wiw vol 41 - House of 1000 Corpses

2003 - R - 89 minutes

Storyline

In "House of 1000 Corpses", two young couples take a misguided tour onto the back roads of America in search of a local legend known as Dr. Satan. Lost and stranded, they are set upon by a bizarre family of psychotics. Murder, cannibalism and satanic rituals are just a few of the 1000+ horrors that await.

Rob Zombie is pure genius with the movies he puts out. House of 1000 Corpses has been my favorite and, in my opinion, most disturbing one he has made.  If you are wanting to watch a creepy movie this Halloween - put on House of 1000 Corpses.

Buy Handmade vol 79

Today we head to Yokahama Japan!

Name: Nanae Kawahara

Age: 28

Occupation: Illustrator

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/nanaekawahara

Website: http://www.barbaratics.com/

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! I'm Nanae, living in Yokohama, Japan. Why I can speak/write English because I studied and lived in London for three years and a half. After graduating BA Graphic Design in Japan, I moved to the UK in 2009 for studying at MA illustration course in Camberwell College of Arts. Then I started my career after the course in 2010, I worked for book cover/ZINE/magazine a little bit. Also I often join to art or craft fairs to promote myself. In 2012, I was back to Japan to start my work there. On the other hand, this is a weird thing, I got dogsick (not homesick!) while I was in the UK. My family has a dog called Nana (standard poodle bleed), she is third dog for us and has many doggie friends as almost people in our home area have dogs. By influencing this, I set up DOOOOOGS !! for my first solo exhibition, I made around 40 portraits of my dog Nana's friends and expressed funny events with them.

Thanks so much, Trisha! and everyone who have a look this issue :)

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

I started my shop on Etsy from 15 December in 2010. I didn't supposed to think about online shop four years ago, but I realized if I would like to be a global artist and must use internet/online something with my portfolio website. I thought it isn't good if I put only artworks, I would have to supply any fun things to everyone. Therefore, my shop has several style of stuffs. I normally like to make toys (it's sold out at the moment), crafts… these are very helpful for my shop.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

Nanae Kawahara is my original name. Japanese has different characters  the one of them is called KANJI (originally from Chinese character. My mom and aunt have NAE in their first names, which means a seedling. My mom - Minae : Mi is beauty - so she is Beautiful Seeding. She wanted to name me with that. Na..from Nanae… actually I don't know. My parents chose it because sound is good.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

No… but it's quite fun to manage my Etsy shop, I love interaction tool to see connection with other fantastic crafty people.

How would you describe your creative process?

The best way is that I stay in my room alone with listening to my favorite music. I need to focus on making anything. And find what I would like to make/describe on my works… I quite think about the working process including the concept.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

music, toys, textiles, fashion, graphic design, illustration…

walking in a trendy town and country side, playing with dogs...

Do you also sell your work at craft shows?

YES!

• What shows have you taken part of, and do you have a favorite?

Recently I continue to attend at Design Festa, which is the largest art event in Japan. The event is fabulous! I liked BUST magazine craftacular in London too.

• How long does it take you to prepare for a show? Do you have any special methods of getting ready?

It depends on the schedule. I don't have any special things actually. Last year, for my first solo show, I started to make works six months before. Because I already know how many illustrations and items I should make. However, I'm going to have second exhibition in the end of November though, I'm very rushing for that! I'm now fighting with the time as I have a lot of illustration jobs this month (quite nervous!). I understand it isn't enough to prepare. It's like a game to fight with your schedule and how to prepare yourself.

• Describe an experience from a show (good or bad) and why that pushes you to continue with your work 

I think good start for my solo exhibition, I'm very happy when people visit and give me the feedback (of course there's not only positive, also negative is there). Then I would like to continue. For DOOOOOGS !!, I want to tell something which I learn from dogs. Although the final point isn't clear, I will show a mysterious life by my first dog Coo-tan for my next show, I guess he was left from his first family.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

Toy stuffs! I love toy stuffs. Although I sometimes make small things, I wish I could make proper one.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

Playing a piano, listening to music, going to see gigs and exhibition, walking around, window shopping…

Was there ever any other job you dreamed of having growing up?

Ummm… a singer (with doing illustration) ? I had that dream when I was a small girl. But it wasn't serious (just like going to Karaoke!) and I didn't change my original mind thought being an artist.

Five years from now you will be…

Hope I would be more famous! and I would like to work in many area.. want to be multiple illustrator.

Describe yourself in five words:

I can't choose as I'm bad to choice words… artist, dog lover, music lover, surrealist (I hope), unusual.

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your <insert whatever type of music player you use here>, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

I listed five songs which I often listen…Love them! :

'In Time To Voices' by Blood Red Shoes

'The fountain' by Veronica Falls

'Blueberry Boat' by The Fiery Furnaces

'Tsukema Tsukeru' by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

'Fashion Monster' by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

I can say please enjoy with your own world. And it would be great if you find your customers and they look happy with your items.

NANAE KAWAHARA

fff vol 87

Favorite finds from the past week:


Etsy find of the week:

source

?!?!!?

Please can I move in?

source

Out of all the homes I have posted..this one is definitely my dream house. It is perfect in every way and exactly what I picture when I say I want to live out in the woods with a garden.

Get in my belly!

source

I cannot believe that Halloween is next week. I may just have to make these, for us, not the trick-or-treaters. mwah-hah-hah

Tee shirt of the week:

source

Johnny Cupcakes never fails in bringing the best Halloween tees every year!

So this past week was pretty awesome. I was on vacation (some of you may be saying "again?!" ..yes..again.) and it was the prefect kind of vacation. One with no plans (except stock piling/making soaps for upcoming holiday shows). I also tried a new adventure...disc golf, with the mister and Erick, and it was actually pretty fun. So fun, we went two different days. I suck..but I have confidence I'll get better! The rest of the time was spent lounging around - vegging out to random shows on Netflix while crocheting up some wash cloths for the shop (can you say Organic cotton?!) I really do not want to go back to work Monday...wish we could make a living of my soaps sales...dreaming big. you never know. It could happen.  We decided to not go to the last two outdoor markets of the season. The weather has gotten colder and not many people are going to the markets. It was just seeming like a waste of a day. So the indoor markets start up soon..fingers crossed those all go well.

How has everyone been? Any great plans for the weekend?

wiw vol 40 The Decent

2005 - R - 99 minutes

Storyline

A woman goes on vacation with her friends after her husband and daughter encounter a tragic accident. One year later she goes hiking with her friends and they get trapped in the cave. With a lack of supply, they struggle to survive and they meet strange blood thirsty creatures. 

This movie was super creepy. It doesn't help that I have extreme claustrophobia. I almost wanted to start to hyperventilate in some parts of the movie. But I think the worst and scariest part was the first time you saw what is down there with them. I jumped right out of my seat. I watched this movie without knowing anything about it quite a few years ago. When I realized it was a horror movie I was that much more excited to be watching it, but seriously, it's creepy and definitely a must see horror movie if you have missed it in the past. 

Buy Handmade vol 78

This week we head to the UK

Name: Carl Batterbee

Age: 40

Occupation: Illustrator

Etsy Shop: etsy.com/shop/carlbatterbee

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! My name is Carl. I live and (what I call) work in the fine city of Norwich in the UK, with my long suffering wife and two exhausting, but largely lovable, young children. I sell prints of my artwork in my Etsy shop, and offer unique Custom Portraits to order (couples/families/groups/pets/homes/fan art etc) - www.facebook.com/carlbatterbee

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

I've been doodling as far back as I can remember. I decided to try and make a living from my art a couple of years back in 2011, but have only recently had the time to start properly stocking my Etsy shop.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

Just my name...but seems to work.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

I'm currently working part-time as an illustrator, but definitely looking to make it full-time.

How would you describe your creative process?

Everything begins as a sketch with a good old fashioned pencil and sketchbook. I then scan my drawings, add line work with Adobe Illustrator and colour with Photoshop.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Spend a lot of time reading children's picture books (Oliver Jeffers, Jon Klassen, Quentin Blake) and follow a lot of artists on Facebook, Twitter and Etsy. Guess I also get inspiration from Film and TV, not to mention an unhealthy obsession with tea and biscuits.

Do you also sell your work at craft shows?

No, I haven't sold at craft shows, but have been keeping an eye on Renegade in London and a few local handmade fairs. Definitely something I'd like to get involved with in the near future.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

Would have to say any of the drawings/paintings/models that my son and daughter bring home from school for me.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

Spending time with the family, travelling, eating out, a bit of exercise and a lot of loafing.

Was there ever any other job you dreamt of having growing up?

Always dreamt of being a Warner Bros animator or working for Pixar - inventing cool characters and zipping round the studio on one of those electric scooter things.

Five years from now you will be…

Hopefully wearing a silver jumpsuit and riding a hover board...but more importantly illustrating full-time.

Describe yourself in five words:

Handsome, talented, generous, popular, delusional.

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your gramophone, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Life on Mars - David Bowie
Oblivious - Aztec Camera
Rowing Song - Patty Griffin
Hey - Pixies
Bring the noise - Public Enemy

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

I'm only just starting out myself, so not really qualified to dish out advice. But I would say the most important thing is to 'just do it!' (as Nike so succinctly put it). It's not easy, especially when financial/family commitments limit your time, and when you're convinced that no one will give a flying fig about what you're creating. But I think if you work hard when you can, and use social media to share and encourage feedback, then you slowly begin to build confidence, value your work and start to believe that you can make a career out of it.

CARL BATTERBEE

fff vol 86

Favorite finds from the past week:


Etsy find of the week:

source

I am completely in love with these containers.

Please can I move in?

source

Some day I will have my simple life..

Get in my belly!

source

Yum..I could eat carrots and potatoes every day and be perfectly happy.

Tee shirt Sweater of the week:

source

Super awesome sweater..sadly sold out.

I feel like I've been saying this a lot lately. But I'be been a  little mia around these parts, and the internet in general. I havent read any blogs in weeks and just needed a little break. I'll be back at some point with real updates and random tidbits but for right now I just need this little hiatus from any major life update type posts. Hope everyone is doing well. I'd love to hear from you all and what everyone has been up to. Any major changes? Big life events? I'll be back soon. Don't go anywhere on me!

wiw vol 39 - The Human Centipede

Storyline

Two pretty but ditsy American girls are on a road trip through Europe. In Germany, they end up alone at night with a broken car in the woods. They search for help and find an isolated villa. The next day, they awaken to find themselves trapped in a terrifying makeshift basement hospital along with a Japanese man. An older German man identifies himself as a retired surgeon specialized in separating Siamese twins. However, his three "patients" are not about to be separated but joined together in a horrific operation. He plans to be the first person to connect people via their gastric systems. By doing so, he plans to bring to life his sick lifetime fantasy, the human centipede.

One of the most disturbing movies I have ever watched was the Human Centipede. I honestly don't even have words for this movie. If you haven't watched it, I'm sure you have probably heard about it. Three unsuspecting people get surgically connected to each other. Truly gross. but one of those movies that made such a traumatic impact after watching it. I think my hands were over my face through most of the movie just saying "Oh my god that is SICK!"

They have made sequels but I have not watched either of them. Like most sequels I'm sure they suck. Nothing is ever as disturbing as the original.

If you have not watched this..I say watch it and be prepared to be truly grossed out.

Buy Handmade vol 77

This week we head off to New Mexico

Name: Lauren

Age: 24

Occupation: You're lookin' at it

Etsy Shop: kindplush

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Lauren and I design and sew plush toys. I live in an old adobe casita in beautiful New Mexico with my husband, our daughter, two dogs, a cat, and a flock of chickens. I collect vintage sewing machines and old funky clothes. I enjoy living far away from the city, up in the mountain.

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

Like most everyone who creates, I started at a young age. I was using my mother’s old beige Singer before I knew how it worked. I’d shove wads of fabric under the presser foot in hopes of a miracle, and in return I’d receive thread balls and broken needles. Eventually, my grandmother taught me the basics one afternoon, and I figured out the rest from there. She also taught me how to paint with acrylics. She never told me where she learned to paint, but reflecting on it, she must have watched a lot of Bob Ross. I had a failed jewelry shop on Etsy before I opened kindplush in January of 2013. 

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

My husband fronted for a heavy metal band when he was younger. They called themselves “Kind”, and he used the word as a moniker even after the band was no more. The only thing stopping me from launching my brand was the lack of a name. He told me I could use Kind, but I wanted something that was my own. This went on for some time, but I couldn’t think of anything I liked. He eventually said, “Don’t not use it just because I used it. It’s a great name.” I gave in, eager to get my business off the ground. I added “plush” to the end spontaneously while I was making some graphics, and kindplush was born. This new word I created truly made it my own.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

Working for somebody else has never suited me. I’ve done it, but it’s hard to stay motivated. The path to true success lies in your ability to carve your own path. I may not have a regular paycheck, but I have the freedom to create. Working for a boss is a thankless venture; I am the captain of my own ship.

How would you describe your creative process?

My favorite projects are the ones that are born from nothing - no plan, no finished product in mind, no pre-selected fabrics. I just start sewing and see where it goes. Other times I’ll sketch, but I don’t feel that process is as natural. I’m really into the improv sewing now. I guess making patterns got boring for me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

A lot of my designs are based on the fabric I have at the moment - the color and texture will tell you what it should be made into. I don’t usually gather inspiration from within the medium, but there’s an incredible movement in the plush world right now. There are so many talented plush makers out there, and I love to see what others are creating.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

I'd have to say the baby quilt I made while I was pregnant. I made it from old pillowcases because I couldn't afford to buy new fabric. It was the first quilt I had ever made, and it is totally beautiful. I cherish any handmade item that comes my way, even if I have no idea who created it. Just a simple crocheted doily at a chain craft store becomes endlessly precious - because it’s not about the doily, it’s the story behind the person who made it. Anything made by hand embodies the essence of the person making it - that’s what makes handmade things special.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

I like to spend time outdoors, and I like to be around animals. I love camping, hiking, or just taking a long walk with the dogs. I like to dance, and I like to sing at karaoke bars - both of which I do shamelessly. I was a musician for many years, but that’s fallen to the wayside, as being a mother with a home business takes up about 200% of my time.

Was there ever any other job you dreamed of having growing up?

I took a lot of classes in high school and college for film editing and studio production - that’s what I really wanted to do. Every project I was assigned in school, I always asked if a video presentation would be acceptable. You’d be surprised how many times they said yes, considering I often used the opportunity to insert extremist messages and unrelated propaganda. It was my protest against the mindless journey of the public education system - but in regards to the question, I’d be great in advertising.

Five years from now you will be…

Living on a self-sufficient farm in a different country. I want a flock of sheep so I can create my own wool textiles. I’m really interested in cob house construction, and I would like to build my own someday. I’ll probably still be sewing, if not for others, then for my family and myself. I’d also like to devote my time to other creative projects I’ve been contemplating, like wood working, silversmithing, and creating a fictional persona. I'm really inspired by Andy Kaufman's Tony Clifton.

Describe yourself in five words:

Easy-going, resourceful, outspoken, ponderous, independent.

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your <insert whatever type of music player you use here>, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Smashing Pumpkins, Enigma, Elton John, Operation Ivy, and these crazy binaural beat tracks that induce lucid dreaming.

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

Don’t create expectations. Your business will not be the best it can be the moment you create it, so don’t stress trying to achieve the impossible. All successful brands take time to grow. Let your brand develop naturally, and know it inside and out. I’m still working on this myself, but think about how much time I just saved you!

KINDPLUSH

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Favorite finds from the past week:


Etsy find of the week:

source

I love this print. The colors. The architecture. 

Please can I move in?

source

Perfection...

Get in my belly!

source

Yes please. I went apple picking at my parents house this past weekend and am looking for lots of apple recipes. And who doesnt love apple cider this time of year?!

Tee shirt of the week:

source

Johnny Cupcakes is currently doing a collaboration with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I think it is so funny they have this life cycle. I remember they were big when I was little. Then my brother, who is 13 years younger than me, went through a  "turtle phase" and then keep coming back. I dont know, maybe they never went away.

Random side fact. One of the creators that began the turles back in the 80's, his house was across from ours when we lived in Northampton, MA - the house was AMAZING - it had the coolest iron fence/gate around it and the largest tree house you have ever seen in the back yard. 

So this weekend, same ol same ol. Last weekend because it was rainy, we didnt take the girls on an adventure. Instead I went to my parents house, picked some apples and made a ginormous apple pie and had yummy "fall food". I love when the weather changes and we start eating things like roasts, mashed potatoes and roasted carrots....oh yum! I am gearing up as we have quite a few winter/holiday shows in the next coming months and I want to make sure I am plenty stocked, because right now I am severely low on most of my soaps. I am also coming up with two new scents! Yup, two more to add to my full time lineup. Sp excited and have high hopes for these combinations I've created - I will keep you posted.

What do you all have on the books for the weekend? This week seemed to fly by for me. 

wiw vol 38 - The Shining

This weeks installment of horror movies is one of my all time favorites...

Storyline

A man, his son and wife become the winter caretakers of an isolated hotel where Danny, the son, sees disturbing visions of the hotel's past using a telepathic gift known as "The Shining". The father, Jack Torrance, is underway in a writing project when he slowly slips into insanity as a result of cabin fever and former guests of the hotel's ghosts. After being convinced by a waiter's ghost to "correct" the family, Jack goes completely insane. The only thing that can save Danny and his mother is "The Shining". 

This is one movie that you can watch over and over again and see new things every time you watch it. The first time I watched it I was in middle school and was completely freaked out and had nightmares for weeks. It's just such a creepy movie. 

There is actually a movie on Netflix right now called Room 237 that discusses five different view points and "hidden meanings" within the Shining. I tried to watch it, it was terrible. I'm not a fan of people trying to force their viewpoints and what they think a movie is meant to mean. I'm not saying that directors and writers don't point in hidden messages, but some people take it too far and break the smallest things apart. Personally, it drives me batty when people do this. I watched about 20 minutes of the movie and had to shut it off. Honestly I don't even know why I watched it that long. Uck! Garbage!

But The Shining. A classic. If you have never watched it, it is a must watch in movie history. And if you have watched it, its that time of year to watch it again!

Buy Handmade vol 76 and GIVEAWAY!!!

This week we head to Arizona for our installment of Behind the Scenes...

Name: Lindsey Caroline Weber

Age: 29

Occupation: Engineer

Etsy Shop: IronandDibble.etsy.com

When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

I’ve been creating with my hands since as far back as I can remember. My grandfather, an engineer, and my grandmother, a painter, always had my sister and I working on a project. Wood, paint, clay, paper, natural elements, science experiments, take your pick. So, I guess you could say I’ve had a predisposition for this since the beginning. In college I took a jewelry fabrication class to escape the daily hum of all my engineering classes. That’s when I became hooked on metal. I already had an obsession with ceramics and throwing clay on the wheel and now I had added metal to the repertoire. Fast forward a few years, and a few metal working classes later, and I decided to open an Etsy shop. I had a great welding and blacksmithing teacher who helped grow my passion about 6 years ago. Up until now, life has just gotten in the way of getting started on anything more than family Christmas presents or my own home projects. One night, I decided to jump. I closed my eyes and opened my Etsy shop on July 27, 2013. A novice.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

My business name is iron and dibble. My inspiration for my name stemmed from my love of gardening. A dibble is a pointed object, usually made from wood, which you use to plant seeds and bulbs in the dirt.

Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

As of right now, I’m working on getting my Etsy shop off the ground between my career in corporate America and everything else life throws at you. I’d love for my Etsy shop and my art to become my full time job. 

How would you describe your creative process?
I see a piece of metal and I don’t see what it is at that moment but rather a spectrum of things it could potentially end up being. The challenge is picking just one idea.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I would say the majority of what I create is inspired by my love of gardening, the desert, and the outdoors or by my analytical side screaming for simplicity and functionality in everything I make. Being a Mechanical Engineer by education and a Manufacturing Engineer by trade, it’s fortunately (or unfortunately) in my nature to want to deconstruct everything and find a simple, streamline, calculated approach to making something better and functional.

Do you also sell your work at craft shows? 
To date, I have not tried to sell any of my own work at an art or craft show. I have however had the experience of helping my sister, an amazing jewelry designer, participate in multiple big shows including the Tempe Festival of the Arts and the Scottsdale Arts Festival. I can’t wait to set up a table right next to her one day.

What is your most cherished handmade item?
I have two items that I’m most proud of. One was a little copper box that I gave to my Mother as a gift. The copper box was fabricated to look like a little present with a fold formed lid with brass inlay for the ribbon and a brass fold formed “bow” on top. The second item would have to be my steel fire pit. It’s a big metal box with a drop in center for the fire and a big industrial frame holding it off the ground. Not made by me? All my against the grain jewelry. www.ashleyweber.etsy.com I have so much I don’t think I could pick just one piece. J

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?
I love being active and outside. Or reading. I play soccer, mountain bike, work out, dig in the dirt, read and research all things gardening and healthy eating.

Was there ever any other job you dreamed of having growing up?
An archeologist or marine biologist. Hello! Indiana Jones! But really, does 29 years old still count as growing up? My dream job would be to own and operate a plant nursery. I want to inspire others to love plants and sustainability as much as I do. My nursery would have a community garden in the front where plots could be rented out to anyone in the community to grow whatever their heart desires. The back would house my greenhouse and water harvesting system… and maybe some chickens and everywhere in between would be filled with plants and metal art for sale. I’d also love to host educational events to help teach people about vegetable gardening, desert landscaping, dirt/garden ecosystem health, composting, etc. Sounds like I need a farm. ;-)

Five years from now you will be…
Five years from now I hope to be working towards making some aspect of that dream job a reality. Live dreams, right?

Describe yourself in five words:

Inquisitive, introverted, unexpected

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your <insert whatever type of music player you use here>, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?
Anything Pretty Lights or Lindsey Stirling.

Dave Matthews Band or Mofro

Or if I’m making salsa, Carlos Vives

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?
First and foremost, stop thinking about it and just do it. You have to start somewhere. Secondly, don’t get frustrate or discouraged. I still struggle with that part of it. I’ve watched my sister grow her business through the years and saw all the hard work she put into it. Until I opened my own shop, I have to say, I didn’t really understand how much work it really took. I definitely have a newfound appreciation and respect for all the artists out there who do this every day. If it’s what you love, go for it, even if it’s just on the weekends.

GIVEAWAY!!

Lindsey has been awesome enough to provide us with a gorgeous giveaway this week. This week is your chance to win one of these amazing handmade planter boxes.

a Rafflecopter giveaway