How to compose a Creepy Easter Basket!

Whether or not you celebrate Easter, it is always fun to celebrate the season of upcoming spring! Some of us are not very traditional, and pink fluffy bunnies with pastel plastic eggs just won't suffice. To be used as a gift for yourself or someone else, or as a neat piece of home decor for the season, here are some suggestions on making Creeper Basket...on a budget!

First, you need the basket. It does not need to be a traditional woven basket, or even a basket at all A really neat container will work, or try painting a basket black with spray paint. If you are creatively challenged, try one of these:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60282518/modern-damask-and-stripe-posh-printable?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_search_query=black+basket&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65350018/sale-sounds-of-hawaii-upcycled-record?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=black+basket&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66559991/recycling-1960s-style?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=black+basket&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Ok, now you have your basket. What's next? It is now time to start thinking of what you would like your color scheme to be. Some kind of fill would be nice. No green plastic pastel "grass" here! Instead, try some moss or recycled fibers. Shred your own paper in black, red, purple, or whatever would match you color scheme. Even one of these ideas would be great:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/35307709/gothic-halloween-skull-cardstock?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+confetti&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40608075/lichen-small-natural-authentic-forest?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=+dried+moss&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62057043/oak-moss-cut-and-sifted-try-me-size?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_query=+moss&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51932534/chrysanthemum-flowers-herbal-miscellany?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=+dried+flowers&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

It's starting to really look like something now! But the project is not over, because you still need to fill your basket with gifts and treats. Although they do not need to be the light & bright plastic eggs, this IS an Easter basket. What would it be without eggs of some sort? Here are some non-traditional ideas, that are also beautiful gifts/decor:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68180739/rag-eggs-old-fashioned-textile?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=black+easter+egg&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/21748455/jet-black-eggs?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=black+easter+egg&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67956304/egg-candles-set-of-3-light-your-way?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_shopname=bizabiz&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+eggs&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

What else? Well you can't go wrong with a stuffed animal! But in this creeper basket, Peter cottontail is not allowed. Maybe try one of these instead:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65135230/black-eyed-gray-bunny?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=goth+bunny&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

http://www.etsy.com/listing/57834909/sale-halloween-plush-bunny-ornament?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_shopname=Kitcameo&ga_search_query=black+bunny+doll&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28632500/little-toy-bird-blackbird-knit-chick?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=chick+plush&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

Just a couple more steps left! Gotta have treats or candy in your basket. Some of these, perhaps:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/54319336/dozen-vegan-and-nonvegan-dipped-pretzel?ref=sr_gallery_39&ga_shopname=NattyKnits&ga_search_query=vegan+easter&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67039056/cookies-and-cream-kandy-kiss?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=vegan+candy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67552951/2-gem-candy-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_28&ga_search_query=vegan+candy&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Your basket looks great! Just a few finishing touches, and you are DONE! Feel free to tie a black bow or ribbon to it for a final touch. These goodies would also make great additions to your basket:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/41070931/gargoyle-egg-trinket-box-real-ceramic?ref=sr_gallery_4&ga_shopname=sweetniks&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+easter&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64833396/aceo-atc-hoodoo-bunny-original-art-card?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_shopname=sweetniks&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+easter&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66693709/rabbithole-sugar-poppy-seed-scrub-4oz?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+spring&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/40773213/pushing-daisies-undead-flower-heads?ref=sr_gallery_34&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+spring&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52639493/wonderland-mini-print-magnets-extra-set?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_shopname=CoffinCritters&ga_search_query=etsydarkteam+rabbit&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=

There! You have successfully created a fun, non-traditional Easter Basket. Enjoy!

February's Contest-CUSTOMER APPRECIATION!

To celebrate more than 80 sales I have now made through my shops, this month's contest is a thank-you to those if you who have supported me! After all, what would my business be without customers?

If you have already purchased something through my Coffin Critters or Gossamer Hollow shops, then you are automatically entered. If you have not yet made a purchase, then you have until February 28th to make a purchase! *And did you know, I have items in my shops that start at only $3.00?* Each item purchased gets you one entry. No minimum to buy! Your purchase may be made at one or both of these shops. PLUS, if you leave a comment here you gain one additional entry.

This is an international contest, so if you are outside the US you are still eligible! One winner will be drawn at random the first week of March.

So...what do you win? A custom Dust Bottle (with dust of course)! Although I will take artistic license, YOU choose the theme and YOU choose your own colors! Pixy Dust and Graveyard Skull Dust bottle examples are shown here, but you may choose from the following themes:

*Pixy Dust-bottle features a faery on the front, and the dust is a light sparkly powder. Consecrated by a real Witch (me) for good luck and protection

*Graveyard Dust Skull-bottle is shaped like a skull, and the dust has been harvested from a real graveyard. Blending with a protective mixture, which adds a bit of sparkle.

*Vampire Dust-An Ankh will appear on the front of the bottle. The dust is a deep sparkling red, like crystallized blood!

*Zombie Guts Dust-the bottle has a zombie face on the front, male or female. The dust is a sparkly mixture combined with Graveyard Dust and with little "brain" fragments!

Thank you to all of my past, present and future customers!

FREE! Fah-ree! Yes, A second Giveaway this month.

I just received two new Tarot decks (thank to Christmas/Yule gift cards!) and I want to try them out. With that being said, I will be giving away FREE one-card readings to practice working with my new decks. To enter, please leave a comment here with the following:

*A question you want to have answered
*Your deck of choice (Deviant Moon or Vampyre respectively)
*A way to contact you (email, etc)

You will receive a FREE one-card reading in a beautifully laid-out PDF featuring your card.

Deadline: January 31st. Winner will be chosen at that time, and reading will commence days shortly thereafter. The number of readings I give out will vary depending on how many people participate:
1-10 comments=1 reading
10-20 comments=2 readings
10 comments+=3 readings

Want a more in-depth reading? Contact me! I give discounts to Blogger followers and FB fans. :)

January's GIVEAWAY!

Based on Facebook votes, this month's Giveaway will be an original Day of the Dead drawing. This skull flower is a pencil and ink illustration on white paper, 8"w x 11"h. Frame is not included.

If you voted on my facebook page, then you automatically get one entry. By leaving a comment here (with a means to contact you), you may enter a second time. If you did not vote on facebook, simply leave a comment here to enter. Maximum two entries per person, and deadline is January 20th so act fast! Winner will be drawn at random. Contest is open to worldwide contestants. Good luck!