Southern Gypsy Moon Art

Violet inspiration

2011-03-07T02:52:00.000-08:00

So what do I have next on the agenda to create ? Lets see, Spring is just right around the corner and inspiration for new dolls is coming faster than I can have a chance to sit and make anything . But I am writing it all down and will get to it as the months go by and right now I am in a flower mode. The first in line will be a doll with a Violet theme . It is said that carrying Violets with you is good luck, mixing Violets and Lavender makes for a stong love combination and putting it in sachets promotes good dreams and divination . What I like is that they say if you harvest the first Violet in Spring then your wish will be granted. Hmmm... Let's get to picking! ;)

Spring Clover Magic

2011-02-20T07:17:00.000-08:00

I'm just counting down to spring how about you ? The weather has warmed up a little but still chilly.Boy do I already have spring fever and this came out in my latest doll creation now listed on eBay . I call her "Spring Clover Magic " . Beacuse when I see the clover in the yard start to appear from under the brown winter grass it is magic to my eyes indeed! So needless to say another gypsy doll came to be.I imagined her walking through the meadow somewhere close to her wagon , it is a warm spring day and she is gathering clover for her remedies. She may in stop to to rest a while and lay in a clover patch taking in the breeze and while she sleeps her long wild hair makes a good home for those little loose clovers...catching a few that blow about in the breeze.

OOAK Folk Art Black Cat Vintage Valentine Doll "Be Mine"

2011-01-28T03:29:00.000-08:00

A new doll now listed on Ebay just in time for Valentines ! I call her "Be Mine"

OOAK Folk Art Black Cat Vintage Valentine Style Doll - eBay (item 260727927064 end time Jan-29-11 06:14:19 PST)

Gypsy Moon- Ivy Stew Doll

2010-12-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

I HOPE THAT EVERY ONE HAD A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS !Ours was great ,I did indeed enjoy my time off and got to do a little sewing.I finally listed a new doll this morning on Ebay ! She is an inspiration of Moon Enchantment and Gypsy Magick Stew . Now that winter is officially here all I seem to want to cook is soups and stews , my crock pot has really been working hard so this is where the idea come from :) I have another doll to finish up but I have a bit of artist block with that one so not sure when it will be complete .. I will keep you posted though mean while drop by and take a peek at the new creation :)

"GYPSY MOON- IVY STEW "

Where does time go ?

2010-12-08T02:15:00.000-08:00

Since having Tristan time seems to be flying by as it was just not too long ago I was posting that I was expecting and that this year we would have an addition to our Chirstmas Holiday and now ta da...he is 6 1/2 months old , our tree is up once again and we already have had our first snow for the year .. geez! :)

I've been away from posting anything on the blog for a while as I really have not had much time to create dolls or any thing else for that matter since I have been mainly concentrating on getting my perfume business Midnight Gypsy Alchemy up and running smoothly and in getting the company name out there. I am happy to say that it has been successful as now my line of perfume will be carried at two locations, La Belle Epoque in Salinas California and the Hexen Museum in Switzerland, both shops ran by two wonderful ladies I might add and are the sweetest people to work with . So with making perfumes, soaps and herbal healing salves, a full time job, Christmas on the way and and two babies ...I have my plate full.

I have been asked time and time again "when are you going to make more dolls?" and the answers is ... soon ...but no specific time . I have just been in a different mind set, and my artistic persona has taken on a different path so I have to find what works for me now and then move on from there in creating new dollies. I have a long holiday break come December 23rd and will not have to be back at work until January 4th. During this time I plan to find my cretive inspiration and finish two bodies I started a year ago .Oh my.. poor things no face or clothes for a year :(

One is a black cat and the other was molded to look like a china doll. The images and ideas I get now for my dolls because of the season , are of ice and snow, blues, greys and winter moons,herbs, jars, mandrakes, so I think this may be the direction I'm going to head in for now. I just have to sit myself down and do it ! ;) Wish me Luck !

Oh my goodness look how clean!!

2010-08-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

My New Apothecary Studio is Finished!

I moved my studio down stairs to the den ,where I could be closer to everything and everyone and gave my old room to Tristan for all his wittle things...He is very pleased as you can see.:)

This is the glass door cabinet that I keep all my oils and infusions safely stored in and away from the light.

Right now this is the cleanest my work space has ever been but come Sunday this will look like a tornado blew in after filling orders !

The fireplace was an unattractive brown and ever since we moved in I always wanted to paint it, so I finally did and white seems to be more fitting . I am not too crazy about my old steam trunk being in front of the fireplace though but for now until I find a permanent home for it some where in the house it will have to stay there.

This is the desk that I sit at and fill orders for my "Midnght Gypsy Alchemy" business. I keep supplies in the little drawer under the desk and in the glass door cabinet above that I absolutely love ! You know I found this at a yard sale for $3.00 , it was brown wood but I painted it white to match . I love the lilly design on the front.

This is my computer desk /doll making station, I just move the key board when I want to sit and sew.

I keep my doll making supplies of fabric, ,beads baubles, paint and other sewing needs in the drawers . OK ,the inside of the drawers will remain unphotgraphed as they are not for the faint of heart(lol). I have such a hard time putting things back where they go and tend to stuff things in the wrong drawers, so that is a project I will work on next ..organizing my drawers!

A picture of the mantle that now houses all of my herbs, resins teas etc... in glass vintage apothecary jars that I have collected through the years.I am alway on the hunt for more as I am obsessed with jars and bottles and will soon add more to my home Apothecary .

To the left of the computer desk is my display and packaging shelf. I keep my doll creations that are ready to sell on this shelf as well as more jars of beads, buttons , pearls and packaging supplies.

Well there you have it, a little glimpse into my new studio which I am enjoying very much . There still may be some things I change and details I need to take care of like adding candles in the candle sconces on the wall and hanging up more pictures but that will be later on but for the most part I am happy with the result.

Practical Magic and home decor

2010-08-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend I watched for the 100th time one of the most enchanting old movies in my collection .Many may be familiar with the 1998 movie "Practical Magic" starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman . It is one of my all time favorite movies to watch over and over besides" The Color Purple ". Well if you have seen this movie then you know how I feel when I say I WANT THAT HOUSE!!! Oh to just step into the TV and spend a day with the Owens women would be just magical ...minus the dead boyfriend who comes back of course(lol).For those who have not seen the movie, well get on your brooms and fly out and get rent it you will not be disappointed. I guarantee you to will be wanting to change your home decor and live more magical life because it will inspire you so ... I know it has for me ! I did change my kitchen to a cream, sage and white color scheme with greenery and herbs as the motifs. Oh and the shop that Sally runs ...Oh my goodness ! To a bath and body, perfume maker it is an absolute apothecary dream I am envious and would looove to own a little shop like that !

Who wouldn't loved to have aunts like those who have no problem eating chocolate cake for breakfast , make Midnight Margaritas and who saw spell casting as a fun past time, not to mention jumping of the roof and flying down on Halloween ! One day I tells ya , one day I shall live enchanted this way (ok maybe the roof jumping may not be good idea if i really can't fly ) an old lady with her herbs, a secret garden in a lovely house by the sea selling her apothecary creation to the town folks of a sleepy little town ,ahhhhh ...to dream , sounds lovely don't you think ? :)

Sneak peek at the new Studio and Halloween Inspirations

2010-07-26T02:41:00.000-07:00

It was a busy weekend indeed as I started on a new project of relocating my doll and apothecary studio down stairs to the den . This way I can be closer to the family when working and Tristan can have a bigger room . My how baby things do seem to clutter the house fast . Just a Sneak Peek At the Progress, alsmot done , I will say "complete"in a few more days as I still need to fold and coordinate my fabric. Jeez , it is amazing how a crafter can accumulate so many baubles and beads and fabric and ribbon , now I know why my grandma's closet in her room was so stuffed with yarns and fabric. It is hard to let go of anything in fear you may use it one day to create and yet one still keeps buying more because "ooooh that would mke something pretty " :)

So needless to say have some things I never use and thought I might place them in a package and do a give away . I am sure another artists creativeness can put all of it to good use:)

I woke up Friday and was soooo into the Halloween Spirit it wanted to take my pumpkins out already so I took out some white ceramic glazed pumpkins I have and placed them in the kitchen .... this made me feel much better. You know I feel Fall around the corner though it is blazing hot outside....go figure, does any one else feel the same ? So while in the Halloween mode I woke up at 3:00 am on Saturday while baby, Tori and Shawn were still asleep and began to finish up some dolls that I had the bodies laying around for a while. I made a Halloween Masqueradeade doll , a Mandrake Witch and a Vintage Halloween Folk Art doll stand. Two Dolls I listed on Ebay Sunday and my Vintage Folk Art Doll I will list some time this morning , I just ran out of time ! I was so excited with the doll stand as this was my first time creating something with a vintage touch to it ...it think she came out quite lovely . In fact I am making more of this style because I just can't get enough of that cute face!

Well ,off I go to get ready for work, just thought I would fly by and post the happenings around here . I will have more pics of the studio as I complete it so ya'll come back !:)

Two more creations!

2010-07-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

" Southern Seance Gypsy Doll "

"Gypsy Eye Doll "

Now both listed on Ebay drop by and see :)
http://shop.ebay.com/southerngypsiemoonart/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Butterfly Spells

2010-07-10T05:49:00.000-07:00

" BUTTERFLY SPELLS GYPSY DOLL "

now listed on ebay .

"UPON THE WINGS OF THE BUTTERFLY MY WISH IT DOES FLY

RELEASE TO ME YOUR MAGIC AS YOU SOAR UP TO THE SKY "

Southern Gypsy Style Dining

2010-07-10T03:59:00.000-07:00

Every now and then when the southern afternoons here in Virginia are not so hot, we like to dine outside al fresco or as I call it .."Gypsy Style ". I bring out the old bed sheets, candelabras and glass bottles or vases found at local yard sales and of course my huge candle stash ... one can never can have too many candles you know .Then we bring our supper outside,sit, eat and enjoy each others company .When evening falls we clear the table and light the candles then lay old blankets and pillows on the ground and out comes the wine for me and rum and coke for my husband. Tori will have either grape juice or sparkling cider in a grown up wine glass ..she calls this "kid wine". As for Tristan, well now since he will be joining us for out door dining and drinks he will have his usual drink of choice which is a very fine warm milk cocktail ..stirred not shaken as it brusies the milk (lol!)

We try to do this as often as we can and it does not take much to do... in fact both my tables you see are make shift .One is an old storage tote and left over piece of plywood for the top and the other is an old card table just dressed in old sheets, lace curtains and linens . They do not have to match and candles of any type with old wine bottles , fresh or fake flowers make the scene because as the evening comes the soft light of the candles falls upon every thing bringing a glow of enchantment to all objects it touches. You can even hang christmas lights in the trees for a fairy light effect ;)

Be creative and use what you have, example being in one of the pictures if you look carefully you can see I have hung two lantern like obejcts in the trees which I made out of Tristans formula cans(he-he ). I just cut diamonds shapes all around the cans and hung them with string then added candles in side and ta-da... lanterns for the evening!

I do recomend having at least one evening a year dining outside gypsy style. Be creative ,there isn't a right or wrong way to do it .. it is fun, relaxing ,romantic (ooh-la-la) ...and whether you have children or not it is a wonderful and magical way to spend the evening and make some good memories.

Magic in the Air

2010-06-30T07:03:00.000-07:00

With Summer now upon us the fire flies again began to light the evening skys like green fairy lights that dance and play in the cool mountain breezes around here. It is a very magical and dreamy time of year and it does inspire me so. I conjour images of Gypsy's with thier Caravans camped down for the night and gather round the fire side to play music, and share stories under the star filled sky. It also reminds me of a scene straight out of " Midsummer Night's Dream " or visions of Southern Ladies sitting on the porch drinking afternoon tea with the scent of Magnolias in the air . With all the atmosphere of these summer nights, it inspired me to create the latest doll "Magic Tea Gypsy Cat " now on ebay . But the inspiration did not stop there as I got a little bit of time to take some magical picture of my babies .Tori with her fairy wings and Tristan like a little wood elf resting under a hill of ivy. Though we were just playing dress up that day I was very pleased and suprised at how they came out . I hope you enjoy them !

Nina.

Meet The New Addition!

2010-05-30T03:51:00.000-07:00

On May 19th 2010 at approximately 5:17 am "Tristan Nicholas Alberto Terry" came into this world two weeks early, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces ,19 inches long. He was born within an hour of my contractions starting and boy let me tell you there was no time for an epidural or meds of any kind. It was a hard yet surprisingly fast labor but with that came a few little problems that made us have to wait to bring out little bundle of joy home until Sunday the 23rd :(

At first it was the a fast breathing rate that made them concerned to where they had to tube feed him for a day or so until it regulated . Then on the second day he developed Jaundice which he had to under go treatment of being placed under Bili-lights ...sorta like tanning bed for a few more days. On Sunday the 23rd when the doctor signed the release forms I was so relieved that finally we could go home and start adjusting to life at home with a new one.. and oh what and adjustment it has been when you have to start over again taking care of a newborn . It's like being a first time mom again because Tori is 8 now and all that I remember of newborns and babies in general has flown out the door.. I guess it was replaced by perfumes and doll making ha-ha!

But instincts kicked in and I did find my groove after week so I am getting back into the swing of things ,thank goodness! Tori is adjusting well and is quit the helper ,though I can't help but notice she is a bit disappointed that the baby is not as much fun as she thought .. I think she expected that he would come out ready to play instead of eat, sleep and poop! The proud daddy .. what can I say he is just the best . He is there for me when I, Tori or the baby needs anything , he is my right hand and keeps me in check with reminding me about little things when my mind goes to mush from lack of sleep... thank goodness for my hubby my hero to the rescue :)

I am preparing for my mom , my aunt and uncle and two nieces to come for a visit this weekend and I am so excited and looking forward to it so very much ...I am just over the moon about it! It is though a visit of happy and sad emotions as Mom and Dad had planned earlier this year to come up here together and see the baby when born. Although Dad did not make it to see his new grandson in person I know he will be here in spirit and a little part of him will always be with Tristan as we gave him a second middle name of "Alberto" to honor him. I know Dad would have loved that .

Well, here are a few pics I took in the hospital and at home of my baby boy that I thought I would share with you . I will eventually get back to my normal doll blogging soon and in fact had a gypsy cat doll I finished the day before I went into labor that I plan on listing on Tuesday so do look for that soon ....so until next time !

~Nina.

New Name, New Blog look

2010-05-16T01:44:00.000-07:00

Ok ,can't sleep , been up since 3:am not feeling the best as heartburn and the feeling of not being able to breath right has taken sleep from me:( But only a week or so now to go ...whoo hoo!!! I thought I would hop on the computer and do a bit of browsing and blogging .
I had mentioned before that I was to change the name of blog and art path eventually , this past week it came to me and here is the result of what I had in my head to evolve into... "Southern Gypsy Moon Art."
A name that suits who I am in still keeping in touch with my southern upbringing and love for all the south has to offer including a touch of the dark as I still tend to fancy a good ghost story, the supernatural and the unexplained .There is also now a bit more whimsy ,gypsy, and magick inspirations that will come out from now on in all my creations ....just can't help it ;)
The transition just started and I will be changing my ebay seller name as well . So for those who follow my blog I do hope it does not scare you off ;( I promise there still will be some creations and posts of interest here as I plan to be more active in my blogging.

Tonight I had a brain storm of new doll ideas so off I go to start some bodies I will regret the waking up so early by tomorrow afternoon .. uhgg!!
Well till next time !
~Nina

Purple Gypsy Moon Doll

2010-05-07T03:35:00.001-07:00

Another one of latest creations now listed in Ebay, I call her " Purple Gypsy Moon " . She is up for bid with free shipping along with my "Midnight Gypsy Doll ".Drop by and see !

The Midnight Moon Gypsy Doll

2010-05-02T09:29:00.001-07:00

So finally ,I decided to list one of my creations today that marks the new creative ways of my gypsy clouded mind. I have others in the works but this one seemed to capture a dark mystic feel to it that I thought I would list first to ease into the new transition. I call her " The Midnight Moon Gypsy" and she now listed on ebay ,do drop by and take a peek :)

Nina.

Baby, New Venture and Dad

2010-04-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

Oh so so much has gone on in my 4 month disappearance. First off only 4 more weeks till baby is here may be sooner as things are reeeelly starting to progress that I am not sure if the June 2nd date that will be accurate at all. Energy is down and my super fast mode of whipping around house and going to town for shopping adventures is very limited :(.That reaaaaaally makes me frustrated when the most simple things like laundry,sweeping or picking up socks is so hard to do now . But being only 34 weeks if I do not take it easy and relax pre-term labor is in the cards for me and not something I want believe me, so fingers crossed I make it to at least 38 weeks!

With all the rest and time on my hands to do "non active" things it can drive one crazy so I turned to my art muse for creativeness..but sadly he has gone and no where to be found not sure if he will return and not sure if I want him too. My state of mind with this pregnancy has changed quite a bit to where my thoughts seem to stay in a lighter mode instead of dark and macabre. I became more drawn to the natural and earthy way of living . I have always loved my Hispanic roots of home remedies and medicines, gypsy cures,kitchen witch magic but lately it seems I more intrigued by them and feel comfortable in going that route when making any creations. A lot I have not listed because not sure what people will think or even buy because it is such a change for me. I did however give into a new venture and since I closed down VMB I have missed making soaps and perfumes. I missed it so much that in January I opened a little Etsy shop where I sell a new line of bath and body products centered around a gypsy theme of home made natural perfumes, soaps and salts, I call this venture "Midnight Gypsy Alchemy ". Very different from what I made at VMB with synthetics and artificial coloring and only 6 scents to where I can keep up with my orders very, very easily and not have to deal with wholesale, 3 websites,42 scents and working 7 days a week after my regular job !!.

So far it has been wonderful, laid back, easy to manage and I still get my perfume making fix now that I can tolerate smells again and still spend lots of time with my family . It will still be something that after the baby is born I can still fulfill orders with out pulling my hair out ! If you are interested I have made another blog for it "Musings from A Midnight Gypsy "which you can drop by and see what is going on with that as well . Truth be told I probably will start a new line of art work that matches this gypsy theme and change the name on this one, so if one day you drop in and see the blog name changed you will know what happened and I hope many will still follow even though the creations will not be as dark .

Another event that has kept me away and sadly I say that in March I lost my father in Texas , he was 65 years old ,not something we expected but with being on dialysis 3 times a day , diabetic , amputee and dealing with heart problems for so long as he did ...we did know eventually the day would come. I've been dealing with that and focusing on healing the pain for it is a long and hard process and does not help when you are thousands of miles away from your family . Perhaps that is another reason why I will not allow myself to go to that dark and macabre place when I feel the need to create. I do not want death and negative thinking in my life right now and keeping positive for my entire family and my baby is the main focus, as well as trying not to be selfish of still wanting him here or dwelling on why dad is gone but more on ..now dad is better, healed and free. I can't help but cry sometimes but it is short lived and a wave of happy emotions goes through me when I think about how he can go anywhere and not be stuck to that machine.. he is whole now, he is Albert once more .There still is a void in my life there always will be, but I try to fill that up with all the wonderful memories he left me and in that place he will forever be alive to me.

And so with all this, such as life and indeed it marches on . We grow , grieve for our losses, and await new beginnings with some wonderful some trying new life adventures. As new roads lay before us one knows not what will come our way but in the end despite everything we will have to go through ...have no regrets of taking the first step towards our unknown destined paths .

"Not all who wander are lost "

J.R.R Tolkien.

It's a Boy!

2010-01-14T03:36:00.001-08:00

Just flying in quickly to say that I found out last week that it is going to be a boy ! So excited as now I have my little set of a girl and boy... whoo hoo...now I am done ;)

Been a while since I posted so sorry. I have a few dolls in the works and two I finished up that I wil be listing today on ebay but will be back with more details and pictures.
Be back soon!!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-24T03:37:00.000-08:00

The mad rush is over for me and I am off from work until Jan 4th..finally. I can say that now I am ready for the Holidays . Friday we had a big snow storm move through the area leaving us snowed in our houses until Monday because of how much snow fell ...over 18 inches and most of it in one night! The town literally stopped moving as a white blanket was laid down and a peacefull silence came over our area. It was quit beautiful and for the first time since living in VA did I really enjoy the snow without fear of "Oh, I have to go out and drive in this " It was the weekend, the pantry was full and I was with my husband and little girl snowed in ..no other place I'd rather be :) I am sharing a few snaps I took that Sunday, snow had started to melt but still was so lovely .

I have a few more presents to wrap ,spruce up the house from flying ribbons, bows and wrapping paper scattered about by kitty, then off to a Christmas Eve get together at my sister- in -laws house come the afternoon. Then afterwards tonight there are plans of games, egg nog, lots of eating and tracking Santa will begin and I can't wait to have my little angel open up her gifts from Santa come Christmas morning ! Can't believe this will be the last Christmas just the three of us as next year we will be four! :)

So I certainly will be taking lots of pictures , sitting back and taking it all in memory as more precious moments are made tonight .

Wishing you and your family a most wonderful and memorable Holiday !!

Nina.

Winter Inspirations

2009-12-09T02:52:00.000-08:00

I have been in the holiday spirit and wanted to make a few things to incorporate my festive mood. Though I love Santas and Snowmen and vintage Christmas decor my art does not really follow the path of holiday playfulness as that of so many artists that I admire . So I will admire from afar and leave it up to those who specialize in Christmas to make such lovelies and instead bring forth my own creations that capture ghosts stories on a cold winters night ,a Charles Dickens type of Victorian christmas and mistletoe mischeif. It is a bit of winter and holiday whimsy, with a touch of dark spookyness. I have three new dolls listed this week on eBay and will be adding two more before the holidays along with some ornaments that I have been meaning to list but just are not happy with the results yet so it is still a work in progress. I am my own worst critic!

Enjoy!

Nina.

New dolls and ornies

2009-12-01T03:24:00.000-08:00

This weekend I listed some new dolls and ornies . I have been so inspired by Victorian Spiritualism here latley that I have many projects lined up with this theme. The seance doll and tarot dolls are actually ornaments, they came out quite small the first time in making them but I plan on making these again in a larger size of 15-18 inches tall with clay feets and hands.

So happy to have my art muse back! She had been gone for a while but now things are really rolling again . Drop by Etsy and Ebay to see these dolls if you like:)

Nina.

2009-11-26T04:07:00.000-08:00

I will be in the kitchen cooking this morning ,enjoying time with my family and some time off from work whoo hoo!!!. Later we will put up the tree and deck the halls of the house as we make our way into the Holiday season...how fast times flies!
May you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I shall be back this weekend to add some new creations for Ebay and Etsy so do check back . I am so very excited to show you what I have been working on :)

The Poison Widow Shop

2009-11-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

A few months back I had created on Etsy another shop just for my poppets that are not one of a kind, ones that are recreated again and again . I called the shop "The Poison Widow House of Curious Dolls and Poppets." I decided to open it back up and offer what I once made again to all no need to wait on auctions and such . These doll bodies are premade and kept instock then painted and upon order. I was to incorporate this with my GSb Art shop on Etsy but thought I would keep the two separate as one is for one of a kind art and the other is for recreations. So drop on by to get some old favorites!

New Dolls on Etsy

2009-11-09T13:13:00.000-08:00

Finally had some time to list two new dolls on my Etsy Shop drop by when you can to view the newbies!

Nina.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2009-10-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

May you and yours have a wonderful Halloween! Beware the ghosts and ghouls and scary things that go bump in the night!

Life's Li'l Suprises

2009-10-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Look carfully at the tea leaves and you shall see ..Oh what does the future hold for me? Yes, life is full of suprises indeed.

For the heavens and stars they threw me wink, and the life path I was on was now gone in a blink.

And the images seen in the tea cup that day, told glorious news of another baby on the way!

So I share with you this announcement today, that I anxiousely await a baby in May :)

Finally all moved and a Fresh Start

2009-09-30T05:13:00.000-07:00

My goodness what a loooong almost 2 months!

Well we are finally settled in the new house after many unforseen delays in moving in , still some issues with the house being older especially plumbing as we woke one morning to find that we had a sauna for a toilet! We found the hot water and cold waterlines in the house were crossed and caused all sorts of busted pipe problems EEEKKK , but we are working through them and everything should be normal soon . The last of the moving and renovating happened this Saturday, and I still have yet to set up my office the way it needs to be but it is for the most part unpacked and semi -functional . I have so many little doll projects unfinished I am dying to have a moment to sit and work on them . Another reason I have not really set up my office is that I after long hours of debate with my self I am to be closing VMB, so to organize all the bath and body supplies to me right now is not really worth doing.

Yes , I will be closing shop because with a new start you see things differently and with events and health situations in my life right now it has left me with the hard decision that I must stop stressing myself out, spreading myself to thin in every way and really start to spend more time with my family ...that over all is more important to me than anything I am doing right now. What once was a happy hobby has now become a burden of stress and chaos :( So when you lose the heart to do something you must let it go . It is sad because it took 5 years to make my business with blood sweat and tears but then too what a breath of fresh air this will because there is no more made to order , no mad rush for turn around times and no dealing with delays of suppliers , and yes ...no holiday rush!! I will begin to focus my energy and creative thoughts toward my art and dolls so here in the next few weeks will be adding some new projects up for sale on etsy and ebay and finally being able to keep up with fellow bloggers , My Space and eventually FaceBook and Twitter! A lot of change in my life but for the better! Not only for my family but my own sanity and I look forward to more tranquil moments from now on. Like... a full 8 hours sleep instead of 4 or 5, baking, gardening, curling up to long talks on the couch with my hubby, and tea parties in the back yard on a blanket with my little girl before she grows up and tea parties with mom are just a little girl memory.

Here is to New Beginnings!

~Nina.

Gone for a while :)

2009-08-31T03:03:00.000-07:00

Just dropping in to say I will be gone for a while. During this time I will be moving to a new house and trying to set up my studio again which I am excited about and can't wait to show pictures! Packing right now is such a task as I am a bit of a pack rat and am having difficulty deciding on what goes to the new house and what goes to the curb... eeek.!
I plan to return to making dolls and opening up shop for VMB again around Sept 10th... so until then Dark Kisses and see you soon!
~Nina.

Etsy Shop now open!

2009-08-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

I opened an Etsy shop a while back but never listed anything. So finally I got around to making a few ornament dolls and listed them this morning . It is a start, as I get more stock and add more lovelies you will see more of my pin cushions and boxes rather than dolls like what I sell in eBay . This shop is perfect for the what-nots I make every now and then that I don't want to list on eBay so you will get some ooak things at a buy it now price with no waiting on an auction to end. Do drop by and view the ghost doll ornaments Lilah, Lily, and Lenore all great to add to your Halloween tree! Simply click on the same image you see on this post but in the right side bar of my blog under my eBay listings picture.

Masquerade Doll

2009-08-20T10:42:00.001-07:00

I love to play around with different sculpting material, from making my own home made clay or using a local artist friends (Through the Sea Gate )recipe of old fashion bread clay ,to paper clay and paper mache . This time I used paper mache and found that the bumpy texture that is the finshed product is quite unique and does very well when trying to give an aged look to your work . So in playing around in the wee hours of the morning this past weekend, I created a few doll busts and set them on candle stick holders and old vintage bottles ..even wooded dowels for fun Halloween and Spooky sceptors. The first to be finished was a doll stand called "Halloween Masquerade" now on ebay .

She turned out to be quite a lovely piece and wonderful to set upon your table tops and mantles to add a little gothic Halloween Masquerade touch to your decor this season . I have her on top of my piano where I display most of my dolls and take my pictures as it makes for a wonderful dark back ground.

Oh which by the way,I don't think I ever mentioned that my piano was a new addition to my home decor a few months back . Up above is a picture of when we first got it. I bought it for a mere $25.00 and it is and old 1950's or 60's cherry wood ,Stratford Piano that took 6 men to bring into the house one rainy afternoon . My husband was one of the men behind the brawn that brought it into the parlor and often teases me by saying " if we ever move the piano is staying with the house!" Ha ... think not! It took me 13 years to get another piano to replace the one I left in Texas that I had since I was 9.. not going to part with it any time soon!

I so enjoy playing it when all is quiet and everyone is asleep up upstairs. It is another creative release of mine outside of making art, I create and compose my own songs where I escape into yet another world filled with music. I find it good to have a choice in of doors in which to open and escape from one world to the next when you find that you need a break from things.

New kitten and our other fur babies!

2009-08-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here she is, little Luna! The little stray cat we took in recently and a fuzzy and playful addition to our family . I finally got her to sit still long enough by having her focus on a rubber band above her... Geeez she is active! I love her coat, it's a smokey, mystic color with a silver sheen to it and she is sort of fluffy ... has a tail like a squirel ...he-he . She reminds me of my old cat I used to have in Texas who was grey as well, we called him "Church" ... yep you may have guessed it, it came from Stephen King's Pet "Pet Cemetary". She is so very shy around other people but when all is still and you are on the couch she comes to you for some love'n. Things are still new for her but she will come around and soon enough I will have her posing with pumpkins and witch hats for cute Halloween pictures...I know, I am a big geek ;)

Well, I could not take pics of just one fur-baby with out showing the rest so here are some li'l snaps of our other darlings .

Here is our 12 year old cat , she is old and wise and has a very regal pressence to her we call her "Seis" because she amazingly has six toes on each front paw!

Here is my mama's boy Boston mix dog "Sméagol "( remember we are big Tolken fans;) who loves to smile at you with is massive underbite , sometimes he looks like a little bat or gremlin with his toothey grim :) He crouches when he walks .. poor thing , a habit he has from being insecure and fearful as we he was abused at one time .We rescued him from our local human society and fell in love instantly. I never was a dog person until we adopted him and now he is my sweet little furry shadow who follows me where ever I go .

I do hope you enjoy these! :)

Halloween Bat Girl

2009-08-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

"Halloween Bat Birl " now listed on eBay , a perfect little gal to add to your Halloween decor that is for sure. I had a hec of a time making and wrapping the clay candy and lollipop to add to her little jack-o-lantern ( tiny items can drive a person to drink I tell ya ) but it worked out in the end ..and the drinks too ;)
I have about 3 more dolls to list this week and still working on some items for my etsy shop as well ...not to much to start with but enough . I am having so much fun I tell ya I feel I could just burst with Halloween joy and oh ....only 73 more days til then!
I also have to tell you about the new addition the family,.... a sweet little grey kitten we took in that we named "Luna". We named her that because of the gorgeous , silvery, grey fur she has ...I can't wait to show you ! I will have pictures of her up her soon, as I have not had a chance to take pictures of her while she is cat napping or lounging, which is not often as she is very active and all I can get are blurred pictures of her running by . It does make for a cool and spooky picture though :) More to come !

Halloween Art and Purple Witches

2009-08-13T11:46:00.000-07:00

The last two doll I created were indeed the last of the poisoned summer themed dolls that I will make until next year, now on to Halloween and Haunted Art ! Oh yes , it is my fav-o-rite type of art as I have so much fun creating for the season . I have listed now on eBay a "Purple Witch Spell" doll complete with her familiar cat and spell book to kick things off and will be listing a bat doll , another cat doll and some oujia ladies.. also a few ornaments. I have had my mind on creating some topsy turvy dolls since it has been ages since I created one of those so this weekend I will play arond with some ideas. Also toying with the idea of opening an ETSY shop for small dolls and ornaments but more info on that as the days go by. Do drop by for a spell and visit the new gal on ebay, you will find her quite enchanting :)

Poison Berry Jam

2009-08-07T05:36:00.000-07:00

I am sharing the story behind my new doll, "Poison Berry Jam" now listed on EBay. Though I am in no way a writer what so ever as my punctuations and what-nots leave something to be desired, I just thought it would be fun to share the story lines that I come up with while sewing and creating something new. Enter a bit in to my strange mind if you will...and enjoy!

Poison Berry Jam

~Every year Mable wins first place and takes home the blue ribbon prize for her jam at the county fair. "Everyone knows it is the best around," she says ,"and there isn't any competition I can tell you that !" But when the new neighbors decide to enter their home made jam made from an old Amish family recipe, dear Mable begins to worry . To secure her place and reigning title she had to do something ! So when no one was around the tasting table, she secretly added arsenic to the neighbors jam jar. "Just a tablespoon but not too much," she thought ,"just enough to make them all ill then blame their ailments on the neighbor's jam...then every one would see that mine is the best!" But before she could get just a little bit on the spoon she was startled by the loud noise of firecrackers the local kids were foolin around with and spilled most of the bottle into the jam jar! "Oh Biscuits!" she grumbled, for she knew it would be too much. But now the judges were heading toward the tent so she just started stirring as fast as she could , threw the spoon under the covered table and placed the lid back on."Whew, that was close!"she thought,"I think it was way too much but oh well, I can't undo the deed now," so off she went to freshen up ."

So when Mable was calm and refreshed , she headed back to the tents as the tasting had started and first up was the neighbors jam. The first judge took a taste, smiled and nodded then on down the line it went , but by the time it got to the third judge the first one started to loosen his bow tie and sweat just a bit, and then by the time the jam was to the fifth judge, the first judge fell face forward onto his clipboard..not a sign of life in him. " What was in that jam?!!" the crowd yelled , "who's jam was it!?" Mable very helpfully, yet dramatically yelled back," I think it was the new neighbors jam, my goodness what kind of a recipe did they use?" As the shock and confusion buzzed around the gathered crowds and siren sounds echoed through the county fair, Mable drew back into the crowd of on lookers and watched as the new neighbors were being questioned and giving responses in tears . She felt sort of bad for them but she still felt she had to do it, having worked hard so many long years to achieve the perfect recipe and it was an accomplished title she was not going to give up easily.
Some would say it's insane, but to Mable it proves a point and goes to show them all that her recipe is the best around, because sadly sometimes in life that's all you got.

Virginia Apples

2009-08-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

Johhny Apple Seed Statue at Johnson's Apple Orchard

"Virginia Apple" now on Ebay

mmmm..homemade blueberry jam and mischief!... sneek peek!

With Autumn just round the corner here in Virginia, I get excited for apple season and of course the turning of the leaves with breath taking views along the Blue Ridge Parkway .Every year we make a little family day trip and go out to the Peaks of Otter Winery and Johnson's Apple Orchard to pick our own apples straight from the trees . I always feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and can't help but to imagine the trees coming to life and pulling on my hair in objection to me picking their fruit ;)

I come home with another year of fun summer memories with my husband and daughter and wonderful home made cider and fruit preserves , apple butters ,chow chow and of course divine local wine.
The past week I have been working on about 5 dolls .Three so far have come to life and two are creations from the country summer feel I still have in mind from my recent trip or just taking in the local southern atmosphere. Oh, but yet they are never short of added wicked little twists and stories of wrong doing.
I am working on Halloween and Fall dolls out of the five but the first two I mentioned that were done will appear on eBay this week, actually one already listed I call VIRGINIA APPLE, the other by Wednesday .No name yet for that one but I will give you a sneek peek... something about prize winning blueberry jam and a secret added ingredient.. he-he!

2009-07-23T06:58:00.000-07:00

I had this doll body made about 3 months ago but never knew what to do with it except for adding a picture of Poe perhaps ..but it just did not seem fitting. So after searching the internet for folklore and poems here is what I came acrross.

Crow or Magpie Augery is the a type of divination or fortune telling practice that involved the counting of crows .How many crows you saw at any given time foretold of events to happen. There is a rhyme I found out about, that I am not quite sure of the origins of, but there seems to be many versions of it . One version that I particulary liked and the one I chose for my latest eBay listing of a crow doll I call "Counting Crows", is this one below. The dark reference to sorrow and death is what drew me to it, thou other versions can be seen at the following link 7th crow.com. I found it quite fitting for what I was looking to capture.

One for sadness, two for mirth,

Three for marriage, four for birth,

Five for laughing, six for crying,

Seven for sickness, eight for dying,
Nine for silver, ten for gold,

Eleven a secret that will never be told.

I wonder what the secret never to be told would be if ever I see eleven? But just seeing so many at one time in itself is a beautiful and yet ominous sight... for it is a "murder " of crows after all .

"Vampires of New Orleans"

2009-07-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

Through the years I have always been a big Anne Rice Fan and just adore her creative way of bring to life the dark under world of Vampires into the social sceen, who among the upper class and aristocrats mingle and mix. Never suspecting that the new aquaintances who are into the finer things in life and dress in the latest fashion of the day... are the undead ...and that they being human merely prey.

A new creation came out of my fondness for Anne's writing I call "Vampires of New Orleans ". A doll that tells the tale of a secret Vampire Society in New Orleans , who's names are only known among thier own kind and kept in a book which she holds, only for vampire eyes to view and unlock with a key she wears around her neck . To make public the names in this book would be scandalous and for those who try to posses it , it would be deadly.

Death by Chocolate and GA Visit

2009-07-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

fishing in the fog

walking to the pond

quiet moments.

Well been gone for a while playing catch up since my mini vacation for the Fourth of July . We went to Georia right outside of Atlanta to visit family . We had a great time, ate really good food did the fire work thing (thou we almost set GA on fire ..oop's .)We went fishing and I took in my beloved southern atmostphere of early morning fog on the pond ,moonlite though the Pines, frogs croaking in the night and good old fashion southern cooking! My mother in law made Buttermilk Pie and my father in law made me some Fried Green Tomatoes and roasted corn corn with bacon .. I was in heaven .."now I can eat me some corn ya'll'"...he-he!

Since then it has been back to work but while out I came back with some new ideas for new creations like this one ,"DEATH BY CHOCOLATE". A new doll on Ebay inspired by family recipes that have been handed down through the years and shared at family get togethers. Of course I have to add the touch of wickedness behind it ...but thats me :)

Drop by and see if she will give you the recipe and meanwhile here are few little pics I took of my little angel fishing one morning in GA. Enjoy!

Nina.

Haunted Attic Dolls

2009-07-01T03:17:00.001-07:00

Every town has a dark history , every person has a tale or has heard of stories that start something like "There once was this lady who lived in town" or "No one knows what happened". Legends and tales of scandel and those who met their untimely deaths that seem to come back to visit or relive what happened, hanging around the place of thier death or where they once lived ..the plot for wonderful ghost stories . Yes the South has many of these and it was in my creative moment that I recalled some of these stories to bring to life two new little ladies listed on ebay . I call them Haunted Attic Dolls , little ghostly women who want to tell their sad tale of wrong doing . They look as though they would reside in attics among the trunks , vintage clothes, forgotton pictures , old china and crystal ware. Still hauntingly beautiful as they were in the day but pale and dusty ...their once fine clothes now tattered and worn . Perhaps they haunt the attics as they still are connected to the things now in storage that once belong to them in life or perhaps... their body lays in hidding among the pile of junk and awaits for some one to discover and give a proper burial .

What ever case Madame Dauphin and Madame Lacroix would love to tell their story to anyone who will listen ....do drop by for a visit.

I Dream of Halloween

2009-06-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Oh and I do dream of Halloween and it can't come soon enough ! I get so excited when I see all the Fall and Halloween items out already out at the local crafts stores ...whoo hoo !
Here I a have a new listing on ebay for a litle doll stand that captures the anticipation for the season, "I Dream of Halloween " .For those who are just plum crazy about Halloween as I am know that we even think about it in our sleep :)

~Nina.

And the Winners are ....

2009-06-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

First of all a BIG THANK YOU you for all those who participated in this blog give away. It was very fun meeting new bloggers and connecting with fellow artist !

The winning names for the GSB ART give away are:

1rst Prize- Iva's Creations ( Skeleton Boudoir Doll)

2nd Prize-Lisa Nelson's Art ( 5 piece bath and body set )

3rd Prize- Magikal Seasons ( Scented Sachet doll and Candle )

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! If your name was drawn, please contact me with your mailing information so I can send your prize to you ! gothicsouthernbelle76@yahoo.com

I wish I could have sent every one who particiapted a little something but don't worry I will be doing another give away here soon ...yay!!! You are all winners to me and I am very lucky and honored to have you all keep up with my little ol' blog :)
Big Hugs and Dark Kisses,
~Nina

The Monkey's Paw

2009-06-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

I remember the first time I ever read this story "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W Jacobs, it reeeealy spooked me being only 7 or 8 . Yes, instead of pretty princess bedtime stories at night we got haunted house and ghost stories, chiller and thriller novels read to me and my sister by my brothers from books they got at school book fairs . My dad would read us Tolkien every now and then because he wanted break the creepy trend, but orck fighting , dragon slaying and wars to save Middle Earth from an evil villian who wanted "world domination" and a ring... not much better. ( he-he)

Ahh ,childhood memories explains a lot though ;)

Well some may be familiar with the monky paw story but if you are not or have never read it you should I think you will enjoy the chill it gives you .

A classic tale of horror and a touch of mystic magic centered around a curious and grotesque dried up monkey paw that grantes three wishes. A story with the moral of be careful what you wish for ,one must not interfere with fate or what you ask for may come to you but at the price of death .

So with this I was inspired to make a new doll now listed on eBay ...do drop by and take a peek ..if you wish ;)

Nina.

GSB ART GIVE A WAY!!!!

2009-06-17T05:53:00.000-07:00

So I passed my 50th blog post and did not even know it !Oop's :)
I planned on doing this when I hit the 50th but the 52nd post will do just fine!

Ok, so it is now time to tell you how I will be celebrating this small milestone.
I am giving away a few dark goodies in an original skeleton boudoir bed doll , Dark Bath and Body Products from my VMB shop,and a skeleton sachet doll with dark scented VMB candle votive. There will be three lucky winners who's name I will draw at random from my mystery box on Monday June 22nd ! How do you enter the drawing you ask ? Well...

To enter your name you need only to do just one of the following :

1. Leave a lovely comment on this posting .
2.Become one of my beloved followers of my blog.
3.Email me at gothicsouthernbelle76@yahoo.com that you would like your name to be added in the box.
...and tadaaa... that's it!

If you have a blog of your own and would be so kind as to post about this give away to spread the word ,then your name will be entered in the box twice for a double chance of winning...as well as a BIG THANK YOU for doing so !
Let's see what we have in the prize box for you :)

First name drawing will be the lucky winner of an Original Boudoir Skeleton doll which measure 10 inches in length and is a perfect addition to ones spooky decor but yet still will add a touch of vintage inspired loveliness!

Second name drawing will be be for a 5 piece set of dark indulgance bath and body products from my Velvet Moon Bathery shop of "Thorns and Apples" perfume roll on ,"Night Magic" Bath Salts,"Theatre de Vampire" Soap,"Gothic Southern Belle" Lotion and "Vanilla Mourning" Perfume Dram .

And the third name to be drawn will be the winner of a hand sewn, hand painted skeleton sachet doll and votive VMB candle. The sachet doll is filled with fine powders and herbs and sachet beads scented in a Lavander and Amber Vanilla scent , perfect for linen closets and drawers or as display too. The candle is a 3.oz votive, soy creme wax candle, scented in "Tea and Tarot"...which is a lovely tea, ginger and vanilla scent, blended with grapefruit and sage and a

touch of carnations.

So there you have it my first blog give away!!! I am so excited ! Do remember to get your name in there before Monday June, 22nd . Much love and appreciation goes out to all my readers, followers, and fellow blogger friends !

~Nina

Dearly Departed

2009-06-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

A new listing on ebay this morning for a doll I call "Dearly Departed" She represents the dark mystery of secret meetings to conjour spirits of the dead by seances, or perhaps by Ouija boards. A past time that was very popular during the Victorian Era and used as parlor entertainment . Very popluar as well among the fakes who claimed to be able to communicate with the dead only to swindle poor mournful fools out of thier money, in hopes of contact with their beloved ones once more.

Drop on by and visit, perhaps she will be able to contact a ghost or two for you :)

Georgia on my Mind

2009-06-12T06:38:00.000-07:00

( singing .. )

....just and old sweet song keeps Georgia on my mind :) he-he

And yes indeed Georgia was on my mind when this little lady came into vision. She embodies a southern, country beauty of days gone by ,with a touch of darkness in murderous secrets that were buried in the peach orchards to get rid of the evidence. A perfect hidding place dont you think? Drop by and visit "Georgia Peach" now on eBay ..oh but beware not to pick the peaches for those trees surely yield bad fruit.

~Nina.

Trixie the Hallowen Witch

2009-06-09T06:47:00.000-07:00

Another fun and whimsey doll I made in the spirit of Halloween. She is a witch with a trickster side to her personality, playing pranks and jokes on the town folk on Halloween just to make mischief and entertain herself...it gets lonely at the cottage sometimes you know.

I call her Trixie and she is now listed on eBay do drop by by for a spell :)

Absinthe Doll

2009-06-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so one bottle down, 3 more to go from the previous posting . I listed a new doll on eBay this afternoon simply called "Absinthe ". I have always loved to read about the history and hysteria that surrounded this drink from back in the day. An inspiration for poets, artists and writers but also said to have made many go crazy from drinking it as it would cause hallucinations , insanity and even death . Here is a little link I came across one day, it is a "Buyers Guide to Absinthe" which has has links, history and other informative articles about the spirit you may enjoy reading about .

Though the little bottle I used for the doll accent is not a real mini Absinthe bottle, it did contain a liquore at one time, that yes in indeed I did partake in the comsumption of . I did not see a green fay or any other winged fantasy creature for that matter in drinking it,but I did see the vision of the Absinthe doll when I was done , among many other visions and ideas with the rest of the bottles I drank that night(rough week ). Some were blurry as the night went on but others I remembered the next day... thank goodness :) he-he!

~Nina~

2009-06-05T06:12:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned!

~Nina~

Flora and Fauna

2009-06-02T05:43:00.000-07:00

I do not watch much TV but when a show called "Carnivale" was on HBO for about two seasons I was hooked ! This captured elements of dark carnival mystique, prophecy and the super natural. There was fortune telling, sideshow acts and burlesque dancers mixed in with a love story, all set in hard times during the depression, an amazing story line! I really must buy the box set to add to my movie library... drop by and read more on the show if you have moment, you will enjoy it!

Ok so , "Flora and Fauna",now on eBay, came to be from a mixture of carnival sideshow inspiration and the twin characters that where the love interest of Uncle Fester and Gomez when they were boys, in the wonderful, dark humor movie "The Addams Family". I have not watched this movie in a while (which is one of my favorites by the way) but funny how little things you have seen or heard stay with you for a looong time . Perhaps I will dig up some old movie this weekend and see what new things I can come up with !

Do drop by and visit the twins :)

~Nina.

"Ghosts of the Mississippi"

2009-06-01T11:07:00.000-07:00

The week I made this doll my thoughts were on images and stories of the Old South. If one does research on Haunted Mississippi and Ghost Stories of the south you will find some really fascinating and spooky tales . I have quite a few books with this premise that I love to read and draw inspiration from. Not to mention living in a very historic area in Virginia, I need only to drive around town and the local area to take a step back in time with all the Civil War sites, historical homes and old graveyards :)

The Idea of " Ghosts of the Mississippi" which is now listed on eBay , came to me one evening while reflecting on past stories I have read. One particular one took place on a river boat in which a poker game went wrong, resulting in murder and a body being tossed overboard into the cold Mississippi that night . It was said that on a full moon one can see a white figure running along the banks of the river as the majestic river boats go by . The towns folk believe it is the spirit of the poor soul who lost his life that fateful night to a sly hand ...trying to find those who have wronged him ....... oooohhh !!! he-he ;)

~Nina.

Opium Mornings in the Poppy Garden

2009-05-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

A pot of black tea or coffee perhaps for relaxation and enjoyment in the morning will do for some but for those who are troubled by the their dark secrets and malicious actions, a much stonger brew is is needed to block out the real world and escape to another... leaving all behind . That is why Opium Tea is prefered by this little lady. Because to have a pipe around the house and smoke it would not be lady like, oh no ... so in keeping appearances she grows her poppies on the hillside not far from her home and in the morning carries her basket there where she picks the greenest pods that have just lost their petals. She gingerly walks her way back home where she will grind them and brew them into a nice pot of tea ,surrenduring all cares to an altered state of bliss.

The greener the better, for the milk in them is strong and that is exactly what she needs to help her cope with life ...or just get along.

"Opium Mornings" is now listed ebay. Won't you drop on by and say hello to this lovely poppy lady ? :)

~Nina~

That Old Halloween Feelin!

2009-05-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

Introducing..... a new "Victorian Witch Cat "doll now listed on ebay!

You know it is always a good time to make Halloween art though it is still 5 months away but those who love the season as much as I do know that one can celebrate it all year round !

I was feeling whimsy the day I made this pretty kitty and yes ,I know... I jump from theme to theme but you sort of have to go with what strikes your fancy that day and create ! It has put me in the mood for many more Halloween creations that's for sure , which is always so fun and my little book of musing and ideas is filling up quick! This was my first time ever to mold a cat head of clay and paint on the meow details ...my own dear six toed cat "Seis" being the model of course he-he! I loved this one very much that I am working on another style like this to keep and add to my Halloween collection but I think I may keep her out all year long for inspiration when I am done... cat dolls are just so darn cute!

~Nina.

Bayou Beauty

2009-05-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

A new lovely lady listed this morning on eBay called "Bayou Beauty" .This one has a theme of Bayou elegance and a touch of voodoo. A Southern Gothic inspiration from stories told of high society ladies from the south having secret rooms in which they keep hidden from the public eye. A place where their alters are set, voodoo dolls of those who they wish to get rid of or manipulate are made and black magic spells are cast to attract more money or a lover at what ever cost . A bit of a different theme than normal but so intriguing for me I thought, "why not have fun with it ?" She even comes with her own little voodoo doll and love spell bottle charms !

Drop by and take a speeksie :)

~Nina.

My Little Work Station

2009-05-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

In an extra bedroom upstairs that used to be the nursery I have my soap studio and my little corner desk where I sit and make my dolls and craft projects . Now the Soap biz takes up most of the space on the other side of the room which is not fit for pictures at the moment...may be next month... um year(lol) but here are just a few pics I took of my area when it is at a semi-tidy state that I thought would be nice to share with you. By the way ,the drawers to my desk shall remain closed and unseen for the tour as that is not for the faint of heart... he-he!

I would love to be more organized and neat and live by the the whole"A place for everything and everything in it's place " but if your an artist you know that kinda goes out the door darlin ! You see I was born without the ability to put lids back on things and tighten them ,or clean as I go ...tsk tsk ....a sad thing to be diagnosed with really but when your on a creative roll you get tunnel vision until it's complete and nothing else matters,especially lids! I hope there are others out there who can relate.

I suppose eventually though I will have enough time to organize lace and fabric and fill jars, label them of their contents and tighten all the lids to every thing and paint the room any other color but the lavender baby color it is ... but for now this will do . It sometimes gets to me when I think about the mess and disarray of my area , how I tossle and search through drawers and boxes to find things, lose my scissors among papers and fabric and not to mention how many needles I have lost ...and found...ouch!

But I have to tell myself in words like that of dearest Scarlett... "I can't think about this now! I'll go crazy if I do! I'll think about it tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day!"

...and after all it's my space, as long as I find comfort, creativity and inspiration in my little corner of the room that s' all I need and that's good enough for me . :)

~Nina~

Morbid Madame /Afternoon Tea

2009-05-18T10:39:00.001-07:00

So here she is all finished and sitting... well standing pretty ! I missed the saturday date to list her with way too much going on but she is listed now on ebay , I call her Morbid "Madame".

Also listed is another Poision Tea doll called "Afternoon Tea" which I just love they coy look she has but I know too well she is up to no good ! A little lady I would would be cautious about having tea with ,wouldn't you ?

Drop by and take look !

Paris Catacombs inspiration

2009-05-15T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have never been but it is a place I have always wanted to go. Indeed it is on my things to do before I die list...don't you have one? :) It is amazing that only 200 feet below Paris lays a place called "The Empire of Death ", a cold and dark world built with millions upon millions of bones! I won't go into the history of it all as it is extensive and many may be familar already of it. If you are interested here are some links to where you can read more about it as well as view some very facinating and macabre pictures .

CATACOMBS OF PARIS

A City of Death Under a City of Lights.

After reading this, the Catacombs became came an inspiration for my next doll piece to be added Saturday . I am adding the finishing touches to her and will say she is different than what I have made in the past but she has steared me in a wonderful new creative direction indeed. I love when that happens.. little creative doors opening right before your eyes! Take a peek ! ~Nina.

Spooky Lady

2009-05-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

"Spooky Lady now listed on ebay ! A sweet thing with such a strange way about her with her white eyes and pale face. She does make quite a stir in her little town since she is not like most ..."is she for real ?"they ask, "she's just so spooky!"

Nina.

Wicked Little Things

2009-05-11T06:07:00.000-07:00

A new listing for me this morning on ebay I call "Wicked Little Things" inspired by vintage dolls and wicked play time . I had so much fun making this one with her little skeleton baby doll... which tuned out so cute!

I have a few more dolls in the process ,which will be listed later this week so be sure to keep watch !

Nina.

Pretty Poison

2009-05-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

Pretty Poison

Oh my, what a deadly little doll this one is. Trimmed in pretties of bows and lace, with a face of a little angel ...but ... do beware for she has other intentions when becoming your friend .

Keep a close eye and don't drink her tea,

for Arsenic my dear is her choice of poison you see.

Dark Fifi

2009-05-06T06:40:00.000-07:00

Dark Fifi , a new creation just listed this morning . She was made with a bit of foo-foo inspiration of the French Boudoir. Where I envision ladies primping, powdering and perfuming themselves wearing striped stockings and ooh la-la corsets .

But, of course I had to add my dark little flare by adding a clay clock with a bat accent ...you know I can help it ;)

Milk and Cookies any one?

2009-05-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Ok so Ive been trying different techniques of doll making, from cloth to modeling clay and this is my first attempt which I was very pleased with .

I give you Mable, the old crazy spinster lady who the neighborhood made fun of, but one day she got even.

How you say? Well let me tell you the story.

Mable was quite the little baker so being tired of the names,looks and pranks, she baked some cookies one spring day and invited the neighbors over .

Now the neighbors not being able to say no to fresh baked cookies and cold wholesome milk came straight over . As they enjoyed the scrumptious cookies and milk they began to feel ill, so ill that well ..they soon met their demise.

Oh yes, Mable got even and put an end to the taunts and the rude calls

for she mixed arsenic in the milk that the neighbors drank all!

What a wicked little lady Mable was don't you agree? But I hear her cookies were to die for ;)

Gypsy Witch Box

2009-05-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Last night until the wee hours of the morn, I finished a mad idea that came into my head around 5:30 in the afternoon . Made with picture frames and old vintage photos,hand sculpted tea cup, bows and trim.... I came up with this. A perfect little tarot card box or all around stash box for ones witchy and magical tools of the trade..he-he!

This is now listed drop on by !

2009-04-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I make something for me. And with spring in the air I am re-arranging and re-decorating the house. It is hard to find my certain style of what I have in mind to set the stage for my house so most of the time I make my own decor. So while out shopping for finds at the local antique shops and thrift stores (I can spend hoooours in when I have the time)I came across a bargain table with little nick nacks . So a little 80's style wall mask and a small brass candlestick holder caught my eye and I picked them up for about 75 cents.

Funny How 75 cents could turn into such a dark and lovely piece of art !

I painted the mask black and added accents of gold paint and feathers with black and gold roses.

I then glued the mask on to the candle stick and attached a small clay bat to it that I had made a few months back for a gift box , added tulle and ribbon and topped the bat with an old anitque style clip on earring.

Yes every now and then I make something for me and this one I am definately keeping upon my parlor mantle.

2009-04-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

OMG!S ince December?..Really it's been that long without a post?? ! My how times flys by! And how very, very, sorry I am for dropping the ball on my blog ! Here I go again though :)

I have created a few dolls and things since then but not as much as I would like . I was on a creative hole I would say for loss of my little muse who always came through with some wonderful ideas. "Oh where, oh where have you gone? !!!"

So lately I have been piddling here and there in my spare time of not working on the business of VMB and well here are two new creations now listed on Ebay .

Gothic Cupcake

The Sleeping Beauty

I looove how both turned out !

I am in a dark whimsy kind of mood ever since I came back from vacation . I guess going back home to visit the family just gave me so much great joy that the Texas sun must have shone on me a bit to long and illuminated the halls of my dark heart that now I can't help but to think on a little bit different note for my art themes, like sweets and crowns and birds. I guess all artist go through transitions and phases that makes their work evolve from one thing to another . Why keep it the same all the time right ? Well eigther way I hope you enjoy the newbies so drop by and take peek !

Nina.

New Doll Listing

2008-10-24T16:04:00.001-07:00

I realize it has been a while since I posted here on the blog , just a lot to keep up with EEKKK!

Well Halloween season over at VMB has been very busy which left me no time to play and make new dark GSB lovelies for you. So in the wee hours of the morning between orders and waiting for soap and paint on boxes to dry I made a new creation I call "Masquerade of the Macabre "now listed . I plan to list more in the next few weeks coming before the holiday season begins to take off so look for new creations to be posted here soon ..I promise:)

I may not drop by as much as I would like but know I am still here and soon after the holidays will come out of hiding in soap and scent land and back into the art world of the macabre;)

Until Then ....

Dark Kisses,

Nina.

New Ornie

2008-08-13T03:14:00.000-07:00

I listed this on Monday , a cloth raven doll ornament with a hand painted picture of Edgar on the body . It has been a while since I created an ornament, I must get back in the swing of things with creating some doll ornaments, but I just have a bit of a block at the moment. I have been concentrating on the perfume and new collections for Fall at VMB mostley but I will have some new goodies here soon ......when my muse gets back from vacation ;)

Nina.

The Gothic Hour

2008-06-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Just listed this morning a new doll ornament I call The Gothic Hour " A cute little time keeper in a top hat, holding a clock with a tiny black crow perched on top. I love the look to this doll ,very ooo- la-la yet Dark . The mole gives her an added touch.. don't you think? ;)

Victorian Death Darling Doll

2008-06-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

A curious and darling little doll created in a style to capture a bit of Dark Victorian, Funeral, Death and Mourning.
This is a handstitched doll measuring 9 inches in length who's body, arms, and legs are made of muslin fabric, stuffed with polyfil, dried rose petals lightly scented in a sweet yet somber scent of funeral ambiance. She can be made to sit proped up, or layed upon a bed but displays very well among books shelves, mantles or other little nooks around your home.
She is the first of many Victorian Death Darling Dolls to be added to eBay this month.

Topsy Turvy Doll Moon and Stars

2008-06-16T07:00:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I had made a topsy turvy doll. Finding an "opposite" idea for these is a challenge rather than making the doll itself. I have had three bodies made since January with no ideas until now ...well that is one down two more to go! I am sure something will strike me and give inspiration for the other two, until then here is the latest a Gypsy Witch Moon and Star Doll now listed.

Nina.

Night and Her Train of Stars

2008-05-19T12:16:00.001-07:00

A doll of dark and beautiful enchantment for when you long for those starry nights.

"As the sun sets, the beautiful night gracefully walks across the sky with a train of twillight and stars behind her. "

New Listings

2008-05-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

Flying in to show 2 new creations I listed yesterday , another doll ornament and a skeleton boudior doll .

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOMMAS OUT THERE !!!!

-busy bee out the door..

NINA.

Gothic Pageant Doll "Night Queen" Ornament

2008-04-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

"Night Queen" Gothic Pageant Doll Ornament,inspired by the following trip down memory lane.

I was born and raised in Texas and lived there all my life until I was 22, then I got married and moved to Virginia with my husband. I remember very well growing up that Texas Beauty Pageants were the biggest thing for teenage girls to be part of, and most of my friends did the pageant circuit thing ...of course that was not my cup of tea ...too foo foo (lol). I remember the crowns were enormous and what the girls had to go through to look perfect for competitions was rediculous...but to each their own.

My senior year in high school I was nominated to be Home Coming Queen. Of course I was not very excited about having to participate but when my mother bought me the perfect dress for the occassion, I soon changed my mind and could not wait to show it off! :) It was a drop dead gorgeous red velvet dress, with black venician applique around the botton of the dress and on the bodice . It came with a velvet diamond rhinestone choker ....and it was amazing !!!

Yeah... I will toot my own horn, I looked pretty darn hot in it ;) (lol)

Well of course the crown went to the popular girl who everyone can't stand but they act like they like her anyway because she is who she is ...(I think every school had one of those I believe.) Any way that night I did not win a crown but I walked away with such adoration of my dress and how nice I looked and... the shock to the rest of the girls that I wore red velvet when all they managed to were was boring blue and pink satin. The fact that I stood out and turned heads just by being me all dark and lovely was prize enough... I was on cloud 13 that night! I think back now and laugh how silly it was really, and yet had it been a different type of pageant say a like a "Miss Texas Gothic Pageant ".... I would have totally won it ;)

Ghost of Pearl Ornament

2008-04-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

"The ghost of Pearl is often seen, in the old haunted mansion on Halloween! "

Ok, so another creation came out of Spring cleaning ! I took out my old linens and doilies that I have collected over the years , some from my grandmother who made so many of them for me and others from estate sales , and antique shops in Texas and Virginia. One particular piece caught my eye and the vision of an attic ghost came to mind. Later that night I sat down and began to work and make a ghost, but had no idea what to call it when I was done. Then as I started to add pearl accents to her robes, my daughter came into the room and said "Mama, she is pretty, she has a lot of pearls on her! " and so with that I named her "The Ghost of Pearl" .
Thanks to my little sweetie I think the name suits her just fine:)

Sachet Doll Ornament

2008-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

I was in the mood to make sachets this weekend as I cleaned out closets and made room for spring clothes . I made a few for myself in simple lace gloves filled with dried flowers and lavender and then scented them with my perfume oils. My room smells divine ,very soothing to sleep in now ......ahhhh.

So, I had an extra sachet doll that I though would be fun to fancy up and give my gothic touch to, and there you have it, a new listing !

Once again mixing fragrance and art ;)

Witch Jar "Spells and Charms"

2008-04-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

I was playing around with clay the other day and made a little book and stand just for fun . Not knowing what I was to do with it, I gave up and pulled all my tiny clay pieces into a glass jar for storage....then it hit me! As the book stand stood up in the jar among all the other pieces, I looked carefully for a while at it and then began to think of the idea as to how I could create a little scene inside a jar would that could be displayed on a shelf ....like little bottled moments and sceneries . So I began on my first jar which turned out quite nice, I am working on two more but not quite finished . I listed this one called "Spells and Charms"this morning. I can't wait to finish the rest:)

Nina.

"Midnight Serenade"

2008-04-21T06:35:00.000-07:00

A new paper doll I created this past week now listed "Midnight Serende" I have been experimenting again with altered art and mixed media creations and have decided to bring back my jewelry boxes and shadow boxes back as well ...stay tuned for more creations!

Nina.

Snake Oil Medicine Doll Ornament

2008-03-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

"I am the seller of snake liniments, and oils,
goods for all ailments,troubles and toils."

In the late 1800s there were snake-oil salesmen, led by Clark Stanley, the self-described "Rattlesnake King." Stanley made a fortune selling his pain liniment, reputedly made from oil extracted from snakes.His advertisments described his snake oil as "A wonderful pain destroying compound." It was "the strongest and best liniment known for the cure of all pain and lameness." To be "used external only," it treated "rheumatism, neuralgia, sciatica, lame back, lumbago, contracted muscles, toothache, sprains, swellings, etc." It also,the ad said "cures frost bites, chill blains, bruises, sore throat, and bites of animals, insects and reptiles," in fact being "good for every thing a liniment should be good for." Promising "immediate relief," being "Good for man and beast ,"it sold for fifty cents a bottle . In 1915, Stanley's concoction was examined and found to be of no value, in fact it was mostly made of mineral oil. The U.S. government shut him down for making false claims,and for this was fined $20.00 .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260225026102&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

These I adore.

2008-03-27T23:43:00.000-07:00

This has a Dark Shadows/Jack the Riper feel to it I love. It speaks vampires, murder mystery foggy graveyards and dark romance.....so me;)

This one I adore, it seems to really capture how I feel sometimes, not really here or there,belonging to this world but connected to another. Pieces of my thoughts scattered here and there and of being pulled in every direction to where you feel like you may fall apart when all the while you just want to sit and enjoy the silence ...take in life. I am sure some of you know the feeling.

I found these while cleaning up my pictures that were saved on my computer and thought I would share two of my favorite internet pictures from a few years back. There were many on there that I love and use for my personal myspace page ,and these two are the ones that seem to speak to me more . One is from an old paperback mystery novel cover a friend found and sent to me... the other I have yet to find the artist who did this to see if I can get a print and frame if for my office . I will continue to search, maybe one day .

Nina.

Fortune Teller Ornament

2008-03-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

Feeling a bit gypsy this week, I am being inspired by fortune tellers ,tarot cards and ouija boards .

Back to work I go to finish up some more projects!

Nina.

Victorian Mourning Doll Ornament...

2008-03-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

I call this one "The Widow" a new doll ornament listed this morning of 3 news ones I am working... on along with oh so many unfinished projects . My work desk has all these little body parts of heads, legs , arms and stuffed torsos yet to be assembled into new doll people.

Thank goodness for the time change and having longer daylight now !

Gothic Springtime

2008-03-14T09:39:00.001-07:00

"It's time to plant your poisoned seeds, and gather snake eggs among the weeds."

A new doll listed this morning that I created adding my own dark and unusual twist to the springtime season .

I would have loved to have had a snake basket for Easter instead of the foo- foo, pink fur ones I used to get ;)

New Skull Head Pin Cushion

2008-03-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

I made one of these last year sometime but with a white lace bonnet. I wanted to make another but could not find any more skull heads. After cleaning my office closet /storage room this weekend I found 3 more in my Halloween party boxes... so off I went to make another and hopefully 2 more later on in the year.

For those who prefer odd and unique pin cushions rather than -YE OLD TOMATOE !

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260217889633&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

Nina.

The Maid Did It !

2008-03-06T09:40:00.001-08:00

"Malicious Maid "A New Torso Doll Ornament that I just listed today.

I have a weak spot for the "Who done it ?" murder mystery story, whether in books or films. So I created this maid doll to have a 1920's Dark Noir ,Murder Mystery feel to her.

The old "The maid is the one poisoning all the guest ...oh my (gasp)!!! "scenario.

I handpainted all of her, from face to body in acrylic paint and the the picture that is on her midsection is of a teacup, tea pot, sugar cubes, spoon and a bottle of poison . My artwork is rusty after may years of non practice, so I only dare to venture and paint on small surfaces, and fabric is very easy to work with as it is very forgiving with mistakes ;)

Nina.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260217907011&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

..and a vision was born,

2008-03-01T04:21:00.001-08:00

so I called her "Timeless Beauty ".

I could not sleep last night so at 2 am I got up, made myself a cup of TAZO Tea ,then I when to my office, sat down at my desk and began to work on a new doll. Sleepless nights are cause by the on going mad rush of thoughts and new ideas in my head created by my demon muse I call "Damien".

Oh he was was pushing hard on this one to get her completed,photographed and listed this morning. So within 3 hours she came to life which normally takes a day or so to do these type of dolls....I think this is the record.

Ahh... if only I could make all my creations as fast as I did this one, without knowledge of time or place, just free creativity with an insane drive of tunnel vision.

One day I shall capture Damien in a bottle and drink of his tidings and musings of dark inspirations when ever I feel the need. But he is a funny fellow who comes and goes as he pleases .Yes quit the humorous one though, waking me at 2 am !

Off to bed I go .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260216411477&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

Morphine Doll Ornament

2008-02-29T10:24:00.000-08:00

Also just listed is a new Doll ornament I call "For What Ails You ". Based on the popularity of Morphine and it's many uses during the Victorian era as well as it's addictions and death inducing traits..a very fascinating subject for me of course. She comes complete with prescription paper, a bottle of morphine, needle, and spoon all handsculpted from polymer clay .

Althought my doll ornaments are made to hang I find that they add a nice touch to book ends and corners of shelves, as they can be made sit up. My favorite way to display them is on my book shelves.Such nice little touches among my old books :)

Do drop by and take a look.

http://cgi.ebay.com/OOAK-Victorian-Gothic-Folk-Art-Morphine-Doll-Ornament_W0QQitemZ260216186158QQihZ016QQcategoryZ73503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2008-02-29T10:22:00.000-08:00

Listed this morning are two new bottle ornaments, a "Witches Brew" Spell bottle for beauty and transformation spells, and an "Elixer of Death" to bring your loved one back in case of early departure or accidental death ( I could have used this one when I was learning to cook many, many years ago;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/OOAK-Goth-Victorian-Witches-Brew-Spell-Bottle-Ornament_W0QQitemZ260216191089QQihZ016QQcategoryZ73503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Victorian-Gothic-Winged-Skull-Coffin-Bottle-Ornament_W0QQitemZ260216188388QQihZ016QQcategoryZ73503QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

New Mourning Topsy Turvy Doll "Tear Drop Memories"

2008-02-27T08:06:00.001-08:00

"Tear Drop Memories" Topsy Turvy Doll
One side is a mourning doll holding a family album or "book of the dead" with

post mortum photographs .

The other side is a mourning doll with a gold momento locket which has a photograph of the deceased and a lock of braided hair.

Just listed her this morning a new Topsy Turvy doll called "Tear Drop Memories ".
My inspiration for this being Victorian Mourning customs of post mortum photographs and momento hair lockets worn in remembrance of the deceased.
A one of a kind creation indeed, and another I am having a hard time parting with ;)
Drop by and take a looksie.
Nina.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=260215606654&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=016

Gothic Victorian Folk Art Doll Ornaments

2008-02-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

One day I decided to try to make a new type of doll that's style was similar to the Victorian China doll . I love the sleek look they have of white faces and black hair, not to mention the beautiful Victorian clothing they are dressed in. I did not want to use a mold so that each one would be unique in facial features, so I made the head out of polymer clay. The hands and legs were done in the same way, I spent many hours trying to get the shape right based on pictures I saw in my doll books. When it came time for the body to be made and stuffed, the torso came out well, but the arms and legs were something to be desired... uneven and lumpy . I do not allow myself to use patterns and most of my doll bodies are done with freehand cutting and measurements meaning I just look at the fabric and start to cut "eyeballing it"if you will. This gives it a more of a custom make to the doll I feel and you not using a pattern someone else made. Well, needless to say the fist one of these I did I was not very happy with. The legs are a big problem for me (looks like she had gout ;) so as I mentioned in blog before if a project goes wrong I turn it into an ornament. I am very glad I did as this had such a wonderful turn out. So what you see is a mini doll ornament done in some what of a Victorian China doll style of my own sculpted head design . I hand stitch the clothes and give them strange little accessories and features made of polymer clay as well to go along with the theme of the doll .
I suppose eventually I will start to make these as "real dolls "and on a larger scale with more detail and better sewing craftsmanship to where if one buys it and happens to undress the doll they won't think it was part Frankenstein doll ...although that would be a good idea for a doll too ;)
I am my worst critic I guess, but I will keep trying until I get it right .

"The Undertaker's Wife- with small coffin and certificate of death
" Tea Time"-with a clock, poison design tea cup and paper will
" Lady Opium" with poppy pod pot and unusual death /snake opium pipe
" Time Keeper" with small skull with wings clock
" The Spell Caster " with a small book of spells and her pet black crow perched on a skull .

Ornies, Ornies...all types of Ornies!

2008-02-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

Ornament making is so much fun because you can make an ornament out of any thing. Sometimes when projects do not come out well, I can "revamp" it into an ornament and it turned out better that the original plan! Mainly my ornaments are made in a style of Torso Doll you hang or can sit on a shelf. I like to occasionally fill them with fragrance, and herbs as they can double as a sachet to let off a scent where ever you may display them . Art with a scent, hmm...imagine that ;)

" Ouija Ghost "
"Love and Pain" Stuffed with roses scented with Sandalwood Rose fragrance.
" Story Teller"

" Absinthe" Ornament stuffed with real Fennel , Wormwood and scented with Anise oil
Stuffed with real Roses and Jasmine petals fragranced with a Rose, Jasmine, Frankincense scent.
"Haunted Harriet" First Torso Doll Ornament I sold .
"Fine Art of Poisoning" glass poison bottle ornament
" Lenore "Tribute to Poe

"Ghost Banshee"
"Witches Apothecary" Ornament

Pin Cushions

2008-02-11T11:24:00.001-08:00

Here are few styles of pin cushions I have created in the past year. I created my first one out of neccessity when I lost 5 needles in 1 hour ! You see,I have a very bad habit of not putting things back where they belong and in my madness of creating I tend to pull things out and then forget where I left them too . I spend most of my time searching for things, and infact you can often find me in my studio spinning in circles, while wildly looking for my lost items. So it was in a frustrated moment of sewing I decided to make a pumpkin pin cushion for myself. Something that would would be big enough and eye cathing for me to remember and want to use for placing my pins and needles. It came out so well that I decided to make another similar .It was one of the first items that sold for me on eBay that was non bath and body . That was all she wrote, and now I make these every chance I get . I still miss place things, but not my needles any more :)

"Dark Valentine" Pin Cushion

"Love Eternal" Crow Pin Cushion
My first pin cushion creation "Wicked and Wild "

Ouija Board Pin Cushion
" Pin-elope Mori" with matching hand sculpted clay skull head pins

Skeleton Head Pin Cushion

My Topsy Turvy Dolls

2008-02-11T07:48:00.001-08:00

( A little history...)
Topsy Turvy Dolls are reversible dolls that flip upside down to reveal storybook characters who have on contrasting outfits.
It is believed that the art of Topsy Turvy designs began around the time of the Civil War. One of the first style of of topsy turvy doll designs were that of a black doll on one side and and white doll on the other
It has been said that "a slave mother designed this type of doll for her child because slave children were not allowed to play with white dolls. This designed allowed the black child to play with the white doll but when a master, overseer or any white individual were present the child could flip the doll and play with the black doll."
Though the years the topsy turvy doll design changed and has become more of a story telling doll of child hood fairy tales and fables, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and the more traditional style of a sleep and awake doll .
I have always been fascinated with these dolls ,and how they were made. It was not until a few years back that my sewing skill improved and I dared to venture and try my hand at making one . I then had to give give it my own special touch of creepy, and from that day on I have enjoyed making these dolls with unique macabre stories of their own . So here I have added some pictures of past creations that I have sold, and am still working on more... in fact one is to be completed this week .

Mourning Bride/ Ghost Bride-
Poison Tea /Poison Coffee
"Victorian Spiritualism" -Tea Leaf Reader/ Lady of Seance
"Death Becomes Her" -Illness / Death
" Dark Changes" Bittten/Transformed

"Winter Remembrance "

2007-12-04T11:15:00.001-08:00

Here is one of my latest Skeleton Cameo Dolls, Called "Winter Remembrance". I looove the white fur, very ooh.. la- la !