Buy something cute AND help save animals!

I'm a member of the CraftAnon Street Team on etsy, and our charity shop is currently donating 100% of sales to:

Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research
http://www.tristatebird.org/

The mission of Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is to achieve excellence in the rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, and oiled native wild birds, with the goal of returning healthy birds to their natural environment. They do this through compassionate care, humane research, and education.

Experts from Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research are leading the wildlife rescue efforts following the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico. Tri-State's oil spill response team has been on the Gulf Coast since the last week in April and is working with their West Coast colleagues, International Bird Rescue Research Center, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to manage the rehabilitation of oiled wildlife.



Donate now by purchasing an item from the shop or simply by spreading the word about the Charity shop!

Stay Spooky,
Gothcupcake

Arizona Etsy Meetup Party!

So many adventures lately, I'm having trouble keeping up with uploading all of the pictures and posting them!

Last Friday my friend Nic and I went to an Etsy Meetup Party! The first venue selected for the meetup was closed unexpectedly for Summer, but thanks to Nic's Droid phone we were able to check the website on-line for the new meeting place! The first venue was a cafe, which with thought would be a fitting setting for the group craft--crochet necklaces. The backup place ended up being a sports bar named Hail Mary's. Hilarious, but what the hey!
Here is the welcome committee table, complete with free samples of tea, name badges, a sign-in sheet, free Etsy stickers, Etsy.com buttons, Pabst (yes, the beer) buttons and Pabst toothbrushes! Once I saw the Pabst gear, I was convinced that a sports bar was indeed a much better location for the event!

Craft party table! :D

We got our name badge stickers and found ourselves a seat with two great crafters, Kathie and Gabrielle.
Kathie and Gabrielle were super nice and very patient with Nic and I as they showed us how to tie a loop on our crochet needles, how to crochet a chain and how to add the beads! Nic and I both picked it up rather quickly and it was a ton of fun! We munched on 99 cent specials from the Happy Hour menu while we crafted, chatted and laughed.
There's Nic taking a picture of me taking a picture of her, Gabrielle and Kathie (hidden in the back!)
Nic and I milled about to check out the other crafters and their creations, this table had some really beautiful necklaces:
Then Nic suggested we get a group shot of everyone's necklaces together:

Nic's necklace is the one on the far left under the "H" in Handmade with the really awesome reddish orange O-beads. My necklace is the one in the upper left corner next to the birds wing.

Nic also got a waitress to take a group shot of all of the crafters together wearing our creations, but the picture is on her camera so I will just edit this entry when she uploads it :)

Here's all of my free swag, receipt, craft supplies, finished necklace and business cards from fellow Etsians!
My name badge. Nic's said "And I (heart)Squid and Dinos."


Pabst toothbrush, receipt, Pabst button, Etsy button, a detail of my crochet necklace.

All in all it was a super fun night, it was nice meeting you all and if we all do it again, I'm in!

Stay Spooky,
Gothcupcake

Eric Pigors Toxic Toons Interview!

I had the pleasure of conversing via Ouija board with ookie spookie Eric "Unkle" Pigors, creator and artist of Toxic Toons this weekend. Here's what the creator of creepy had to say!

What inspired you to start your ghoulish business?

Well in 2002 I was let go from WALT DISNEYS STUDIOS after working for them for 15 years .They had pretty much given up on hand drawn films and sent us all to the unemployment line pink slips in hand. So I thought what am I going to do now? I had saved all my money and decided it was time to invest in what I truly enjoyed....drawing my creepy TOXICTOONS ART. So I self published my 1st art book with art I had collected for 10 years. Then a few shirts.

How did you get started?

Pretty much just had that book and those few shirts I self published with my own savings and found some shows I thought I could sell my work at and went for it!

Sometimes I felt weird being one of the only artists at these shows, but now a days you have lots of artists doing it which is good to see!

Do you have a favorite character from all the spooky creatures you have created through the years?

Man that’s tough, I have so many and try to draw new characters all the time. But Frankenstein’s monster and my VAMPS & Miss Cery character would be what most people know my art for. She and a few of my more gruesome characters where turned into a toy set in 2005 thru MEZCO TOYZ. The set is now sold out but I do see it on ebay under TOXIC TOONS.

Do you ever collaborate with other artists on products?

Well I am working with TRICK OR TREAT STUDIOS on Halloween masks based on my art like this one of one of my Frankenstein drawings. But I am a 1 man machine. Could use a 2nd head or Siamese twin at times.

On your website, ToxicToons.com, I see you've done artwork for many clients, were there any projects that you found particularly memorable?

Well most have been lots of fun otherwise I don’t really take the job on. Life is to short. But I really have enjoyed working with all the bands I have done shirts or cds.

Murderdolls and GHASTLY ONES are 2 of my favorite bands to do art for. They are spooky themed so its lots of fun thinking stuff up for them. Also Metallica, 69 Eyes, Psychocharger, Scum of the earth, Genitorturers, Bill “CHOP TOP” Moseley’s bands, as well as haunted houses and fx companies.

Future plans for ToxicToons?

Hopefully to keep making new merch like the stuff I sell on my website www.toxictoons.com and hopefully getting my HALLOWEEN SPECIAL done one day before I keel over.

If you could have any horror character as your best fiend who would it be?

Frankenstein’s monster definitely!

He don’t talk much but i can have him help me fill orders, go to the post office, stare out the front door window and scare the Jehovah Witness's when they come to pester me and also he could pose for new art.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Breathe....spend time with my beautiful wife Denise and 2 cats. Watch movies, listen to music.

Favorite cupcake flavor?

Chocolate with a hint of Formaldehyde!

Final words?

Be sure to come check out all my creepy art and merchandise I sell, like signed art books, stickers, shirts, Ouija boards, dvds, and necklaces at www.toxictoons.com

Thanks so much for the horrific interview Eric!

You can stalk Mr. Pigors and find news on all the spine tingling sales and more here:

Toxic Toons My Space

Eric's Facebook

Toxic Twitter

Stay Spooky,

Gothcupcake

Sizzlin' Summer Fashion Show Mesa, AZ

So, this Friday I was in a Sizzlin' Summer Fashion Show at the OneOhOne Gallery in Mesa, AZ. I worked on outfits for my models and saved mine for last. It was a bit of a challenge because I didn't have my models with me to try items on as I made them, so I just had to go with measurements and instinct! Since I've now done 2 fashion shows in 3 weeks, I've decided that now I'm addicted to sewing and creating my own fashions, and I *NEED* a serger to be my next business investment.

Anywho, here is what I created for the event.

My friend Armand was excited after my first fashion show at the Phoenix Comicon 2 weeks ago and started collaborating with me on some ideas he had for men's fashions. The shirt and belt scarves are inspired by his sketches.





Colleen's dress was sort of punk prom. Colleen's dress turned out to be a bit of a challenge, but the dress turned out fitting her well, and she loved it. I think it got the most compliments from attendees as well and she rocked it!





Colleen is also rocking the custom Storm Trooper hair clips I made her.

I ended up making my outfit when I got home from work at 12:30 Friday afternoon!!! I put together a pleather shrug, and a dominatrix/geisha type of outfit, using borrowed elements from Armand's and Colleen's pieces to make the set cohesive.

This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 532x720.

I think the women behind me in that last picture were making faces at my boots... little did they know that a few designers behind me were some more hooker boots and heels just like them!

I learned some things from doing this show, like to always have a mix of runway music at the ready and to always have a generic script for the MC. We ended up walking to some cornball music (despite the majority of designers being alternative!), but this show went much more smoothly than the JFashion Trunk Show, so I'm sure my next show will be even better.

Hope that didn't sound pretentious! -_-;

Big thanks to Armand and Colleen for modeling my fashions and a big thanks to Scott of Tharn Photography for taking pictures of the event!

Stay tuned for an interview with my friend and fellow designer Nic of Ghotibone!

Stay Spooky,
Gothcupcake

Buttonhead Interview!

In an attempt to make my blog something worth reading as well as help promote my fellow artists, here is the first of what I hope to be a more regular feature. This month I interviewed Ali of Buttonhead! Ali is creative, fun and full of awesome. I admire her guts and her goods and after this interview I hope you do too!

When did you start your business?

Hi Mary! I started Buttonhead in 2007. Primarily, I make buttons, magnets, mirrors, and temporary tattoos for custom and retail sale. In my spare time, I develop creative content for the web. It all melts together into this thing I call Buttonhead. Partly business, partly artistic.

How did you get started?

I took the plunge! In 2007, I was working full-time for a medical education firm in Chicago. I had a comfortable lifestyle, but my artistic skills were completely repressed. So, I got the idea for Buttonhead, quit my job, cashed in my 401k, sold most of my personal stuff, moved out of Chicago, and committed to launching a business. I’ve been working for myself full-time ever since.

Do you have a personal button collection? If so, how big is it?

You know what? I have buckets of buttons, but I never wear them. Isn’t that weird? I love making them, and I’m so happy to see other people enjoying them, but I just never wear accessories. I don’t even have a watch! I guess it says something about my personality. I like to travel light.

I noticed on your website, buttonhead.org, that you have a Bachelor of Art as well as an Associate in Fine Arts, do you find you use your skills from both degrees when creating your products?

Oh yes! I use my academic and business skills every day. I have a creative job, but I also have a lot of responsibilities. It’s challenging to know when to be the artist and when to be business-minded. I just try to stay focused, so that my creative skills can have a stage to shine on.

What inspires your creations?

Everything inspires me. You inspire me! I feel very grateful to be part of a creative community. Without it, my individual contributions would be lonely.

Have you had any famous/memorable clients?

I’ve had a lot of memorable clients. One of my favorites is a woman who writes erotica. She likes to give away dirty buttons to her readers. Scandalous!

Do you ever sell at conventions or local events?

No. 2010/2011 is all about web development for me. By 2012, I plan to take it to the streets!

Future plans for Buttonhead?

Web development, new business, and creative content. My end goal is a successful manufacturing shop with an indie media platform on top. When my business is steady and my voice is being heard, maybe then I’ll be satisfied.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I talk to myself. A lot.

Favorite film?

Here are 21 of my favorite films: Manhattan, Leap of Faith, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, To Wong Foo, The War of the Roses, The Big Lebowski, Dog Day Afternoon, Rocky, My Blue Heaven, Death Becomes Her, Pauly Shore is Dead, Airplane!, Citizen Kane, Taxi Driver, Stuart Saves His Family, Clue, Spaceballs, Home for the Holidays, Sin City, The Wizard of Oz.

Favorite quote?

“Quote me on this!”

Favorite cupcake flavor?

Vanilla.

For DIYers and lovers of handmade, Buttonhead offers a wide range of custom and premade products. A personal favorite of mine are her whimsical "I Tinkle" and "I Poop" magnets.

You can stalk Buttonhead at all these places!

Button Head Site

Etsy Shop

Twitter

My Space Page
Facebook Page

Stay Spooky,
Gothcupcake

First Friday Girls Night Out!

Friday night I went out with the girlz for some fun! Because all work and no play makes Goth a dull cupcake...

Nic, Jennette, Erin and I met up at Sens where our friend Serena waitresses to get things started!

I really dig the atmosphere at Sens, it has an artsy quality to it. Here's a view of Sens (and Nic).
I really dig the lotus blossom lamps above the bar :)
Serena, who I couldn't seem to get a non-blurry pic of all night. My photography skills are rusty!
Jennette and Nic and a bottle of wine. I think they went with the Pinot Gris.
Nic's spicy tofu dish.
My Citron Tofu... well some of it, I'd eaten most of it by this point. Erin ordered the sesame tofu too and we shared sauces, I'll have to get the sesame tofu next time!
Nic and I were practicing our modeling throughout the evening since we have our upcoming fashion show June 11th. Here is Nic looking fierce with some chopsticks and tofu.
Jennette and Erin chatting while grilling their dinner.
Erin chowing down on her Tofu curry. Apparently during our dining a photographer came over to our table and took our picture. The couple at the table next to us told us and asked us why. To be completely honest, none of us had really noticed. Erin and Nic tossed their hair and said "Because we're famous." haha

After Sens we decided to catch up with Jen, who was at The Roosevelt Tavern. The Roosevelt Tavern is a dimly lit bar that feels like you're at a house party. Some rooms are lit by candlelight others by beautiful chandeliers. We didn't find Jen, but I couldn't resist taking a picture of a few of the patrons before we left.
It was pretty dark in there, but I liked this shot through a doorway illuminated by the candle light.

After The Roosevelt we wandered about the fair a bit and saw fireworks from the ball game.
I missed taking pictures of the finale, but you get the idea.
Next up was Pasta Bar where Serena met up with us after her shift ended at Sens.
Pasta Bar had a cozier feel to it and the chairs gave it a vintage vibe.
Speaking of Vintage, Nic was sporting some great vintage pieces that night. Here she is posing with her vintage bling and her fantastic vintage clutch--original mirror still included!
I couldn't resist a close-up of the bag. Circa 1940s.
I really liked the rustic feel of the bar.
There was subtle artwork and a great big mirror. Here Erin is enjoying a glass of their special red of the evening (which none of us could pronounce!) and Jennette is sampling one of their signature infusion martinis.
Sharing some laughs.
Erin getting spooky with a candle.
Candid of Nic as the night was winding down.
From left to right: Jennette, Erin, Serena, Me, Nic. We set the timer on the camera and crouched down at the end of the table for a group pic. I'm pretty sure the waitress thought we were crazy and the table behind us got a great view of our bums!

It was fun to get dressed up and have a ghouls night out :D