The Return of Gossamer Graphics

With a new computer in tow, equipped with the latest professional software, my graphics shop is BACK! It's been re-vamped with a new header and graphics package, and I will be adding more listings in the next couple of weeks!

Do you have suggestions? New items or services I can add to my shop? I'd love to hear them!

NEW CONTEST!!!! So easy, even a Coffin Critter can do it.

First, I need to apologize for my lack of blog activity...I've been without a home computer since November! But now I am back, and armed with a brand new Macbook Pro so watch out!

To celebrate my return to the cyber world, I'm kicking things off with a new contest! And this one is EASY. Really, it is. All you need to do is:

1) Become a fan on facebook. If you are already a fan, then you're done with step one!

2) Leave a blog comment on any of my posts, except for this one. You can comment on this one too, but it won't count toward the contest.

That's it! Simple, right?

Ok, so what you get is really cool. You will get a Mini Me Coffin Critter! Yup, a little undead cutie made to resemble you. Do you have blue hair? A goatee? piercings? Your critter will reflect you as closely as possible, while still mainting the classic critter style (Artist's discretion). How cute would that be? Oh! And your name will even appear on the lid of the coffin.

So that we are clear, you need to be a facebook fan and leave a blog comment. You have until April 30th to do so! Then the winner will be chosen at random and announced on this blog.

So...what are you waiting for? There is a Critter to be made with your name on it!

Secret Scrooge Swap-Meet "Mary"!

I participated in an uber-fun Secret Scrooge Swap through the Etsy Dark Team. This is my creation, which was very well-received from my partner (she jokes that Mary is very photogenic and she is thinking of entering her in pageants). hehehe

This was very tricky for me, as I am NOT a sewer but I knew my partner liked this type of doll so took a stab at it. I'm sure it would have taken an experienced stitcher half the time it took me, but it was fun...I might make more dolls in the future!

Tree Creepers in action!

I have a few photos from happy customers who haunted their trees! Don't they look cute?

One of these customers (who won the blog giveaway) is also an amazing artist; you should check out her work too! http://illustratedink.blogspot.com/

DEC. CONTEST-Treasure Hunt!!!

Unleash your inner pirate with December's Blog Giveaway-the Treasure Hunt!

The premise is for you to find answers to the following questions by hunting in my etsy shops! The answers will either be in the first photo of the item or name of the item (that way you can find the answers at a glance) or in my shop announcements! Each entry with 100% correct answers uncovers a fun little surprise to be sent via etsy convo or email. :)

*RULES*:



*Hunt for the answers in the following shops:
CoffinCritters
GossamerHollowear
GossamerHollow

*Send a convoto me through etsy or an email to gh-artdesign@hotmail.com with your answers. DO NOT post them here or others will see your answers!

*Most of the answers will be clearly visible in my shop listings. IMPORTANT HINT: don't forget to check the "sold" section! Items that are sold between now and the drawing will be in with my sold orders.

*All correct entries will be placed in a hat for a drawing on New Year's Day, January 1st

WHAT WILL YOU WIN? That is the big question, right? A custom piece of art will be created for you based on your New Year's Resolution! I will send the winner a short questionnaire with likes/dislikes and their resolution theme. Leave the rest up to me! Not making a resolution? Give me a theme to work with instead!

The questions:

1) I listed 4 items in CoffinCritters on 11-23-2009. Name one of them.

2) I am closing one of these shops. Which shop is it, and name your favorite item from that shop.

3) I sell art prints. Give me the names of two of them.

4) What is the name of my unicorn doll/sculpture?

5) What colors are in my FLOURISH handpainted handbag?

6) Name one of my spell kits.

7) How many dragons am I selling in my GossamerHollow shop?

8) What do I offer for FREE with my Tree Creepers?

9) Why is Cadavra being offered at a discounted price?

10) Finish the name of this item: "Steampunk Flower________".

11) Name an item being offered at a "GREAT PRICE".

12) What is on Daemon Seed's coffin (besides him)?

13) What is the name of the shoes I am selling?

14) "Bathory in Blood" is a portrait of what type of fantasy/mytholigical creature?

15) What is the name of my Zombie Pixie Sculpture doll?

Thanks everyone and good luck!!! If you have any questions, feel free to post them here.

CRAZY SALE-Name your own price!

I have 4 etsy shops, a full-time job, and a sick relative which are contributing to a serious time crunch! Because of this, I will be closing one of my etsy shops:

Gossamer Hollowear

What does that mean for you? It means you can name your own price! I want to clear out EVERYTHING!!! Just find an item you like, send me a convo with what you would like to pay for it (excluding shipping, I can't really change shipping costs). Any reasonable-and some crazy and UNreasonable-offers will be accepted! I will then modify the listing for you so you can purchase it.

Great deals for Christmas!!!

And the winner is...

Illustrated Ink!!!

Congrats girl, you have won my contest for a free personalized ornament! I will contact you to give you the details.

Thanks so much to everyone for entering! I will have another chance to win soon!

Black Friday Weekend Sales & New Stuff!

This weekend, all weekend, 2 of my Etsy shops will be having Black Friday sales! Good from Friday November 27th-Monday the 30th.

*click here* for 10% off credited back to your Paypal account

*click here* for 10% off credited back to your Paypal account AND a free gift!

You will find new items like this, and so much more!

Creep Your Tree This Holiday Season!!!

For people who like a more unique and creepy approach to holiday decorating and gift-giving, my new Tree Creepers offer dark art at fantastic pricing! And right now, you can add a personalization at no charge.

http://www.coffincritters.etsy.com

And don't forget...comments get you entered into my contest to win a FREE ornament, personalized just for you!

Happy Haunted Holidays!

Tree Creepers are coming! Hide your Santas!

Coming soon to my etsy shops (as soon as I can get my camera to work) is my new line of creepy holiday ornaments...Tree Creepers! Feast your festive eyes on these examples of non-traditional holiday decor! Do you like vampires? Zombies? Victorian Goths? Skeletons who think they are snowmen? Muertos skeletons? Then you will love these Creepers!

If you fancy lighter, more whimsical art then my up and coming Fae Keepers are more your style! Stay tuned for links and purchase info.

NEW CONTEST!!! Who wants a free personalized Christmas gift?

Entering this contest is easy!

Simply leave a comment on at least one of my November blog posts (excluding this one) and your name will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a free personalized Christmas ornament! Your choice of style:

*Fantasy
*Gothic/Creepy
*Cute
*Animal

and you choose your own subject matter and colors! Just send me the text to personalize it, and leave the rest up to me! One winner will be chosen on December 1st. Your prize will be created, signed by the artist (moi) and shipped to you the first week of December! Just in time for the holidays.

Thanks for reading, and good luck!

Ornament size not to exceed 1.5"w x 3"h. Will be made of polymer clay at artist's discretion.

HOW-TO: Make your own "Crystal" Ball with stand for around $5!

Etsy Dark Team gave me an idea to start doing How-tos once in awhile.

This is a really fun, easy project that is great for kids also! It won't break the bank either. :) Try using these as centerpieces for receptions and parties, or add them to your Halloween decor. Or do what I do...leave yours out all the time to enjoy!

Difficulty level: 2 (1 being least difficult, 5 being most difficult)

Time: Really depends on how involved you want to get with this. Can take 1/2 hour, or many hours. Dry time is up to a week.



Materials needed:

*Clear glass Christmas Ornament Ball, approx. $.50
*Taper candle stick, can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Dollar Stores usually have plenty of them, and they work just fine.
*Transparent glass paint, (like Delta) approx. $2.50. Your choice of color, but my personal preference is a white shimmer.
*Embellishments (optional) such as beads, findings, tags, trims, natural materials, glue

1) Carefully remove the metal base from the glass ball. You will not need it for this project, so you may recycle it for another project! :)

2) Very cautiously, squirt small amounts of paint into the hole at the base of the glass. As you do this, shake, rotate and swirl the glass orb until you have a THIN, fairly even coat. Does not have to be perfectly even.

3) Place the glass orb with the hole towards the top (so air can get to it to dry the paint) on a safe surface, or in your candle stick. At least twice a day, shake and rotate the orb to ensure even paint coverage. You may add small amounts of paint if needed. This may take a few days to a week or so, depending on the brand of paint and the thickness of the coat, but you will want to continue to do this until the paint is dry.

4) While waiting for your glass orb to become dry and coated evenly, you may opt to decorate the candle stick, as this will be the base of your crystal ball.

5) Once glass orb is dry and base is to your liking, insert the orb into the base with the hole facing downward. Voila! You made a lifelike "crystal" ball!



I welcome your comments on this, and remember to stop by etsy shops and take a look around!

http://www.faerydustpixy.etsy.com
http://www.coffincritters.etsy.com
http://www.gossamerhollowear.etsy.com
http://www.gossamergraphics.etsy.com