Wow, it's been a while since I've posted! I'm sorry to leave you guys hanging - things have just been extremely hectic during the holiday season. I'm busy today preparing for my New Year's party but I'll try to get some actual content up this coming week. Topics to look forward to: 2010's Halloween costume and the return of the costume series, Pirates vs Ninjas, and Etsy item features. Hope that's piqued your interest!
Have an awesome, safe New Year and I hope 2011 will be a great year for us all!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
Q&A with Noiseless Clothing
Don’t want to support Hot Topic but love band shirts? Look no further! Noiseless Clothing fits the bill and you can bet that you won’t show up to the next concert wearing the same shirt as half the audience if you shop with Steph. She also makes movie shirts and other one-of-a-kind creations!
CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
NC: My name is Steph and I am the only person behind my Etsy shop, Noiseless Clothing. I’ve been sewing for a little over two years; my mom taught me the basics of how to use a sewing machine and patterns, etc, and the rest is completely self taught by trial and error and a heck of a lot of practice! Noiseless isn’t my full time job (boo hiss!) I work a minimum wage retail job full time to fund my obsession of band t-shirts and fabric. In my spare time (when I’m not sewing!) I love going to gigs, baking cupcakes and reading. I’m a simple girl at heart!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
NC: I mostly make music inspired, one of a kind, women’s clothing with a few accessories here and there. As my line is music inspired, I make a lot of clothes out of band t-shirts but I also like to make anything that would fall under the ‘alternative’ stereotype whether that be emo, goth, punk, scene, etc. In the future I’d like to expand into jewelry and would also like to try my hand at screen-printing my own designs.
CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
NC: I take inspiration from so many things but my biggest inspiration is by far music. I go to a lot of gigs in my spare time, and I always used to get so fed up of boys always getting the best band t-shirts. So, I started cutting them up and turning them into something unique and sexy! If I’m making a top from a band t-shirt, I like to listen to the bands’ music while I sew. I find it gives me inspiration for the overall style of the piece I’m working on. As for what keeps me motivated, it’s simply a love of sewing. It’s all I think about and I honestly don’t think there is anything else I would rather do with my life.
CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
NC: Every compliment I receive is the greatest! The compliments that I treasure the most are from people that I’ve never met. Family and friends are great at complimenting my work but they’re kinda obliged to! I think it’s lovely that complete strangers take time out from their busy lives to drop me an email just to say that they love my clothes. The fact that people like something that I dreamt up and created from scratch is amazing. And as silly as it may sound, it kind of restores my faith in humanity and reassures me that there are genuinely nice people in the world!
CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
NC: It wasn’t a sudden realization, more of a conscious effort to NOT be like other kids. I gradually got more and more tired of following trends and trying to fit in with everyone else and it stopped making sense to me. I couldn’t understand why everyone wanted to be the same when we were all so naturally different. Around this time I discovered rock music and that greatly influenced my style and I just drifted apart from the crowd. This of course came with its downsides as I was a target for bullies but I point blank refused to conform. As difficult as it was being a victim of bullying, I think it really benefitted me in the long run as I’m now more certain of who I am and what I believe in compared to other people.
CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
NC: On the five days a week when I’m at work, I go to work (well duh!) come home around 6, grab some food and sew until 10/11 at night. I have a Blackberry so all my emails and convo’s from Etsy get forwarded to my phone so when I’m on my lunch break at work, I’m still focusing on Noiseless. On my days off, I do all the promoting and internet stuff, picture taking and pattern cutting. I try really hard to stick to this routine so I can have new items added to my shop on a regular basis. Oh and I occasionally manage to fit in a social life!
CZ: Do you prefer zombies or vampires?
NC: My obsession for vampires is slowly beginning to take over my life haha! I’m a huge fan of trashy vampire novels and movies and I even have a t-shirt saying ‘I love vampires’ so I think it’s safe to say I much prefer vampires. But not the sparkly ones. Don’t get me started on sparkly vampires!
CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
NC: I know it’s not generally a horror film but I’m going to say Wednesday Addams from the Addams’ Family. I looked her up on Wikipedia and is said “Wednesday is originally a pale, dark-haired, grim-looking little girl with a fascination with death and the macabre”. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have an unhealthy obsession with the macabre and I just so happen to be dark haired and super pale!
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
NC: I don’t really know much about either as they are both American ‘monsters’ but I think the UK version would be the Loch Ness Monster which I don’t believe to be real as most sightings have been proved to be fake. So on that theory alone, I’ll say neither.
CZ: Who is more likely to enslave the human race - aliens or robots?
NC: In my mind, a brief rain shower will instantly rust all the robots and I’m assuming they also have an off switch? So I’m going to say aliens.
CZ: What scares you?
NC: I’m TERRIFIED of spiders! No matter how small and pathetic they are, I will still scream and run out the room like a total girl haha! There was a spider in my car once while I was driving and it’s a miracle I didn’t crash. I don’t know what it is about them that creeps me out so much. Possibly the fact that they have too many legs or possibly the way they scuttle around so unnaturally. Just thinking of them is giving me shivers! Next question…..
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
NC: I’m gonna say with you. If you can’t beat them, join them right?
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
NC: My etsy shop - http://www.noiselessclothing.etsy.com/
My myspace page - www.myspace.com/noiselessclothing
NC: My name is Steph and I am the only person behind my Etsy shop, Noiseless Clothing. I’ve been sewing for a little over two years; my mom taught me the basics of how to use a sewing machine and patterns, etc, and the rest is completely self taught by trial and error and a heck of a lot of practice! Noiseless isn’t my full time job (boo hiss!) I work a minimum wage retail job full time to fund my obsession of band t-shirts and fabric. In my spare time (when I’m not sewing!) I love going to gigs, baking cupcakes and reading. I’m a simple girl at heart!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
NC: I mostly make music inspired, one of a kind, women’s clothing with a few accessories here and there. As my line is music inspired, I make a lot of clothes out of band t-shirts but I also like to make anything that would fall under the ‘alternative’ stereotype whether that be emo, goth, punk, scene, etc. In the future I’d like to expand into jewelry and would also like to try my hand at screen-printing my own designs.
CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
NC: I take inspiration from so many things but my biggest inspiration is by far music. I go to a lot of gigs in my spare time, and I always used to get so fed up of boys always getting the best band t-shirts. So, I started cutting them up and turning them into something unique and sexy! If I’m making a top from a band t-shirt, I like to listen to the bands’ music while I sew. I find it gives me inspiration for the overall style of the piece I’m working on. As for what keeps me motivated, it’s simply a love of sewing. It’s all I think about and I honestly don’t think there is anything else I would rather do with my life.
NC: Every compliment I receive is the greatest! The compliments that I treasure the most are from people that I’ve never met. Family and friends are great at complimenting my work but they’re kinda obliged to! I think it’s lovely that complete strangers take time out from their busy lives to drop me an email just to say that they love my clothes. The fact that people like something that I dreamt up and created from scratch is amazing. And as silly as it may sound, it kind of restores my faith in humanity and reassures me that there are genuinely nice people in the world!
CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
NC: It wasn’t a sudden realization, more of a conscious effort to NOT be like other kids. I gradually got more and more tired of following trends and trying to fit in with everyone else and it stopped making sense to me. I couldn’t understand why everyone wanted to be the same when we were all so naturally different. Around this time I discovered rock music and that greatly influenced my style and I just drifted apart from the crowd. This of course came with its downsides as I was a target for bullies but I point blank refused to conform. As difficult as it was being a victim of bullying, I think it really benefitted me in the long run as I’m now more certain of who I am and what I believe in compared to other people.
CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
NC: On the five days a week when I’m at work, I go to work (well duh!) come home around 6, grab some food and sew until 10/11 at night. I have a Blackberry so all my emails and convo’s from Etsy get forwarded to my phone so when I’m on my lunch break at work, I’m still focusing on Noiseless. On my days off, I do all the promoting and internet stuff, picture taking and pattern cutting. I try really hard to stick to this routine so I can have new items added to my shop on a regular basis. Oh and I occasionally manage to fit in a social life!
NC: My obsession for vampires is slowly beginning to take over my life haha! I’m a huge fan of trashy vampire novels and movies and I even have a t-shirt saying ‘I love vampires’ so I think it’s safe to say I much prefer vampires. But not the sparkly ones. Don’t get me started on sparkly vampires!
CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
NC: I know it’s not generally a horror film but I’m going to say Wednesday Addams from the Addams’ Family. I looked her up on Wikipedia and is said “Wednesday is originally a pale, dark-haired, grim-looking little girl with a fascination with death and the macabre”. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have an unhealthy obsession with the macabre and I just so happen to be dark haired and super pale!
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
NC: I don’t really know much about either as they are both American ‘monsters’ but I think the UK version would be the Loch Ness Monster which I don’t believe to be real as most sightings have been proved to be fake. So on that theory alone, I’ll say neither.
NC: In my mind, a brief rain shower will instantly rust all the robots and I’m assuming they also have an off switch? So I’m going to say aliens.
CZ: What scares you?
NC: I’m TERRIFIED of spiders! No matter how small and pathetic they are, I will still scream and run out the room like a total girl haha! There was a spider in my car once while I was driving and it’s a miracle I didn’t crash. I don’t know what it is about them that creeps me out so much. Possibly the fact that they have too many legs or possibly the way they scuttle around so unnaturally. Just thinking of them is giving me shivers! Next question…..
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
NC: I’m gonna say with you. If you can’t beat them, join them right?
NC: My etsy shop - http://www.noiselessclothing.etsy.com/
My myspace page - www.myspace.com/noiselessclothing
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Q&A with Living Dead Girl Nicole
All things blood, gore, and braaaaaaains can be found in Living Dead Girl Nicole’s shop! If you are a zombie fan, or horror in general, it’s a must-shop place. Read about her and what drives her art here and be sure to follow the links below!
CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
LDGN: I find beauty in all things dark, spooky or mythical. Aspects of that are reflected not only in my style but also in my art work. When other little girls wanted to be ballerinas I wanted to be Elvira.... I still do! Some of my favorite things are horror movies/horror movie conventions, bats, Halloween (I'm a little obsessed and keep the décor out all year round), themed costume parties, Renaissance Faires, Tattoos (getting them and the whole art form itself), rock music/concerts (classic to heavy), fantasy and dark art, Universal Monsters and The Munsters. I love all things Rob Zombie, Tim Burton and Jim Henson. I have been with my high school sweetheart and soul mate, Frank, for 12 years this fall. We will be celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary this Halloween. We have 2 cats, Ichabod and Sabbath, and live in our townhome filled of horror movie memorabilia, art and interesting collections of fun creepy things. My Mother-in-law says our house is like a "museum" ha ha. I love that!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
LDGN: I like to draw, paint, scrapbook, craft and do anything that gets my creative blood flowing. So because of that my shop is a nice mix of various types of my artwork. I have prints of my celebrity portraits and misc drawings in my shop. I also have zombie head props/decorations which I make from rubber liquid latex and other fun materials. I also started a line in my shop I call Dead Girl Decay which consists of wearable art and accessories. Most of the items are for that dark spooky girl who still loves to express her feminine side or that pin up girl who likes a little danger in her wardrobe. As I create my shop will continue to expand. There really is no set limit on what I want to create and sell which I think makes my shop unique. It is always changing with new items to hopefully keep customers coming back for more.
CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
LDGN: I would definitely pick Baby Firefly from House of 1000 Corpses and the Devil’s Rejects. I like how she can lure you in with her charm but the minute you piss her off - watch out! In ways I am the same way. I can be nice to you but the minute you cross me it's over. Not to mention I am a huge horror fan and I love the concept of her killing…….she laughs in your face and still looks hot while doing it! Sheri Moon Zombie also happens to be one of my idols. I simply adore her. I actually have a Baby Firefly tattoo on my leg and have met her a couple of times. She is simply a beautiful person all around hands down and amazing to her fans. If I was famous I would want to be the same way.
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
LDGN: I think Sasquatch is more likely to be real (his "image" looks like a stage of evolution anyways ha ha) but I would hope that El Chupacabra was real because I find it more intriguing.
CZ: Who is more likely to enslave the human race - aliens or robots?
LDGN: Most definitely Aliens! I am sure they are already have a plan up their sleeves for 2012.
CZ: What scares you?
LDGN: I can handle all the spooky things that go bump in the night. I am more or less afraid of getting Alzheimer’s and not being able to remember the life I lived or the people I love. I know it’s a lot more serious of an answer than saying I am scared of spiders or clowns… but it’s truly my biggest fear.
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
LDGN: Well I am already a living dead girl!! So Go TEAM UNDEAD!
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
LDGN:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LivingDeadGirlNicole
http://livingdeadgirlnicoleart.blogspot.com/
LDGN: I find beauty in all things dark, spooky or mythical. Aspects of that are reflected not only in my style but also in my art work. When other little girls wanted to be ballerinas I wanted to be Elvira.... I still do! Some of my favorite things are horror movies/horror movie conventions, bats, Halloween (I'm a little obsessed and keep the décor out all year round), themed costume parties, Renaissance Faires, Tattoos (getting them and the whole art form itself), rock music/concerts (classic to heavy), fantasy and dark art, Universal Monsters and The Munsters. I love all things Rob Zombie, Tim Burton and Jim Henson. I have been with my high school sweetheart and soul mate, Frank, for 12 years this fall. We will be celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary this Halloween. We have 2 cats, Ichabod and Sabbath, and live in our townhome filled of horror movie memorabilia, art and interesting collections of fun creepy things. My Mother-in-law says our house is like a "museum" ha ha. I love that!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
LDGN: I like to draw, paint, scrapbook, craft and do anything that gets my creative blood flowing. So because of that my shop is a nice mix of various types of my artwork. I have prints of my celebrity portraits and misc drawings in my shop. I also have zombie head props/decorations which I make from rubber liquid latex and other fun materials. I also started a line in my shop I call Dead Girl Decay which consists of wearable art and accessories. Most of the items are for that dark spooky girl who still loves to express her feminine side or that pin up girl who likes a little danger in her wardrobe. As I create my shop will continue to expand. There really is no set limit on what I want to create and sell which I think makes my shop unique. It is always changing with new items to hopefully keep customers coming back for more.
CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
LDGN: My artistic passion to create is really what is the spine of my shop. It’s what inspires and holds it all together. Since the first time I picked up a crayon as a little girl and started to kick ass in coloring contests I have been inspired to do art. My Dad, being an artist himself, was a huge inspiration to me and my art growing up. When other little kids were learning how to color in the lines he was showing me how he shades and blends colors. Because I like creating a wide range of art I can switch up the items I make which allows me more room for expression without feeling overwhelmed by one medium. My celebrity portraits depict characters from cinema, television and music that I admire. My zombie head prop decorations come from my love of horror and wanting so badly to be a part of the horror movie industry. My Dead Girl Decay wearable art line was actually inspired by my own personal spooky but feminine style. I have a arm sleeve (tattoo) that consists of dark beautiful woman from cinema and television with a banner that says “Pretty Scary”. All the women I admire that are dark, mysterious and odd but still drop dead gorgeous. It really expresses who I am as a person and how they have inspired me to be me. I wanted to create items that I feel women like myself would wear.
CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
LDGN: Oh wow this is a tough one. I think it was a cross between a couple famous encounters. One when I met Cassandra Peterson. I gave her the portrait I drew of her as Elvira. And when she looked at it she said “Man this has been an art filled weekend. I have gotten a lot of great pieces.. but this one… this one.. is REEEEAAALY good!!!”. At that moment I realized a little girls dream could come true and I really think my heart literally skipped a beat. Another would be when I gave George Romero his “George” Zombie Head that I made of him. His manager walked me up to the front of the line when I showed him what I had to give to him. And when I walked up there I said “you always make zombies for all of us fans.. so I made you your very own zombie”. His eyes lit up. And he was like “WOW YOU made THIS!!! This is GREAT!!!” And he laughed and got a complete kick out of it and insisted we take a photo together with it. He displayed it on his table at the convention for the rest of the day and every time I walked by and saw it I got all giddy.
CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
LDGN: When I took my Barbie dolls and colored them with my Crayola markers to make them look “different”. When the Jem and the Holograms and their enemies the Misfits came out I was in little girl doll heaven ha ha. I liked them because they were different. They had bright colorful hair and makeup and flashy odd punk rocker clothes and they looked nothing like my Barbie. To this day I still enjoy looking nothing like my Barbie.
CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
LDGN: Every day is a new day to me with new opportunities. But typically I work full time in an office during the day (blah). My weekends are usually when I get the most time to unwind and do things as well as my art. My husband set me up a whole art area in our dungeon (some people call them basements) where I can go and hide and get lost in the creative madness. Art allows me to let my mind go of any stress and escape from the realities of the world. It truly makes me happy and keeps me sane.
CZ: Do you prefer zombies or vampires?
LDGN: Ever since I was a little girl and I watched the Lost Boys I was intrigued. My all time favorite is Bram Stoker’s Dracula (the book that started it all and also the movie). My wedding gown was even based off of Mina’s red dress in the film and the theme of our wedding was “Love Never Dies”. There is just something about a vampire that is dangerous, mysterious and sexy that sucks you in (no pun intended). I am also a big zombie fan. I always say if they attacked I would hope I just got bit so I could join 'em and not fight 'em. Yeah so you might drool a little and live off brains and flesh, but why spend the rest of your life running in fear.. when you could be the one that is chasing everyone down and being feared. But if I had the choice between the two I would definitely want to spend the rest of my days as one of Dracula's brides. CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
LDGN: I would definitely pick Baby Firefly from House of 1000 Corpses and the Devil’s Rejects. I like how she can lure you in with her charm but the minute you piss her off - watch out! In ways I am the same way. I can be nice to you but the minute you cross me it's over. Not to mention I am a huge horror fan and I love the concept of her killing…….she laughs in your face and still looks hot while doing it! Sheri Moon Zombie also happens to be one of my idols. I simply adore her. I actually have a Baby Firefly tattoo on my leg and have met her a couple of times. She is simply a beautiful person all around hands down and amazing to her fans. If I was famous I would want to be the same way.
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
LDGN: I think Sasquatch is more likely to be real (his "image" looks like a stage of evolution anyways ha ha) but I would hope that El Chupacabra was real because I find it more intriguing.
LDGN: Most definitely Aliens! I am sure they are already have a plan up their sleeves for 2012.
CZ: What scares you?
LDGN: I can handle all the spooky things that go bump in the night. I am more or less afraid of getting Alzheimer’s and not being able to remember the life I lived or the people I love. I know it’s a lot more serious of an answer than saying I am scared of spiders or clowns… but it’s truly my biggest fear.
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
LDGN: Well I am already a living dead girl!! So Go TEAM UNDEAD!
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
LDGN:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LivingDeadGirlNicole
http://livingdeadgirlnicoleart.blogspot.com/
Monday, November 29, 2010
Q&A with AlreadyDead
Love sugar skulls? Zombies? If you answered “Yes” to either of those you HAVE to see this shop! Anything Shayna Nelson (the artist behind Already Dead) gets her hands on gets transformed into something macabre – from porcelain cherubs to religious plaques. Read on for the juicy details, then be sure to check out her links!
CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
AD: I am a boring single mom of 2 who doesn’t look like it! I live in Virginia and I'm a TOTAL hermit. I don't do anything except shop at thrift stores pretty much. Poking around for more stuff to paint! I love thunderstorms and I HATE spiders!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
AD: I sell mostly Day of the Dead type art and kitschy religious stuff. I love bright colors so most of my items are DOTD looking anyway, without even trying. I love making plaster ornaments and sardine tin nichos are pretty much an instant satisfaction art!
CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
AD: I have NO motivation what-so-ever most of the time. It just hits me in spurts I guess. Most of the time I just want to jump off a bridge or something. Halloween is an obvious reason to make more creepies, but the few $'s I make from it just funds another thrift store trip!
CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
AD: "Never seen anything like it before!" ...that's pretty darn cool.
CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
AD: In Sunday school. When all the other kids were gaping mouthed, listening to a story of the Angel Gabriel coming out of the flames...I was like...."So.....wait a minute, you are telling me that this man was fireproof?" All the other kids HATED me from then on and I was politely asked to leave the class. The rest of regular school sucked a** so bad... I think I blocked it all out.
CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
AD: Rip myself out of bed at 7am to get my daughter in school...gargle, wash, and rinse with coffee....entertain the 2 year old so I can paint a bit WHILST fending off attacks from my bird, Tika. Listen to children scream and yell and throw fits until bed...more painting or not...depending on how much the kids screamed....then poke around online a bit and niters.
CZ: Do you prefer zombies or vampires?
AD: I don't prefer either I guess. It would suck to meet either, but I like painting zombie stuff way more.
CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
AD: None. I'm a cross between Tank Girl and Mrs. Cleaver.
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
AD: Oh poo. Neither, that's all crap. BUT there is some SCARY SH*T living down deep in the ocean! And those are really real. Really.
CZ: Who is more likely to enslave the human race - aliens or robots?
AD: Robots. Aliens would just be like..."Oh look we missed one”, and zap us.
CZ: What scares you?
AD: Spiders. Kids screaming. And zombie sheep. They were in a movie I saw recently and they scared the SH*T out of me.
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
AD: I will have used my self-destruct button at that point. I will be of NO use or help to anyone.
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
AD: My Etsy, Already Dead
Blog~~ http://44chicken.blogspot.com/
FaceBook~~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Already-Dead-on-Etsy/296103948600#!/pages/Already-Dead-on-Etsy/296103948600?ref=mf
Twitter~~ http://twitter.com/44chicken
AD: I am a boring single mom of 2 who doesn’t look like it! I live in Virginia and I'm a TOTAL hermit. I don't do anything except shop at thrift stores pretty much. Poking around for more stuff to paint! I love thunderstorms and I HATE spiders!
CZ: What type of items do you sell?
AD: I sell mostly Day of the Dead type art and kitschy religious stuff. I love bright colors so most of my items are DOTD looking anyway, without even trying. I love making plaster ornaments and sardine tin nichos are pretty much an instant satisfaction art!
CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
AD: I have NO motivation what-so-ever most of the time. It just hits me in spurts I guess. Most of the time I just want to jump off a bridge or something. Halloween is an obvious reason to make more creepies, but the few $'s I make from it just funds another thrift store trip!
AD: "Never seen anything like it before!" ...that's pretty darn cool.
CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
AD: In Sunday school. When all the other kids were gaping mouthed, listening to a story of the Angel Gabriel coming out of the flames...I was like...."So.....wait a minute, you are telling me that this man was fireproof?" All the other kids HATED me from then on and I was politely asked to leave the class. The rest of regular school sucked a** so bad... I think I blocked it all out.
CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
AD: Rip myself out of bed at 7am to get my daughter in school...gargle, wash, and rinse with coffee....entertain the 2 year old so I can paint a bit WHILST fending off attacks from my bird, Tika. Listen to children scream and yell and throw fits until bed...more painting or not...depending on how much the kids screamed....then poke around online a bit and niters.
AD: I don't prefer either I guess. It would suck to meet either, but I like painting zombie stuff way more.
CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
AD: None. I'm a cross between Tank Girl and Mrs. Cleaver.
CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
AD: Oh poo. Neither, that's all crap. BUT there is some SCARY SH*T living down deep in the ocean! And those are really real. Really.
AD: Robots. Aliens would just be like..."Oh look we missed one”, and zap us.
CZ: What scares you?
AD: Spiders. Kids screaming. And zombie sheep. They were in a movie I saw recently and they scared the SH*T out of me.
CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
AD: I will have used my self-destruct button at that point. I will be of NO use or help to anyone.
AD: My Etsy, Already Dead
Blog~~ http://44chicken.blogspot.com/
FaceBook~~ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Already-Dead-on-Etsy/296103948600#!/pages/Already-Dead-on-Etsy/296103948600?ref=mf
Twitter~~ http://twitter.com/44chicken
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Busy Busy Busy
Sorry I've been MIA for nearly two weeks! I've had content planned and everything - just haven't found the time to make it happen. I had planned on starting back the Etsy interviews after Halloween and I've got three wrote and ready to go. I promise they will go up soon!
I had also planned on doing a little piece about my Halloween costume, which was inspired by one of my costume pieces from earlier in the year. If anyone is interested I can put it up some time in December.
So to my readers, please be patient with me through the rest of the year! My calendar is booked with one thing or another for all of December (including a Pirate vs Ninjas party which should make for some interesting reading!) and my posting may be sporadic. I WILL get back on track next year - it'll be my New Year's resolution. ;)
Oh! And don't miss out on all the great deals from Etsy's Dark Side this weekend. Black Friday through Cyber Monday you can find crazy good sales from participating shops (including 20% off everything in my store!) See which shops and what deals here:
http://etsysdarksideteam.blogspot.com/2010/11/black-friday-to-cyber-monday-2010-edt.html
I had also planned on doing a little piece about my Halloween costume, which was inspired by one of my costume pieces from earlier in the year. If anyone is interested I can put it up some time in December.
So to my readers, please be patient with me through the rest of the year! My calendar is booked with one thing or another for all of December (including a Pirate vs Ninjas party which should make for some interesting reading!) and my posting may be sporadic. I WILL get back on track next year - it'll be my New Year's resolution. ;)
Oh! And don't miss out on all the great deals from Etsy's Dark Side this weekend. Black Friday through Cyber Monday you can find crazy good sales from participating shops (including 20% off everything in my store!) See which shops and what deals here:
http://etsysdarksideteam.blogspot.com/2010/11/black-friday-to-cyber-monday-2010-edt.html
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Holiday Shopping Made Easy (Or Easier, At Least!)
I put together a few Stocking Stuffer Gift Guides to help people buy for those offbeat loved ones. All items are $10 or less and they are all made by members of Etsy's Dark Side team. Check them out for some great finds! Just click the picture to be taken to the site - from there you can click individual items for more info or to purchase!
Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide For HER
Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide For HIM
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Dave Lowe's Haunt
Dave Lowe is another example of “talent overload”! His haunt is one of my biggest inspirations because he dreams up a lot of budget-friendly props that still look fantastic! Who else could imagine a FedEx box as a tombstone or a plastic champagne glass as an apothecary jar stem? Take a look at these pictures and let them speak for themselves!
CZ: I already know that Halloween is the most awesome holiday out there but my readers may not, so can you give us your opinion why it is?
DL: Creatively, It's the only holiday so open to interpretation being based on the spooky unknown. It has its traditions and clichés, but the ordinary can be spun into folklore with good imagination. On Halloween day, you just don't watch a leaf fall from a tree in front of you, you wonder if there is something in the tree that made it fall. Personally, It's the only month of the year I don't have to clean up so carefully and worry about CSI sniffing around... the mess is just "decoration."
CZ: When did you start “haunting”?
DL: I prefer to call it an October holiday-themed temporary outdoor public art installation. It started back in the mid '90's when I placed an electric chair and coffin I had made for the set of a Sci Fi channel show called "Sci Fi Buzz" on the lawn. The neighborhood kids went crazy for it and asked if there was going to be more...I got bit by the "haunt" bug. I still have the electric chair and it's used every year. It's the oldest prop in the display. When I was a little trick or treater, just a single carved pumpkin on a doorstep was magical, I really believed in the folklore of the holiday. Now it's fun creating some of that magic for kids.
CZ: Creepiest man behind the mask – Michael Myers or Jason?
DL: Michael. When I first saw HALLOWEEN it was one of the last years I trick or treated and his hunting ground of Haddonfield looked like my suburban New York 'hood making him an even scarier character. I'm a bit biased though having seen the movie in the late '70's and how it inspired the entire masked maniac killer film genre that followed. I'd only ever say Jason, if he's wearing a Michael Myers mask. I do like Jason though, both guys are featured in my display. I've always imagined they're step brothers and Freddy Kruger's the illegitimate dad... that's the ultimate prequel movie surprise ending in my mind.
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
DL: That's tough one... each year spawns the new creation and the favorite that October. If I had to choose it would be my grandmother up in the attic. I'm waiting a few more years for the mummification to look just perfect before she officially goes on display. Fingers crossed for 2012 or 2013!
CZ: You must have one absolute favorite memory about your haunt - tell us what it is.
DL: The evil laughter my girlfriend had when she first heard the screams of little kids visiting my haunt. One reason she's my fiancée now and one reason she scares me to this day as well.
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
DL: Candy corn, it's the Christmas fruit cake of Halloween.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
DL: Well, about 11 months of thinking and talking about it, and then a 2 week late September to early October manic storm of crazed hysterical creation, followed by a Xanax overdose on November 1st.
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
DL: I could list a 1001 "artistic" things, but it's really the 1001 reactions from kids over the years to my display that makes me love decorating. One year, an SUV stopped while I was out front. The mom driving pointed to the 3 little faces looking out the backseat window and said jokingly "You owe me gas money. They make me drive by everyday after school to see your yard." Those moments inspire me to run back into the garage and make something new that night to have on the lawn the next morning.
CZ: Morticia or Lily Munster?
DL: Elvira, best of both.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
DL: They used to be. Every year, the first day I'd start decorating became a family get together. All would come over for coffee, sit on the porch and just watch...not helping at all and talk about how insane I was. I got tired of it. Now they're also in the attic with Grandma.
CZ: What does the future hold for your haunt?
DL: Creating a good fictional back story or theme and creating props that tell the tale. Something I could use as a title. A story that would keep the authorities' suspicions at bay when my family in the attic does finally go on display one year.
You can keep up with Dave’s Halloween progress (and other madness!) on his blog: http://davelowe.blogspot.com/
DL: Creatively, It's the only holiday so open to interpretation being based on the spooky unknown. It has its traditions and clichés, but the ordinary can be spun into folklore with good imagination. On Halloween day, you just don't watch a leaf fall from a tree in front of you, you wonder if there is something in the tree that made it fall. Personally, It's the only month of the year I don't have to clean up so carefully and worry about CSI sniffing around... the mess is just "decoration."
DL: I prefer to call it an October holiday-themed temporary outdoor public art installation. It started back in the mid '90's when I placed an electric chair and coffin I had made for the set of a Sci Fi channel show called "Sci Fi Buzz" on the lawn. The neighborhood kids went crazy for it and asked if there was going to be more...I got bit by the "haunt" bug. I still have the electric chair and it's used every year. It's the oldest prop in the display. When I was a little trick or treater, just a single carved pumpkin on a doorstep was magical, I really believed in the folklore of the holiday. Now it's fun creating some of that magic for kids.
DL: Michael. When I first saw HALLOWEEN it was one of the last years I trick or treated and his hunting ground of Haddonfield looked like my suburban New York 'hood making him an even scarier character. I'm a bit biased though having seen the movie in the late '70's and how it inspired the entire masked maniac killer film genre that followed. I'd only ever say Jason, if he's wearing a Michael Myers mask. I do like Jason though, both guys are featured in my display. I've always imagined they're step brothers and Freddy Kruger's the illegitimate dad... that's the ultimate prequel movie surprise ending in my mind.
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
DL: That's tough one... each year spawns the new creation and the favorite that October. If I had to choose it would be my grandmother up in the attic. I'm waiting a few more years for the mummification to look just perfect before she officially goes on display. Fingers crossed for 2012 or 2013!
DL: The evil laughter my girlfriend had when she first heard the screams of little kids visiting my haunt. One reason she's my fiancée now and one reason she scares me to this day as well.
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
DL: Candy corn, it's the Christmas fruit cake of Halloween.
DL: Well, about 11 months of thinking and talking about it, and then a 2 week late September to early October manic storm of crazed hysterical creation, followed by a Xanax overdose on November 1st.
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
DL: I could list a 1001 "artistic" things, but it's really the 1001 reactions from kids over the years to my display that makes me love decorating. One year, an SUV stopped while I was out front. The mom driving pointed to the 3 little faces looking out the backseat window and said jokingly "You owe me gas money. They make me drive by everyday after school to see your yard." Those moments inspire me to run back into the garage and make something new that night to have on the lawn the next morning.
DL: Elvira, best of both.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
DL: They used to be. Every year, the first day I'd start decorating became a family get together. All would come over for coffee, sit on the porch and just watch...not helping at all and talk about how insane I was. I got tired of it. Now they're also in the attic with Grandma.
DL: Creating a good fictional back story or theme and creating props that tell the tale. Something I could use as a title. A story that would keep the authorities' suspicions at bay when my family in the attic does finally go on display one year.
You can keep up with Dave’s Halloween progress (and other madness!) on his blog: http://davelowe.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Love Manor
I didn’t get all of my haunt features done in October…things just got too busy that last week. What that means for you guys is that Halloween is extended through this week! Today I’m featuring Love Manor and then you can expect a piece on Dave Lowe’s Haunt (or The Unnamed Haunt That No One Dare Name Because It's So Haunted ;) haha) in a day or two. So without further ado…
Johnny Love’s “Love Manor” is a giant piece of Halloween eye-candy. His photography is also phenomenal so even if you can’t see it in person you can still get the creepy vibe right from your computer screen. :)
CZ: I already know that Halloween is the most awesome holiday out there but my readers may not, so can you give us your opinion why it is?
LM: I think Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because of many things. First, I love how creative you can be with your decorating/prop building. Pretty much anything goes! Second, there's a feel of magic and wonder in the air, like anything's possible.
CZ: When did you start “haunting”?
LM: I started decorating for Halloween many many years ago, before I can really remember. I remember decorating our hotel room in Florida when we stayed there in October when I was maybe 7. We put a huge jack o' lantern in the window and I dressed up like a ninja. Now, maybe within the past 6 years, I have really taken my decorating to a whole new level and have since been known as a "Home Haunter". It actually all started when I was browsing Yahoo! one day I saw their "Hot Searches", the first one being "Halloween Decorating Projects". Through that I found The Halloween Monster List and was, needless to say, hooked.
CZ: Creepiest man behind the mask – Michael Myers or Jason?
LM: Michael Myers is definitely a classic amongst my family. I actually live within a few blocks of Tommy Doyle's home on Orange Grove here in Hollywood.
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
LM: Anything vintage. I have collected decorations for many many years, many of which have been passed down to me from prior generations. I do, however, always say that the best decorations are not found in the Halloween isle at the store, but beyond it.
CZ: You must have one absolute favorite memory about your haunt - tell us what it is.
LM: I think one of my favorite memories was after the trick or treaters had come through and were all home enjoying their collections of candy, I went outside into the cemetery and took a seat on the mausoleum and sat there, watching the fog weave through the tall grass, the fireflies fluttering through the bushes, the ambient sounds of crickets, frogs and the far away howling winds. When all of a sudden a hearse drove by, stopped, and whomever was inside took a moment to enjoy the display before they continued their journey on through the night.
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
LM: Definitely a tough question. I'm a sucker for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. However I remember a lady used to hand out hot cider and caramel apples on our street, that was definitely the ultimate.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
LM: The entire year. I'm always thinking about it!
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
LM: I draw my inspiration from many things and people. I've always loved Disney and the creative displays and things they have created through the many years they've been around. I always look to The Haunted Mansion whenever I need some creativity. I've always loved Martha Stewart, knowing that Halloween is her favorite holiday is always encouraging. There are also many home haunters out there to which my hat must be tipped to!
CZ: Morticia Addams or Lily Munster?
LM: Morticia Addams. I love how the light casts across her eyes.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
LM: They definitely share the insanity with me.
CZ: What does the future hold for your haunt?
LM: Many things of which I cannot tell. Everyone should be in for a surprise this year though!
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
LM: Please be sure to check out www.LoveManor.com and checkout my Twitter, Facebook, Blog and Flickr pages (all accessible from the front page of the website)! Comments and views are greatly appreciated!
Johnny Love’s “Love Manor” is a giant piece of Halloween eye-candy. His photography is also phenomenal so even if you can’t see it in person you can still get the creepy vibe right from your computer screen. :)
LM: I think Halloween is one of my favorite holidays because of many things. First, I love how creative you can be with your decorating/prop building. Pretty much anything goes! Second, there's a feel of magic and wonder in the air, like anything's possible.
LM: I started decorating for Halloween many many years ago, before I can really remember. I remember decorating our hotel room in Florida when we stayed there in October when I was maybe 7. We put a huge jack o' lantern in the window and I dressed up like a ninja. Now, maybe within the past 6 years, I have really taken my decorating to a whole new level and have since been known as a "Home Haunter". It actually all started when I was browsing Yahoo! one day I saw their "Hot Searches", the first one being "Halloween Decorating Projects". Through that I found The Halloween Monster List and was, needless to say, hooked.
LM: Michael Myers is definitely a classic amongst my family. I actually live within a few blocks of Tommy Doyle's home on Orange Grove here in Hollywood.
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
LM: Anything vintage. I have collected decorations for many many years, many of which have been passed down to me from prior generations. I do, however, always say that the best decorations are not found in the Halloween isle at the store, but beyond it.
LM: I think one of my favorite memories was after the trick or treaters had come through and were all home enjoying their collections of candy, I went outside into the cemetery and took a seat on the mausoleum and sat there, watching the fog weave through the tall grass, the fireflies fluttering through the bushes, the ambient sounds of crickets, frogs and the far away howling winds. When all of a sudden a hearse drove by, stopped, and whomever was inside took a moment to enjoy the display before they continued their journey on through the night.
LM: Definitely a tough question. I'm a sucker for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. However I remember a lady used to hand out hot cider and caramel apples on our street, that was definitely the ultimate.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
LM: The entire year. I'm always thinking about it!
LM: I draw my inspiration from many things and people. I've always loved Disney and the creative displays and things they have created through the many years they've been around. I always look to The Haunted Mansion whenever I need some creativity. I've always loved Martha Stewart, knowing that Halloween is her favorite holiday is always encouraging. There are also many home haunters out there to which my hat must be tipped to!
LM: Morticia Addams. I love how the light casts across her eyes.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
LM: They definitely share the insanity with me.
LM: Many things of which I cannot tell. Everyone should be in for a surprise this year though!
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
LM: Please be sure to check out www.LoveManor.com and checkout my Twitter, Facebook, Blog and Flickr pages (all accessible from the front page of the website)! Comments and views are greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ugh
I am so far behind on EVERYTHING! Halloween prep takes up so much of my time that everything else gets neglected. So now, even though all I want to do is sleep, I have fifty thousand things to catch up on. One of those things being posting the haunt features that I didn't get around to in October! Congratulations! The Halloween season will be extended for you guys for another week! ;) I'll try to get one up later today and hopefully the other will go up tomorrow. Sorry for dropping the ball last week!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Mourning Rose Manor
Mourning Rose Manor is definitely a favorite of mine! The use of colored lighting is spot on and the imagery is simply haunting. You just don’t know what your eye will be drawn to next! I’m really looking forward to seeing what’s in store for 2010 – though I understand that if you’re in the area (Simi Valley, CA) you can check it out every night through Halloween!
CZ: When did you start “haunting”?
MRM: I've always been into Halloween - pretty much since birth. My grandmother did costumes for the local theaters in whatever town they happened to be in, so it's genetic.
As far as haunting is concerned, I would say I really started (although very cheesy and small scale) about 15 years ago. It really skyrocketed after we built the crypt in 2004.
CZ: Creepiest man behind the mask – Michael Myers or Jason?
MRM: Michael Myers - hands down. I actually didn't see the original Halloween until about 3 years ago (my head hung in shame), but it was still scary. However, Jason still is terrifying....I think it's Michael Myers slow deliberate walk that just gets to you.
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
MRM: My favorite prop of mine is my FCG, Della. I can sit and watch her all night long and be fascinated.
CZ: You must have one absolute favorite memory about your haunt - tell us what it is.
MRM: My favorite memory of my haunt was actually last year and has nothing to do with kids. Two older women came down later in the evening, obviously a mother and daughter. The mother was walking with a cane very, very gingerly. She was telling me how happy it makes her to see our haunt every year and that she never misses it. You understand that kids are fascinated by what we do...they don't always have much to compare it with. Having an older woman be so appreciative and excited about our display just made my year.
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
MRM: Anything with chocolate is the ultimate Halloween candy - but if I have to choose - Baby Ruth.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
MRM: Every year varies as far as how much time we put in to it. Last year was terrible because of my husband and I both having surgery. In 2008, we built a lot of newer (but smaller) additions.
I'm really overdue for a complete overhaul, but it's not happening this year - LOL! It generally takes one whole day to set up everything except the crypt and inside the house. The crypt is two days and the house....well it goes slowly over a week or so (after work).
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
MRM: My biggest inspiration is Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Being that we're a haunted yard or yard display, I want it to be accessible to everyone, of all ages. Our scares are very mild, because I want them to stay and look at everything. I'd rather go for eerie and creepy than gross or gory, it's just not my thing. I love the vibe of going through the Haunted Mansion and the anticipation of seeing something I've never seen before. I'd like to ditch my Doom Buggy and walk slowly through to see all the details that whiz by while riding.
CZ: Morticia Addams or Lily Munster?
MRM: Definitely Morticia Addams - she was a hussy and I love that!!
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
MRM: Ummm, yes my family is supportive of my haunting obsession and yes they think I'm insane!! The love me anyway and go along with my schemes for the most part.
CZ: What does the future hold for your haunt?
MRM: The future of my haunt is going to be about original ideas. I feel that I've tried to use traditional inspirations and give them my own twist, but I'd like to start forging ahead and be more imaginative. I'd also like to try paper mache because the props I see that are made of paper mache are usually the ones that inspire me the most.
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
MRM: My own of course - http://www.mourningrosemanor.com/
Friend us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simi-Valley/Mourning-Rose-Manor/254805367903
MRM: I've always been into Halloween - pretty much since birth. My grandmother did costumes for the local theaters in whatever town they happened to be in, so it's genetic.
As far as haunting is concerned, I would say I really started (although very cheesy and small scale) about 15 years ago. It really skyrocketed after we built the crypt in 2004.
CZ: Creepiest man behind the mask – Michael Myers or Jason?
MRM: Michael Myers - hands down. I actually didn't see the original Halloween until about 3 years ago (my head hung in shame), but it was still scary. However, Jason still is terrifying....I think it's Michael Myers slow deliberate walk that just gets to you.
MRM: My favorite prop of mine is my FCG, Della. I can sit and watch her all night long and be fascinated.
CZ: You must have one absolute favorite memory about your haunt - tell us what it is.
MRM: My favorite memory of my haunt was actually last year and has nothing to do with kids. Two older women came down later in the evening, obviously a mother and daughter. The mother was walking with a cane very, very gingerly. She was telling me how happy it makes her to see our haunt every year and that she never misses it. You understand that kids are fascinated by what we do...they don't always have much to compare it with. Having an older woman be so appreciative and excited about our display just made my year.
MRM: Anything with chocolate is the ultimate Halloween candy - but if I have to choose - Baby Ruth.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
MRM: Every year varies as far as how much time we put in to it. Last year was terrible because of my husband and I both having surgery. In 2008, we built a lot of newer (but smaller) additions.
I'm really overdue for a complete overhaul, but it's not happening this year - LOL! It generally takes one whole day to set up everything except the crypt and inside the house. The crypt is two days and the house....well it goes slowly over a week or so (after work).
MRM: My biggest inspiration is Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Being that we're a haunted yard or yard display, I want it to be accessible to everyone, of all ages. Our scares are very mild, because I want them to stay and look at everything. I'd rather go for eerie and creepy than gross or gory, it's just not my thing. I love the vibe of going through the Haunted Mansion and the anticipation of seeing something I've never seen before. I'd like to ditch my Doom Buggy and walk slowly through to see all the details that whiz by while riding.
CZ: Morticia Addams or Lily Munster?
MRM: Definitely Morticia Addams - she was a hussy and I love that!!
MRM: Ummm, yes my family is supportive of my haunting obsession and yes they think I'm insane!! The love me anyway and go along with my schemes for the most part.
CZ: What does the future hold for your haunt?
MRM: The future of my haunt is going to be about original ideas. I feel that I've tried to use traditional inspirations and give them my own twist, but I'd like to start forging ahead and be more imaginative. I'd also like to try paper mache because the props I see that are made of paper mache are usually the ones that inspire me the most.
MRM: My own of course - http://www.mourningrosemanor.com/
Friend us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Simi-Valley/Mourning-Rose-Manor/254805367903
Monday, October 25, 2010
Tinker-rebel!
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE Tinkerbell! She is the coolest female Disney character ever…I mean, how many other “good guys” tried to kill their rival? Pure evil! ;) She needs a costume that throws the picture of sweetness out the window though, so I give you Bad Tink!
Tinkerbell wears a little green strapless mini dress in the Disney films and I think that style is right but I want it to be darker. I picked out a black dress with purple trim from hellbabies.
You can’t be a pixie without wings! We need some that match Tink’s true nature and these gorgeous Cobweb Spider Wings by OnGossamerWings are perfect!
As we all know, accessories make the outfit and I found some great ones for this costume! A fashionable pair of arm warmers from ZenAndCoffee and a Stitch Choker made by VonErickson are very fitting.
Last but not least, you have to have somewhere to keep your fairy dust and what better place than an adorable coffin purse?! This one from faboo is very appropriate for Tinkerbell’s new rebellious look.
Throw on your favorite pair of boots or wildest platform heels and you’re ready for a night of troublemaking, Tink style! And, no, that does not mean killing Wendy! :D
Tinkerbell wears a little green strapless mini dress in the Disney films and I think that style is right but I want it to be darker. I picked out a black dress with purple trim from hellbabies.
You can’t be a pixie without wings! We need some that match Tink’s true nature and these gorgeous Cobweb Spider Wings by OnGossamerWings are perfect!
As we all know, accessories make the outfit and I found some great ones for this costume! A fashionable pair of arm warmers from ZenAndCoffee and a Stitch Choker made by VonErickson are very fitting.
Last but not least, you have to have somewhere to keep your fairy dust and what better place than an adorable coffin purse?! This one from faboo is very appropriate for Tinkerbell’s new rebellious look.
Throw on your favorite pair of boots or wildest platform heels and you’re ready for a night of troublemaking, Tink style! And, no, that does not mean killing Wendy! :D
Friday, October 22, 2010
Terra Lair: Seven Layers of Scare
Terra, Terror of the Cul de Sac, is not only talented at Halloween prop building – she’s also extremely willing to share her knowledge and experiences! Pretty much anything you see in her haunt can also be found on her blog with in-depth instructions to build/make it. So, if you can’t make it to Kansas City to see this Halloween phenom in person, be sure to check her out online!
CZ: I already know that Halloween is the most awesome holiday out there but my readers may not, so can you give us your opinion why it is?
TL: Halloween is awesome because it is so fun and you can spread that fun like a disease. Once they are infected, they are a Halloween fan for life!
CZ: When did you start “haunting”?
TL: The moment I returned from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights in 2005. As hubby and I were walking between all the different haunts I noticed that many queue line displays looked like something I could attempt. Off to Home Depot I went.
CZ: Creepiest man behind the mask – Michael Myers or Jason?
TL: Jason! Would you believe I just saw both of those movies for the first time last year? The first go around I was too young to get into the theater. Then, I just kept trying to avoid seeing them because I don’t like gore. Ran out of road when someone at HalloweenForum dared me to watch them. After all these years of being afraid of seeing them I was like “Pffft..that was NOTHING!”
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
TL: Well, if you are asking of anyone’s prop, then it would be PumpkinRot’s new style of scarecrow in 2008: http://pumpkinrot.com/images/2008_83.jpg Completely blew me AWAY. It is everything about what I love about Halloween. Terrifying, mysterious and beautifully artistic.
CZ: You must have one absolute favorite memory about your haunt - tell us what it is.
TL: Funny thing is, I didn’t even see it live when it happened. Last year I put a video camera outside of the haunt. A week after Halloween I had the chance to review the footage I got and there it was. A little girl’s dad finally came out of the haunt with her little sister and she ran up to her dad and pronounced that she didn’t scream ONCE. Just then, Boogedy fired off right in front of her and she made a HUGE scream! Loved it and so I put it at the end of my haunt video that’s up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jQ1mKSQGNc
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
TL: Reese’s! I could eat and eat and eat those until I get sick.
CZ: How much time goes into your haunt each year?
TL: I work on it all year and think about it constantly. When I’m not doing that, I’m dreaming about it.
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
TL: Many pro-haunts: HalloweenHorrorNights (be there again this year), The Darkness, The ScareHouse and House of Torment. Then, of course, LaurieBeast and Pumpkinrot.
CZ: Morticia Addams or Lily Munster?
TL: Why Morticia of couse. She was sexy and drove Gomez crazy with passion.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
TL: Both…They love me and so they don’t show that they think I’m nuts.
CZ: What does the future hold for your haunt?
TL: Better, better, better. Now that I feel I have a good handle on the Seven Layers of Scare I want to keep improving the haunt and keep it fresh.
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
TL: Here’s my blog that has the Seven Layers of Scare and many of my tutorials:
http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/terra/
http://www.youtube.com/user/Scaryladyvideos
 |
| Castle of Terra: Vampyr Reign was last year's theme. |
TL: Halloween is awesome because it is so fun and you can spread that fun like a disease. Once they are infected, they are a Halloween fan for life!
CZ: When did you start “haunting”?
TL: The moment I returned from Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights in 2005. As hubby and I were walking between all the different haunts I noticed that many queue line displays looked like something I could attempt. Off to Home Depot I went.
TL: Jason! Would you believe I just saw both of those movies for the first time last year? The first go around I was too young to get into the theater. Then, I just kept trying to avoid seeing them because I don’t like gore. Ran out of road when someone at HalloweenForum dared me to watch them. After all these years of being afraid of seeing them I was like “Pffft..that was NOTHING!”
CZ: What is your favorite prop/decoration and why?
TL: Well, if you are asking of anyone’s prop, then it would be PumpkinRot’s new style of scarecrow in 2008: http://pumpkinrot.com/images/2008_83.jpg Completely blew me AWAY. It is everything about what I love about Halloween. Terrifying, mysterious and beautifully artistic.
TL: Funny thing is, I didn’t even see it live when it happened. Last year I put a video camera outside of the haunt. A week after Halloween I had the chance to review the footage I got and there it was. A little girl’s dad finally came out of the haunt with her little sister and she ran up to her dad and pronounced that she didn’t scream ONCE. Just then, Boogedy fired off right in front of her and she made a HUGE scream! Loved it and so I put it at the end of my haunt video that’s up on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jQ1mKSQGNc
CZ: What’s the ultimate Halloween candy?
TL: Reese’s! I could eat and eat and eat those until I get sick.
TL: I work on it all year and think about it constantly. When I’m not doing that, I’m dreaming about it.
CZ: From whom or what do you draw your inspiration?
TL: Many pro-haunts: HalloweenHorrorNights (be there again this year), The Darkness, The ScareHouse and House of Torment. Then, of course, LaurieBeast and Pumpkinrot.
TL: Why Morticia of couse. She was sexy and drove Gomez crazy with passion.
CZ: Is your family supportive of your haunting obsession or do they think you’re insane?
TL: Both…They love me and so they don’t show that they think I’m nuts.
TL: Better, better, better. Now that I feel I have a good handle on the Seven Layers of Scare I want to keep improving the haunt and keep it fresh.
CZ: Any links you’d like included?
TL: Here’s my blog that has the Seven Layers of Scare and many of my tutorials:
http://www.halloweenforum.com/blogs/terra/
http://www.youtube.com/user/Scaryladyvideos
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
