halloween" lists I've ever read. If you're the least little bit strange, read these because you will definitely enjoy them!

Krough of Grimvisions: maker of strange and wonderful creations and who is always willing to share his know-how. An artisan of excellence!

Donna of SoDarkSoCute : one of the most upbeat and enthusiastic artists I've come to know through blogging and art. I mean, this girl GOES (and I mean, full throttle all the time...isn't that 'strange'?) She also makes some darling little creations!

Der Krampus of The Embalmer's Nightmare : another consistently interesting blog and 'strange' and enthusiastic follower of all things Halloween. Besides, he's a fabulous photographer!

The Frog Queen of Frog on the Pumpkin fame: last but not least, (and this list would not be strange at all if it didn't include Frog Queen) an individual who never shies away from sharing her vast Halloween know-how and who strangely and warmly welcomes new bloggers to orange and black land. Besides, her blog is always fun to read!

Okay, that's it. Not an all inclusive list but these individuals just really leapt into mind when I think of the word 'strange'. (another hehe)

To claim your award:
1. Add the logo of the award to your blog post.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded it to you (don't mess with strange people.)
3. Nominate seven other blogs telling us why you think the recipient is strange enough to deserve the award.
4. Leave a message for those nominated on their blogs.
5. And, if you email catephoenix@gmail.com and tell her you've received the award for your strangeness, she'll enter you in the biggest kick-ass Strange Men competition ever. Details over at strangemeninpinstripesuits.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Cool Contest on Deviant Art

Thought I would share this with any and all: I'm the admin point person for sculpture and artisan crafts for the dA-Morgue group on Deviant Art and beginning Friday, 13 August, we will be hosting a contest for all artisans and sculptors. You do need to be a member of Deviant Art to enter the competition but it costs nothing to join and membership can be fun and friendly! I know there are many of you who create wonderful props for our favorite day of the year--Halloween--and this contest's theme is "Nightmare". Might be a good opportunity to share your work with an appreciative audience and perhaps win a nice prize! If you'd like to check this out, go here

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Last Batch Of Halloween Ornies






Last batch of ornies going up on etsy today. Gotta quit fooling around with these and finish a figurative sculpt and get crackin' on my Halloween props. (I haven't done much other than plan things but I do have hubby out there in the heat building a crypt! hehe he's a good hubby.) Haven't done too much blog commenting lately either so my apologies to all (I'm still reading and enjoying them, though)! Go here to purchase ornaments.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Halloween Ornies






The Halloween mood persists...(so, what else is new for most of us around here...) Anyway, had these little pocket watch cases for my steampunk creations and suddenly envisioned little punkins', etc., peering out of them...Here's what I came up with



All for sale now on Etsy