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!

FREE Graphic Design!

Yep, you read correctly...

As some of you may know, I am a graphic designer for my "day job". I am trying to build a new website and feature some new samples in my portfolio.

I'd really like to include a tri-fold brochure. If you/your business/online shop needs this service, please contact me at gh-artdesign@hotmail.com with a brief paragraph or two of what you are looking for. Style or the nature of your business does not matter. Whether you are a mechanic, artist, real estate agent or any other profession-I want to hear from you! Details will be given via email.

By entering, you are giving me permission to feature the work in my digital and physical portfolios if you are chosen. One winner will be selected, based on what you are looking for and how well I believe it will showcase my work.

*The attached photo is not my work, but is an example of what I am looking to design for you. Based on a Vistaprint.com template, this is a 2-sided piece of literature that folds into 3 sections to feature your business, services, and/or promotions. Of course, your brochure would be tailored and customized just for you.

Deadline to enter is January 5th, 2011 so please act quickly! Thanks and best of luck to each of you!

Ornaments are taking over!!!!

They really are!

I now have two fairly large sections in my Coffin Critters shop dedicated to the holidays! Better yet? These items are affordable, and start at around $3. You even have options for personalization on select pieces!

Here are a few examples of the new items. See the shop for more creepy cuties!

Holiday Ornaments
Holiday Stocking Stuffers

November's Giveaway...ENTER HERE!

Sadly, Halloween is now over (except for those of us who celebrate it year-round!), and it is time to be thinking about Christmas. As a customer, what kinds of things would you like to see in my shops for the holidays? Ornaments? Prints? ATCs? Personalized items? Tell me what types of things YOU are looking to buy!

Leave your comments and suggestions here, along with a way i can contact you. On November 15th, a winner will be drawn at random and I will give you YOUR CHOICE of prizes based on 3 of the suggestions given here. :) There will be one prize and one winner! So put on your thinking caps!

Want to enter more than once? Any order placed between now and November 15th will receive THREE additional entries! Just type the code "NOVRAFFLE" in the Notes to Seller.

Come see the Coffin Critters!
Faeries aflutter in Gossamer Hollow!

OCTOBER'S LOGO CONTEST-Winner!

The winner for this contest has been drawn at random, and I am happy to announce Daph as the lucky one! Congratulations! I will be contacting you via email shortly.

As for the logo, here are the final designs! I will use the Coffin Critter one for Classic Coffin Critters ONLY. It will be a limited edition logo only available when specifically pertaining to the little guys in their coffins. The skull will the official logo and will be used on everything else, from promotional materials to web graphics!

Thank you all for your help! I appreciated it very much! Look for my next contest to be posted soon.

Hope you all had a scary Halloween!

FREE Samhain Ritual~~~

*This is for Facebook Fans only, sorry. If you do not have a Facebook, or do not want to become a fan, I will include this service (with the charm) for free with any order placed with my Gossamer Hollow or Coffin Critters shops. No minimum to order. Thanks for understanding!*

To thank my FB fans for your support, I am offering to perform a free Celebrate Life/Messages to the Dead ritual for you on Samhain.

We have all lost people we love to the inevitable course of life. With October 31st being known as the day when the veil between the living and dead is the thinnest, it is the perfect time to speak to them.

As a practicing solitary Wiccan or more than 10 years, I always perform a ritual on this day to honor the Dead. If you would like to participate, I will do the same for you and help to send your own personal messages to your loved ones! Be rest assured that this Ritual will be practiced ethically and with the best of intentions. If you would like to participate, please do the following:

*Email a message for your loved one to me at: gh-artdesign@hotmail.com. Put "Samhain Ritual" as the subject line. Any email without this subject line will not be opened. You may send it from an unsigned, anonymous email address if you want to keep your identity private. There is no need for me to know who you are.

*ONLY include messages that are positive and respectful, and written with good intentions. Any messages with negative or ill-spirited meanings will not be used.

*Your message should be fairly short-think of it as a brief letter. Maybe share with your loved one a great accomplishment, give them a compliment, let them know what they meant (or still mean) to you, whatever you are feeling. It can be a sentence or a short paragraph but please limit the length of your message.

*I will be printing out your message. If you would like the actual printed message used in the ritual to be mailed back to you, please contact me. I will simply ask that you send me money to cover a postage stamp. Unclaimed printed messages will be burned or buried.

*Again, this is a thank-you and there is NO purchase necessary! However, if you would like a special charm made in Remembrance of the ritual, I would be happy to do so for $7.50 (including USPS first class shipping to US address-no insurance included). It is a nice piece for you to hold onto or wear in honor of your Loved One. With any luck, it will also be infused with their energy as they pass through the Land of the Living during the ritual. Email me if you would like this.

If you have any questions, please email me!

Looking forward to helping you in honor of your loved ones. Thank you for your continued support, and Merry Samhain!

New Logo, NEW CONTEST!

Gossamer Hollow, LLC and Coffin Critters are undergoing a minor makeover! In the upcoming few months, my shops will have an all-new look, including better photos and new pricing to reflect insurance on all packages delivered to the US!

My new Gossamer Hollow logo has been designed, and will be revealed during my Etsy shop Grand Re-openings. However, I'd love to have your opinions on the new Coffin Critters logo!

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?
All votes will be entered to receive a free Graveyard Skull Dust Bottle, in your choice of colors. Leave a comment here with your favorite logo option and why you like it, and you will be entered into the drawing. One winner will be drawn at random November 1st.

Thanks for your help and good luck!

Your options are:

Step Inside, Don't be Shy...

Get a sneak peek into my realm of fantasy and horror by checking out this blog feature of my art studio:
http://44chicken.blogspot.com/
Comments...?

On my easel, you will find my latest painting titled "Midnight Burial".

*ExoSkeleton*-Latest Painting

I don't usually sell my paintings, but wanted to at least share my latest one! It's called *ExoSkeleton*, oil on 9"w x 12"h canvas.

My camera needs batteries so I apologize for the bad photo taken from my phone! I'll post better photos soon.

Something Spooky in the Air!

Could it be...Halloween?

With this favorite of holidays, I have created several new items in celebration! Whether you see it as a spiritual holiday, a time to relish in horror movies or just plain fun, please check out my latest creations!

Samhain Oil/Potion with Coffin

Samhain Potpourri/Incense

Vampire Blood with Coffin

For more Halloween fun, please check out my DIY project on the Etsy Dark Team Blog!

http://etsysdarksideteam.blogspot.com/2010/09/creepy-carnivale-banner.html

July's GIVEAWAY! "Little Lolita" Original Illustration

The Etsy Dark Team is reaching 1000 fans! In celebration, I'm running this fun Giveaway to thank Dark Side fans for their support!

You will win this lovely ORIGINAL (-this is not a print!-) pen and ink illustration, "Little Lolita". It is 8"w x 11" h and signed by the artist. Frame in photos is for presentation only. Frame not included.

I like to keep my Contests and Giveaways easy, so this is all you have to do to enter:

1) Become a Gossamer Hollow Facebook Fan

2) Become an Etsy Dark Team Facebook Fan

3) Leave a comment here critiquing the price of any item in my Gossamer Hollow or Coffin Critters shops. Is the price too high? Too low? Just right? Let me know what you think!

You may leave as many comments as you want, but commenting will get you a maximum of one entry.

How do you gain more entries?
Any order placed (including custom) from either of the above shops will give you an additional 4 entries, for a total of 5. There is no minimum to buy!

This contest is open to everyone world-wide. Contest ends July 31st and winner will be announced the first week of August.

June's GIVEAWAY!!! It's a good one...

Day gives way to night
And now the children are sleeping
Out of their coffins
The Critters start creeping
Dust from a graveyard
And fortunes to be told
These tarot Critters
Are a sight to behold!

As an introduction to a new line of graveyard dust bottles, I am giving you the opportunity to win the VERY FIRST ONE! Because this series in LIMITED EDITION, only a certain number of them will be made...ever. Here is your opportunity to win the very first one, and it's an Original-not a Prototype!

What do you have to do to win him?
Simple.

• Become a Facebook fan

• Browse my 3 shops: coffincritters, gossamerhollow, and gossamergraphics.

• Leave a comment here telling me what you would like to see in my shops. Do you want more of something? Less of something? A particular theme, style, or medium?

Extra entries: Each comment you leave will gain you an additional entry into the contest, with a limit of 5 chances to win. ALSO, following this blog increases your chances to win.

Onto the fun stuff
This creepy cutie is from the Tarot series and features the King of Pentacles. He is a symbol of wealth, accomplishment, confidence, reliability. Although he doesn't come with all of the other items in these photos, he comes with an official signature card signed by the artist. Not including the cork topper, he is 2.5" high and a wonderful decoration or addition to your sacred space.

One extra note: Because of the cost of shipping to other countries and the delicate nature of this item, I am limiting the chance to win this Coffin Critter to US and Canada residents only. If you are outside of this geographic location and still want to participate, I will enter you to win a Vampire Drop necklace so you won't completely miss out. :) Please specify your location if you are outside of US & Canada.

One winner will be drawn at random at the end of the month-GOOD LUCK!

Mini Me Coffin Critter-April's Winner!!!

I am proud to show new photos of April's contest winner's Custom Mini Me Coffin Critter! She provided an excellent photo for me to work from, and I think her Critter reflects her unique style. What do you think?

The winner also has an amazing Etsy shop you should check out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/jujugiggles?ga_search_query=jujugiggles&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

I will be adding the option for you to get YOUR OWN Mini Me Coffin Critter to my shop soon! I'll keep you posted.

May's WINNERS!!!

I am happy to announce the 3 winners for May's contest! *drumroll please*

*Cricket Saunders

*Kelsey the Ewok

*Calej

Winners, please send me your mailing addresses via Facebook or gh-artdesign@hotmail.com. Be sure to include the necklace style of your choice! Congratulations!

Thanks to EVERYONE who participated!

May's Contest...3 Winners, 4 Choices

Isn't it great to pick your own contest prize? Well this month, you can!

May's contest features your choice of necklaces:

*Graveyard Dust
*Pixy Dust-Midnight Sparkle (dark blue/silver Pixy Dust)
*Pixy Dust-Day Sparkle (White/iridescent Pixy Dust)
*Vampire Blood Drop

Because the prizes are smaller, I am going to have 3 winners! Would you like to be one of them? All you have to do is:

• Be, or become a facebook fan here: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/GossamerHollow/177873799537

• Leave a post here with your FAVORITE item from any of my shops:

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

That's all ya gotta do! 3 winners will be chosen at random at the end of this month. Each winner may choose their prize from the necklaces listed above.

Please Note: Each comment you leave here with a favorite item will get you an entry. The more comments/faves you leave, the more you will be entered (up to 5 times)!

Good luck and have a whimsical day.

The Winner Is...

And the winner of the Mini Me Coffin Critter contest for April is...Sr. A.I.! Thanks to everyone who participated, and look for another contest to pop up soon! :X

So many new and fun things...where to start?

I have added lots of new designs, sculptures and interesting art pieces to my repertoire! Here are a few that you just gotta check out!
Tiny Top Hats

Pushing Daisies

Zine

Custom Tattoo Design

The Pushing Daisies Undead Flower Head featured here was taken by a very happy customer? Doesn't the little zombie look right at home? That customer also has an awesome shop on etsy. You should stop by and take a gander!