BEST Featured Artists: Stocking Stuffers

 Well, we are winding down the days until Christmas.  I for one have not even started shopping! I am bad about procrastinating.  However, I am going to be putting up the Christmas tree tonight so maybe that will get me in the mood for shopping and getting prepared.  For today's picks, I'm thinking about stocking stuffers - especially if you have a gothic/alternative friend or child still to buy for.

Red Roses Digital Copy

How about some photography by Faith Snowden of Stitch Princess?  Red roses (I know, so stereotypical) are one of my favorite flowers in all the world - and a flower I know many alternative women love as well.  You can purchase this photograph as a digital copy ($3) or get some small prints to surprise your loved one with (prints as low as $4).  And be sure to check out the rest of Faith's store because she also sews beautiful dresses and aprons.  You can also check out more of Faith's works and writings at her Blog & Facebook pages.
 

Owl Soap

And cute soap would also make a great stocking stuffer.  I know I've picked out this Owl soap before, but I just love it!  If you would like a particular color and scent, be sure to send Sandy an email and she will try to make it happen.  I especially love that the soap is part of Sandy's Harry Potter collection - so you can also choose to get Hogwart House soaps.   And since it is made with Shea butter - it will nourish and protect your skin this winter!  You can also find out more about Sandy and her products at her Blog.

Wine Glass Charms

And finally - here is a great set of wine charms made by Absolutely Kismet.  My favorite one is the purple marker featuring the crown charm.  However, you get eight markers in a set and they feature other cool charms like spiders, set of dice, unicorn, dog bone, etc. in 7 other bright colors.  You can also find other wine marker sets (including a set with bullet casings!) and some jewelry at Absolutely Kismet's store.  And be sure to check out Absolutely Kismet elsewhere on the internet at her Blog and Facebook.

Well that is it for this week - be sure to check back next week for a final set of suggestions for Christmas gifts!

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If you are an Etsy artist and are interested in writing weekly blog articles featuring other Etsy artists, while also gaining exposure for your own store, then head over and check out the BESTeam for more information.

BEST Featured Artist: Ms. Formaldehyde

True Blood Purple Fascinator

Good evening everyone!  Tonight we would like to introduce the bold and spunky accessory artist: Ms Kelly Formaldehyde.  This Etsy artist, based out of San Diego, CA, designs colorful and exotic hair barrettes, bobby pins, feather fascinators, earrings, necklaces and even birdcage wedding veils.  While she has an alternative edge with her bright pink hair, Ms. Formaldehyde is not a traditional Goth, etc.  Instead, Ms. Formaldehyde sports her own unique style which is inspired by traditional Polynesian, Hawaiin, tiki, and Day of the Dead styles.           

I love the bright colors that she uses in her accessories! Most of the time when we think about Hawaii we do think of bright airy colors, but the particular shades that Ms. Formaldehyde uses even turns the Hawaiian symbols into creepy accessories!  In some ways, her accessories remind me of Voodoo and New Orleans as well.

However, my favorite part of her store is the banner which depicts a lady mad scientist (complete with flower and skull in her hair) mixing toxic chemicals and smiling.  And in the background?  Tiki dolls and tropical flowers! What a perfect banner for this truly unique store.

While it was hard to choose, here are some more of our favorite items from this store:

Mariposa Yellow Butterfly Barrette

Red Bow with Skeleton Hands

Green Envy Peacock Bridal Fascinator

 If you like this taste, be sure to check out Ms. Formaldehyde's Etsy store to see more items and to place custom or wholesale orders.  In addition, be sure to check out her Blog.
 
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If you are an Etsy artist and are interested in writing weekly blog articles featuring other Etsy artists, while also gaining exposure for your own store, then head over and check out the BESTeam for more information.

Friday Finds: Gothic Summer Wear

Happy Friday! Well, it is a sweltering heat wave here in Indiana...which begs the question: how on earth do people with alternative tastes stay fashionable and cool in the summer?  Especially when you like wearing darker colors?  Well, I have put together a collection of items that fit such a request, with summer weight gloves, a parasol, a straw hat and even a tote for the beach!  And of course, you cannot forget the short black dress...

1) Fingerless Lace Gloves by Nona's Knits
2) Black Tattered Dress by GoGothic 
3) "Virginia" Lace Parasol at Lace Parasols.com
4) Black and White Denim Handbag by Crazyboy
5) Black and White Straw Hat by LeChapeau
6) Organic Black Swan Booties by Yasoknitting

BEST Featured Artist: KC Dragonfly

Dragonfly Little Black Bag

Last week we looked at an eclectic Bohemian shop and today we move a little to the dark side with our featured artist: KC Dragonfly.  KC Dragonfly, a relatively new seller on Etsy, creates Gothic stockings, parasols, jewelry, glass bottles and other handmade accessories inspired by "dragonflies, the moon and water".  Dragonflies are interesting creatures in native mythology.  In Greek mythology, dragonflies in the nymph stage were thought to be minor underwater goddesses (Berger and Hansen 2004, 9).  To the Japanese, dragonflies were the spirits of people who had passed on (Roberts 2010).  KC Dragonfly's products therefore invoke a feeling of mystery, darkness, and grace.

Here are a few of our favorite items from this store:

Ankh Ear Cuff and Earrings Set

Wedding Parasol

Dragonfly Cell Phone Charm

And wouldn't these Christmas stockings and card bags make great gifts?

Victorian Goth Stocking

Glitter Spider Card Deck Bag

Be sure to check out KC Dragonfly elsewhere on the web:

KC Dragonfly Etsy Store

KC Dragonfly Blog

***If you are an Etsy artist and are interested in writing weekly blog articles featuring other Etsy artists, while also gaining exposure for your own store, then head over and check out the BESTeam for more information***

Citations:

Berger, Cynthia, and Amelia Hansen.  2004.  Dragonflies.  Stackpole Books.

Roberts, Jeremy.  2010.  Japanese Mythology A to Z.  NY: Chelsea House.

Etsy Finds: Cyber Fairy

I am in a rather odd mood today and went for a bit of the fantastical! Below are a series of modern fairy-inspired items from artists on Etsy.  I especially love that coat!

1) Black Sheer Lace Mask by Kvodesign
2) One of a Kind Dream Coat by Enlightened Platypus
3) Royal Blue Ribbon Hair Falls by DreadfullFallsUSA
4) Sony Pocket Reader Cover with Light by Grichel
5) Grim Reaper Meets White Rabbit Print by Spooky Hollow
6) Cyber Fairy Clockwork Wings Steampunk Necklace by Darlingdoll

Wednesday Etsy Finds: Elegant Halloween Decor

It is Wednesday again!  For this Wednesday, we have selected a few handmade Halloween items to dress up your house for the holidays.  While we enjoy the typical cute Halloween decor, we also love the elegant look of these potion bottles, French gourd, book covers, door wreaths, chalkboard, and artwork. 

Black Cat in Venice Print by DeadSpider

Time and Movement Crated Potion Duo by DeadSpider

Spooky Skull and Bat Halloween Wreath by TheLittleGiftBox

Elegant Magnetic and Chalk Board by AZCreativeStudios

Parisian Decorated Gourd by RevolvingStore.

Set of Creepy Macabre Book Dust Jackets by SouthHouseBoutique

Thursday Treasury: Black Magic

Time for a new treasury! This black and mysterious treasury comes to us from Etsy user bubbletub. Happy browsing!!

'Black Magic - TT Team' by bubbletub

The Magic of the TT Team, enjoy!

Vintage Diva 11x14 Fine... GingerGirlPhot... $25.00	Large Earrings Black On... BlueRoomGems $45.00	Fine art photography pr... filigreephotos $5.00
INTAGLIO ART - untitled jenni4k $45.00	Oxidized Sterling Silve... dreambelledesi... $25.00	Reversible Black Stripe... caremore $38.00
8 X 10 Photograph- Hil... LoveMeAmberLee $15.00	LARGE - Moon and Stars ... kismetsunday $87.00	Maltese Style Cross Cha... PoisonGarden $8.00
The feather (5/50) movezerb $25.00	Tiny owl - Mini print movezerb $	Pearl in an Oyster Whit... JoyfulDsign $13.00
Handmade lamp, lamp sha... FiligreeCreati... $45.00	Fleur de lis Charm or ... PoisonGarden $9.00	DEAL OF THE DAY --Croch... Jenco13 $14.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Wednesday Etsy Finds: Alice in Wonderland

Today's Etsy finds are inspired by the movie and book Alice in Wonderland. Whatever one thinks of the storyline, I always loved these movies because of the Victorian and Steampunk feeling.  Enjoy!

1.  Alice's Curiouser and Curiouser Arm Warmers by Zen and Coffee
2.  Bronze Pocketwatch by Clarissa79
3.  White Rabbit Candle Block by PegAndAwl
4.  The Waiting by Movezerb
5.  Golden Celebration Scarf by EfiaFair
6.  Halloween Alice Tin by Mmim