EJPcreations Giveaway!

EJPcreations was nice enough to donate an item for a giveaway! She is offering up this gorgeous pair of earrings to the winner.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40162051/earrings-time-waits-for-no-woman-can-be

Be sure to follow all the rules. Earn as many entries as possible and spread the word! If we get 20 contestants I will throw in a second prize! I’ll be using Random.org to pick the winner(s) and will contact them the morning of July 12th. Good luck to you all!

*We got 20 contestants so I'm going to giveaway a $15.00 gift certificate to my shop to the second name drawn!  To be eligible all you have to do is follow the rules to enter this contest!*

Rules for entry:

Make sure I have SOME way to contact you if you win (Blogspot, Facebook, Twitter, Etsy, etc). Entries with no form of contact will be deleted.

If you win, you have 48 hours to respond to my contact. If I have not heard from you by that time I will pick a new winner.

You must post links to your actions here. If I can’t verify that you actually posted where you say you did your entries won’t count.

Please post all actions in the same comment so I can see how many entrants there are in a glance (it is okay to post another comment if you come back later and complete more actions).

Go browse EJPcreations shop. Leave a comment on this blog post telling me what your favorite item is. This earns your first entry!

You have until July 11th, at 11:59 pm EST to enter.

How to gain extra entries:
+1 entry - Heart EJPcreations’ shop (new and existing count).

+1 entry – Be or become a follower of EJPcreations’ blog.

+1 entry - Subscribe to the feed of EJPcreations’ blog with a feed reader (new and existing count).

+1 entry – Be or become a follower of @ejpcreations on twitter.

+1 entry – Be or become a fan of EJPcreations on Facebook.

+1 entry – Add EJPcreations as a contact on Flickr (new and existing count).

+1 entry – Be or become a follower of  EJPcreations’ Musings on Tumblr.

+2 entries - Blog about this giveaway.

+2 entries - Tweet (Twitter) about this giveaway.

+2 entries - Make a Facebook post about this giveaway.

+5 entries - Make a purchase from EJPcreations’ shop and post the transaction ID here!

+5 entries - Make a purchase from my shop and post the transaction ID here!

Q&A with EJPcreations!

EJPcreations is the purveyor of some of the most unique, intriguing jewelry I’ve ever seen! I have been admiring her work since she joined Etsy’s Dark Side and she keeps impressing me. I was lucky enough to receive a pair of her earrings last year and the quality is excellent. If you are looking for goth, steampunk, or Victorian jewelry her store should definitely be on your list of places to shop!

CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
EJP: I have been creating obscure items my entire life. Anything my little mind could dream up was instantly put on paper so I could work out the puzzle of making it a reality. Coming from a very creative family this notion of making artwork in any form was ingrained in me since birth. Contained in my artistic arsenal is an AA degree in Visual Presentation. A BFA in Crafts and Metalsmithing, and a BA in Anthropology with a focus in Japanese Urban culture, and Primatology. In some amazingly mystic, and extremely bizarre way all these studies have funneled into the work I produce today.


CZ: What type of items do you sell?
EJP: Primarily the items I make take the form of wearable art… tiaras, necklaces, earrings, bracelets. Mixed media, sculpture, and functional art are still on my list of favorites to create. I have this unending need to make dioramas coupled with a sort of sculptural casing. So I’m in the middle of designing a few of those, also I have recently been getting an itch to get back to my metalsmithing roots. So I’m going to probably work up a couple of pieces in the next few months, but don’t worry the clock hands are a part of my soul that I will never be able to live without so they will continue being made no matter what.

CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop?
EJP: The biggest inspiration behind my shop was that once I finished art school I didn’t want to stop making art like most of my friends had. Most of my classmates after leaving school were so burned-out on making art that they wouldn’t pick up their media again for maybe six months after graduation. Then IF they did they were so tired after work that more than likely they would only do artwork on the weekends. Then life gets in the way… rent, and children become far more important than any esthetic pursuit. Slowly and surely, the dream is strangled and fades until art school is just a distant bittersweet memory. I opened my shop thinking that it would help me off set the cost of my materials, and give me the incentive to keep creating. And that it has done and so much more I can’t even tell you. Opening this shop was probably the best decision I made in my life, and also the hardest.


CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
EJP: I think I am most flattered when someone chooses something I make to wear on their wedding day. To be a little part of someone’s special day, a day that will live on in their mind for the rest of their life is complement enough to me.

CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
EJP: The snippet of time that comes to my mind the clearest is in seventh grade. Everyone had just come back to school from summer break and we all went around the room stating what we did over the summer. When it came to be my turn I proudly stated that I had read all the works by Molière. My mom and dad had an amazing library and I found my way over to his plays. The teacher didn’t even know who he was and quickly went on to the next person. I decided not to talk to much about my interests openly after that until high school when I found some like minded people.


CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
EJP: Wake up early go to work. Day dream about designs for jewelry most of the day, while working on spreadsheets ( I'm a bookkeeper/ Office Manager). My boss is unbelievably supportive of my business so I am able to package up what needs to be shipped out there. Whenever he hears the packing tape gun he always shouts out from his office, “sounds like Edie had a sale… where’s it going to this time”. I only work part time so early afternoon I’m off to run errands. Post office, buying supplies, maybe take a walk or yoga to clear my head. Then check on my mom to see if she’s ok, her health is a little precarious. Then off to the studio to make stuff till I go to bed which is usually around two in the morning. I always try to get to bed early, but as one would suspect I’m a night owl and get a second wind around ten o’clock that lasts for a long time. And when you get that momentum to create it’s a blessing so you’ve just got to go with it.

CZ: Zombies or Vampires?
EJP: Do I really have to choose. They both have their strong points. Considering my strong Goth background I think I will have to side with the vampires. Only if they are old school vampires.


CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most?
EJP: Madeline Usher from Fall of the House of Usher. I’m not so sure I actually identify with her, but I know I’d like to be her in the Vincent Price version. Or Theodora from The Haunting, the old black and white version of course. Oh and then there is always Mina Harker, and I do really identify with her in the 1974 Frank Langella version or, The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.


CZ: What scares you?
EJP: The only thing that really, really scares me in this world is debt. Everything else I can totally handle… well except clowns. Isn’t that everyone’s exception though. Why do we continue to allow them near our children when everyone on this planet is afraid of them, and has some childhood trauma story about them. I think it’s collective insanity that we still think of them and fun for children. One of my friends was told by his grandfather when he was little that clowns didn’t wear makeup that’s just how they looked. They were a different breed of people and had to take jobs in the entertainment industry to make a living cuz they couldn’t fit in with the rest of society. In my heart of hearts I also believe this to be true, but my beliefs take it a step further. I believe that they come from an alternate dimension to drain the energy of our children and to feed on their souls. I also use to be really afraid of anyone dressed up in a character suit like Mickey Mouse but I’ve worked though that, and can stand next to them uncomfortably without hitting or biting them. I’ve made A LOT of progress.

CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
EJP: With you!!! Absolutely!!! I’ve already picked out a lovely shroud and matching jewelry to complement the gore and wounds that will highlight my undead pallor.


There are plenty of places to stay in the loop on what EJPcreations is up to – take your pick or follow them all!


http://www.ejpcreations.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/EJPcreations
http://ejpcreations.blogspot.com/
http://ejpcreations.tumblr.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ejpcreations
http://twitter.com/ejpcreations

Voodoo from the Sea!

The Pirates of the Caribbean movies are ones that I could watch over and over again and never tire of them! With all the great characters to choose from, Tia Dalma is my absolute favorite. She is so mysterious, exotic, and CREEPY! And creepy is good in my book. ;)

It is nearly impossible to find a pre-made Tia Dalma gown so we are going to have to take matters into our own hands with a little creativity! We’ll start with a petticoat made by LitttleBits and this fabulous corset from KathleenCrowley. A brown crocheted shawl from elde will keep our shoulders warm.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43513646/18th-century-colonial-1730-1795-quilted

http://www.etsy.com/listing/34487082/velvet-18th-century-pirate-old-world

http://www.etsy.com/listing/37254430/dark-brown-flowered-mohair-triangle

The petticoat and shawl are going to need some help to work for us. Tia Dalma’s tattered garb looks as if it were never new! So here are some tutorials on how to distress clothing:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2225368_distress-a-costume.html
http://www.costumedesignblog.com/?p=104
Throw some touches of the sea in with this beaded shell belt by fancyfulnotions, sea urchin spine earrings from feralwares, and a unique necklace designed by CloVeN.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44008242/nwot-brown-and-ivory-beaded-with-sea

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41944768/sea-urchin-spine-earrings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43998986/carry-land-with-you

What would our witchy woman be without her voodoo token? This real crow claw necklace from mrd74 is a must-have to pull off the look! Add a long strand of wooden beads by navana to finish off the accessories.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/49746221/real-carion-crow-claw-necklace

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48746870/wood-beads-necklace

That will do us for clothing and jewelry but we’re still missing two very important things! First is a trusty black eyeliner pencil to make the dots and smudge on your lips. The other is some dreadlocks. If you don’t have your own, SchwarzEngelblut can help you out!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41529610/long-custom-100ct-se-dread-kit

So maybe we couldn’t be a stunt double but people should recognize who we’re supposed to be without much thought!

Q&A with BlacknickSculpture

BlacknickSculpture is one of the newest members of Etsy’s Dark Side. His attention to detail is simply amazing. He doesn’t miss a thing! While most of his work is nautical, the surrealist sculptures certainly fit the qualifications of our team!

CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
BS: I'm a self taught artist living on Long Island. I enjoy sculpting and being creative.

CZ: What type of items do you sell?
BS: I sell a mixed bag of my original sculptures. The subject matter varies from wildlife and dinosaurs to fantasy creatures and monsters.

CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
BS: For me seeing the wealth of talented artists producing and selling their work on Etsy is very inspiring! As for my motivation that is the same today as when I first picked up a ball of clay. I want to continue to grow as an artist and strive to produce work that pleases me .

CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
BS: A fellow had seen a TV interview I had given on my work. He telephoned and told me I was a "f**king genius". I got such a kick out of that! Me a genius?? NOT! LOL

CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
BS: I suppose I was 6 or 7 years old. I'd rather build Aurora monster model kits or read Famous Monsters of Filmland then play with the other kids.

CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
BS: I get up around 4 am . I'll check emails and have coffee. Depending on the weather (and tide) I may go surf casting till 6 am. Then after breakfast I'll work in my studio till lunch time. If I'm on a deadline to finish a piece I may work in the afternoon too.

CZ: Zombies or Vampires?
BS: Tough call. I prefer watching Zombie films over Vampire films. But if I had to be one I guess I'd pick a Vampire. Blood suckers seem to have more panache.

CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
BS: I guess the Frankenstein monster. He wasn't really a bad fellow if the villagers would have made an effort to see past the flat head and bolts in his neck.

CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
BS: I guess after seeing the Patterson film I'd have to say Sasquatch. Though personally I prefer cryptid Lake type monsters.

CZ: What scares you?
BS: I'm leery of venomous snakes.

CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
BS: Are you kidding? I'll be the guy up front screaming "Brains, Brains" the loudest!! ;)

Interested in keeping up with BlacknickSculpture’s work?
http://blacknick-sculpture.blogspot.com/
http://blacknicksculpture.etsy.com/

A Steampunk Halloween!

Steampunk has been around for quite a while in the works of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. It has been wildly popular in cosplay and sci-fi circles for years now and is starting to gain popularity amongst the mainstream. I’ve been in love with the idea ever since 1999’s Wild, Wild West. Those feelings were only reinforced by movies like Sleepy Hollow, The Amazing Screw On Head, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and the Hellboy movies. That said, it obviously makes for great Halloween costumes! So without further ado, here are the goods. :)

I think this traveling skirt from techdragon makes the perfect base piece to build our costume around. It says “this lady isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty” to me.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/16174465/ladies-traveling-skirt

A brown synthetic leather shrug from blackmirrordesign is a more feminine option than a typical bomber jacket, which makes it a better fit for the Victorian era. Add AudraJean’s twin buckle leather belt to give the costume an extra “workman” touch.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45395650/brown-leather-steampunk-shrug

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47869289/twin-buckle-lace-belt-chocolate-brown

Spats are a must have for the time period. This great pair from faitavec will be just right!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44726935/chocolate-short-spats-with-lining-one

Now it’s time to give our character direction using accessories. What do we want her to be? A mechanic? An adventurer? How about an airship captain?! An aviator hat from BoringSidney makes her occupation instantly recognizable. Then we’ll top it off with little touches to reinforce the idea – a propeller locket necklace from CosmicGirl and enchantedlockets’ compass ring.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41420902/amelia-earhart

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45562442/the-amelia-earhart-locket-vintage-locket

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48464098/the-navigator-enchanted-steampunk

Q&A with Artist Jana Krippner

Jana from Sillycut creates a variety of eccentric, yet beautiful, items. I am absolutely in love with her collars and cuffs! Read on to find out more about her and her work!

CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
JK: Hello from good old Germany, I am Jana Krippner the artist to most people known as Sillycut. My nature is being an artist and my passion tends to the dark, obscure sides of life. Those two things are maybe the only ones to narrow down what I do. Because being born a Gemini I love great variety and variation. I am interested in crafts in general and often try out something new. My B.A. in art education gives me the opportunity to teach art classes and be an artist likewise. Here's what I love and do: paint, draw, collage, sew, crochet, printing from linocut and etching, paper art, create jewelry, sculpture and modeling of any kind of material, decorate, digital photography and photoshopping, combining techniques, ... 

CZ: What type of items do you sell?
JK: My creations range from jewelry and all kinds of accessories to artistic creatures, miniatures and plushies. I enjoy doing one-of-a-kind pieces which is due to my never ending new ideas.

 

CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop and what keeps you motivated?
JK: I love beautiful things and I love to be able to make beautiful things with my very own hands. It just highly satisfies me and lets me leave something for the afterworld ;) If there‘s a new idea or design on my mind I am quite restless until I finally start making it. Of course I‘m making things for myself or sometimes keep an item that was intended for the shop but mostly I do things for everyone out there. I think my best motivation is that I really like what I do, so someone else might as well be delighted.

CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
JK: Of course people actually buying my goodies! I got some good feedback about the excellent quality of my work. So I know being a perfectionist pays off.

CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
JK: I am a tall and skinny person, always have been, so I was always a bit different in height *giggles* During my youth I developed my very own styles in clothing which weren't always as black as today. Now I love the colors of night. J W. von Goethe shell have said: 'Only children and plain people like vivid colors.'

CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
JK: Definitely coffee in the morning. Dress in black most of the days. Stroke and snuggle the cat 'Iwan'. teaching art classes at middle school and getting exhausted by crazy kids. Creating something, even if it's just an idea in my head. Creating. CREATING... Write and talk to friends and family. Enjoy a movie, the internet or a good book.

CZ: Zombies or Vampires?
JK: Vampires for their style ^V^! Though zombies are really entertaining to me. Some of my favorite movies involve a lot of zombie action ;)

CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most and why?
JK: I love the Addams! Already played Addams Family as a kid. I would like to live in a mansion like theirs.

CZ: Which elusive creature do you believe is more likely to be real: El Chupacabra or Sasquatch?
JK: Not knowing about the Chupacabra before and looking at some of those YouTube videos I think it could be some kind of undiscovered species. Who knows. There sure are a lot of things that mankind hasn't discovered yet.

CZ: What scares you?
JK: My boyfriend telling me about ghosts under the bed and in closets. Honestly, I cannot sleep in a room with open doors and the closet needs to be shut.

CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
JK: Count me in!


Follow Jana’s work on these sites:
http://www.sillycut.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sillycut/163528105652
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000461311554

Pssstttt......sale coming soon!

On the 13th of every month I will be offering a Buy One Get One Free deal on my Original Art Prints from now on! And if it happens to be Friday the 13th, you'll get a free gift too! Please put the name of the print you'd like for free in the Message to Seller box.
Check out the selection here:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/CustomZombie?section_id=6065168

Q&A with StaticWhite

Maya from Static White makes the cutest little Batlings you will ever see and her custom creations are to die for! Her needle gets put to use on a variety of other things as well – check her store to see for yourself. ;) Keep reading to find out more about the woman behind the stitches.

CZ: Tell us a little about yourself!
SW: I'm a New Yawker now living in the Bible Belt Buckle (halp!), ex-ballet dancer now seamtrix and artist.

 CZ: What type of items do you sell?
SW: Everything from creepy critters to clothing and accessories and then some.

CZ: What is the inspiration behind your shop?
SW: My overactive imagination comes up with things ranging from cute to creepy to elegant. I read A LOT of fiction/scifi/fantasy so that may have something to do with it too.

CZ: What is the greatest compliment you have received about your work?
SW: My favorite comment was that I have "stitches like sutures" when it comes to my hand sewn items and if she were injured, with no medic in sight, she'd want me to stitch her up. Aww *blush*.

CZ: When did you first realize that you weren’t “like the other kids”?
SW: Heh, as a kid I was a tomboy, I didn't eat candy, I loved to read books & comics, I watched scifi/horror movies... and still do, so you tell me.

CZ: What’s a typical day in the life of this Dark Sider like?
SW: Coffee. Check email & Etsy shops. More Coffee. Stop a cat from doing whatever bad thing it's doing. Check email, shops & surf teh webs. Stitch, draft, doodle or write. Snark at husband. Chase off other cat. Read a bit of a book. Check email & Etsy shops, surf teh webs... sometimes I even sleep.

CZ: Zombies or Vampires?
SW: Vampires!

CZ: Which horror character do you identify with most?
SW: Somewhere between Selene (Underworld) and Mercy Thompson (book series by Patricia Briggs).

CZ: What scares you?
SW: Clowns and sock monkeys. Well more of a loathing than a scare, unless we're talking about Pennywise. Now HE scares the hell out of me and I love me some Tim Curry.

CZ: When my undead masses take over will you be with us or against us?
SW: Well, if I go the vampire route, I guess I'd be against you. Sorry but someone needs to keep the zombies from spoiling all the food ;)


Watch these pages for more mayhem and madness from Static White!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/swstitchery
http://staticwhite.etsy.com/
http://staticwhite.blogspot.com/

Quoth the Raven "What a lovely costume!"

I think a raven costume is extremely fitting for Halloween but I hate those big , ridiculous, plush animal costumes! In this design I put an elegant costume ball spin on a holiday icon.

We’ll start with the dress. This number from LOVEKARLAK is fit for a queen, though I’d exchange the peacock feather for a black plume to suit the purpose.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/21857522/black-peacock-feather-train-goth-wedding

What’s a raven without feathers? Make the costume recognizable, yet not too over the top, with these wicked accessories from surreptitioussloth (headband), themoonmaiden (collar and shrug), tribalfusion (wrist cuffs), and jdotdesigns (ankle cuffs).

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46632806/ginger-black-feather-headband-with

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42959110/gothic-black-feather-collarchoker

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46854848/black-coque-feather-collarshrugwrap

 

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=21067853

 

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=24618747

Top off the look with a vicious beak using this hand-molded leather mask from teonova! 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/47530321/sexy-and-witchypixie-fairy-crow-or-raven