More images put together. This is the fireplace for 2010. Some of these items might be familiar from previous years. More images posted below.
At shows, people often assume my entire house is decorated with my artwork. Truth is, with the exception of large creatures I make for various themes, none of my pieces make it out of my office. And even if I took them out, they wouldn't take up much space.
I have a strict rule about my pieces: I'm allowed to keep one or two of a series. If I want a new one from the same series, I have to trade it out with one already on the shelf. It keeps my personal collection rather small.
There's one or two of you out there who actually own more pieces than I do.
Besides, I like the idea of having someone else's decorations up, especially when they have a vintage flair (I don't have a knack for that vintage style. At least, not at the moment. Maybe one day).
This Halloween, since I'd taken the year off from building a theme, I was able to display some of my favourite pieces in my living room. It was so nice to have them out at once (usually only a few might make an appearance depending on the theme).
It was so nice, in fact, that I've been trying to figure out how to bring them out each year (and no, I can't have them all out year-long). I'm toying with the idea of keeping the front room as a classic Halloween decor area that I can build on as I collect and create some goodies.
Then, when it comes to the "theme", I might stick to the dining room and whatever other area of the house I feel like taking over.
And on the years when I want to convert the front room for the theme as well, perhaps I will instead decorate my office (which always has bits and bobs of Halloween in it). Because you know, I really need to bring out my favourite items more often. They lighten my heart.
Here's the first batch of pictures from this year. The focus is the front window. More images to come!
Continuing with my quest to create collections rather than single items, I've put together two 8 inch tall (at the peak) Halloween House decorations. The first has an orange roof, painted to look like it has worn shingles, with bats in the attic.
The second (below) has a simpler, textured purple roof and a matching spider hanging from a string of web (I quite like how the spider turned out).
They stand well but I'm trying to sort out the best way to add a hanging option to the back. I'm thinking epoxy and a black ribbon might do the trick.
My mini pumpkins and little hooters were a big hit last year. Many people bought them, and even more people loved them. I had to wonder what would have turned the loving admirers into buyers.
One thing that seemed to perplex people was where they would put it or how to display such a tiny figure. My immediate solution was to turn some of my little hooters into Christmas ornaments. This worked well.
But it didn't solve the problem for people who would have bought multiple figures if - again - they knew how to display them once they got them home (more than one person - some clearly joking, some half-serious - wanted to take home part of my display for the table).
Thus the Halloween Hutch was born. I've made two so far, experimenting with how they should look.
Each one stands just under 5 1/2 inches. All the items with the exception of the little hooter are secured in place on their shelf. The drawers don't slide very well, but if someone wanted to keep rings or other items in the drawer, they could easily take out the moss.
I've just finished my first batch of Zombie Wreaths. I've never sculpted a zombie head before, and may I say it's very fun to do.
I'm still figuring out exactly how I'd like them painted, but I'm pleased with it. I had no idea what my style of zombie heads would look like. I was concerned they might be too cartoonish, and I didn't want them too gory either (though I couldn't resist making a few with their brains visible).
This set (pictured below) will be coming with me to the show tonight. I've also made some zombie severed hands and feet, but I haven't figured out exactly what I want to do with them yet.
The newest addition to the Christmas ornament projects include these Owl Wreaths.
Using the tiny Christmas tree doesn't help give you a sense of size. They are approximately 10cms high.
Being an owl lover, I think they are ridiculously cute. I'm hoping they will appeal to a wide variety of people.
If you're in Toronto, and hope to get your hands on these, I have two shows coming up. First I'll be at Girlesque at Mitzi's Sister, 1554 Queen West at 9:30 (I'll be one of the people NOT wearing tassells or boas) tomorrow night (Nov 24, 2009).
And for those of you who may prefer a slightly more traditional craft event, I'll be part of Craftzilla on Saturday, December 5, 2009. It runs from 1:00pm - 6:00pm at Kathedral 651 Queen Street West.
At the moment, these are my only shows. Don't miss your chance to get a Peek-a-boo plant for the one you love!
I've started experimenting with scary snowmen, and snapped a quick photo to show you the first two out of the gate.
Decided to go with a classic look for one, from his carrot to his buttons. And the other has a snow-skull for his head.
I'll take some nicer photos when I get them set up in their winter setting. I have two shows coming up in the city, and I need to update the table display to reflect the change in season. I'm fairly excited to have it all set up because I've never done a creepy Christmas display. It's like rediscovering Halloween and Christmas decorating all over again.
My only apprehension as I travel down this path is the unavoidable references or comparisons to Nightmare Before Christmas. It distracts me during the creation process, and I've already steered away from a couple of interesting ideas because of it. It's a bit frustrating.
I know I can't stop people from equating Halloween-flavoured Christmas decorations with Tim Burton, and I'll try to infuse these pieces with Ghoul Friday Flair until they brim over with my own artistic signature. It's the best I can do.
I've been toying with Christmas project ideas. To get into the spirit, I decided to start with transforming some little wooden nutcracker soldiers to reflect a darker side.
Continuing with my quest to create collections rather than single items, I've put together two 8 inch tall (at the peak) Halloween House decorations. The first has an orange roof, painted to look like it has worn shingles, with bats in the attic.
My mini pumpkins and little hooters were a big hit last year. Many people bought them, and even more people loved them. I had to wonder what would have turned the loving admirers into buyers.
