Obvious Self-Promotion

Dear Goddess of Craftastrophe,

I am sure I have already posted about this.  If I have, I am totally claiming MS cognitive issues.  If not, whew!

Me, doing the zombie pin-up modelling...help me do it
again by clicking LIKE for video number 4 at Lady Luck Pin Ups

In your honour, for people with MS who haven't got hope, for those who have been treated for CCSVI (the 'liberation procedure' and I hate that incorrect label) and for those who like the Corpse Bride, Zombie pin-ups, or people who look like they are drunk when walking, but actually aren't, I would respectfully request you, oh goddess, to help me promote a video.

A video you say?  Yup.  I made one.  It has pin-up pictures, me stomping on the cane I used when I was really sick with Primary Progressive MS, and stomping on that bad boy with big black platform PVC boots.  You can see me trying to boogie board in Venice Beach.  You can watch me walk in heels, and not be able to walk without assistance.  You can watch half of my face frozen, or watch me advocate at Queen's Park.  It is one crazy, whirlwind, action-packed video but, would you expect anything else from me?  Thought not.

If you click on like, on the page Lady Luck Pin Ups for VIDEO NUMBER 4 (oh goddess, I hate yelling, I am sorry, but there have been mix-ups, like friends liking the video on you-tube instead of on this facebook fan page link, for example) I will win a contest.  I can be a pin-up for a day, and forget my troubles.  My pain.  Feel good about myself.  And, impress my friends. Pretty sweet, huh?

But, truly, this contest has given me the opportunity to share with people what treatment for CCSVI can actually do.  My response was amazing, and I know not every one's is the same.  I also know that some ofmy symptoms are coming back, slowly, and I am not sure if it a return to pre-CCSVI state, or if MS is progressing, but I DO KNOW that treatment for CCSVI helps MS symptoms.  Can't fake this video.  And placebo?  Sounds like a band I used to like, because I have been feeling the effects for a year and a half, at least.  Don't know how someone can fake hearing loss on a measured nerve test, only to have some of it

More Ranting...

A Girl Just Wants to Pose...

Dear Goddess of Craftastrophe,

I am being selfish.  I want to win a contest. Can you blame me?  Anyway, if you would do your magic up there, and get people to watch it and click that darned thumbs up, and forgive me for my public begging, I would appreciate it.  Again, won't swear at you for a week...maybe two?  Better yet, I won't tell on you to the God of the MacIntosh, who has helped me a great deal in making this...

Yours Truly, 

Gothic Gourd Girl

Coffin Soap

Dear Goddess of Craftastrophes,

What can I say?  I am a sucker for good-smelling, healthy, pretty organic soap.  And yes, you have gifted many others with the talent to create the most artful scents and given them the skill to be, literally, soap artists, and I am pretty darned angry you didn't pass that on to me....yet. I will be posting some soap-making craftastrophe's soon.  Scary sudsy stuff.

Anyhow, a few years ago, I purchased some from Gravestone Artwear, some super friends in Maine who make amazing things with the gravestone rubbings they do.  I carry some of their items in my shop at Gothic Gourds, and they are a real inspiration to me.

I loved the soap.  It was shaped like a tiny tombstone, and it was herbal.  I thought, why should we all spend megabucks at certain body and bath shops (heh) for cute Halloween soap in dispensers, that are mass-produced and bad for you,  when we can get really GOOD soap,  just in fun shapes?

R.I.P Creepy Cilantro Coffin Soap, by Gothic Gourds 

Thus, my line of soap, Rest in Peace, came to be....soaps shaped like a brain, a coffin, a skull, in coffins, black roses, embedded skulls, and all with cute names and the option of a reusable Eco-friendly coffin gift container.

Lately, I've been more interested in the art of soap.  And SOON, there will be more and more scents, ingredients and shapes to chose from.  I am going to need names.  Hence, the contest 'Name that Soap' begins!  Here's how it works:

I will post about a soap idea I have.  The plan is to describe the soap shape, scent, some of the ingredients, colours, whatever I can without giving away the finished surprise product (and here is where you can critique my choices...please, you are the 'public' and if there is something that you don't like, tell me and I will take it into consideration) and then YOU all have a chance to name the darned thing.  The one I like the best will WIN that soap, and I will write up a post with the winner's name on it so you will be on the web too. :D A tiny bit of fame...consider yourself a marketing author for a minute or two.

Sound like fun?  Stay tuned, check out Gothic Gourds blog for more information, and definitely join our free newsletter.  There is a link in the sidebar...you know the one that has the picture of the envelope (no, I won't send you pretty stationery in the mail, unless you buy some from me).  That is a requirement.  And yes, you can be mean and hurt my feelings and unsubscribe at any time...

Oh, and Goddess of Craftastrophes, you are NOT allowed to participate.  I know some of the names you would suggest, and the aren't very nice.  

Help Support a Super Idea and Some Super Spooky Talent

Dear Goddess of Craftastrophe,

I am broke.  You know this, probably more than I do, since I don't seem to take that into account when getting out my bank card or credit card.  That being said, forgive me goddess, I had to do this.

This company, (well, a guy with a dream, really) came to the Canadian Haunted Attractions Conference (the only real three-day indoor conference in Canada, with seminars, make and takes, contests, VIPS from Canada and the US, and a super future, also started by a guy with a dream and some good friends...yes me, but, ever heard of Leonard Pickel?) in April.  He came from PA, USA, to support us.

I just figure, it may be time to support him.  He has a kickstarter project, and the goal is barely anything.  If everyone that reads this donates $25, or $10, he'd make it.  I hope, because that means my readership is pretty low, but again, we can see what one person with a dream can do.

Here's the information:





I'm just a girl with a dream.  I know people have supported me.  And I know the goddess of crafting (and her evil side, which I am quite familiar with) supports those with a passion for what they create.  Scott has this passion.  I know...I met him.  And in return, goddess, I promise not to swear at you for a whole week when my resin pours get bubbly...oh, more soon...as in a how-to for resin jewellery, written Gothic Gourd Girl style...complete with many very funny craftastrophies (how about a piece of my garage that has a bottle cap pinup permanently attached to the floor...good thing I like those...and yes, one of these days I'll have to use my power tools to fix it...but for now, it's really not so bad).

Yours Truly,

Gothic Gourd Girl

What Would be your Dream Haunted Attraction be Like?

SECRET FUN BLOG: SECRETS OF THE PHANTASMAGORIA

Photo from Tulsa Tribune August 1, 1973

Just saw this blog, and read the story about the memories and different changes through decades that this haunted amusement ride endured, and thought I would share it.  I found it quite a moving story, considering it was about a dilapidated ride, which I found somewhat cheesy.  Oh, and by cheesy, I don't mean to insult...sometimes cheese and haunted houses go perfectly well together.

Made me think about what it would be like if I could build my own haunted attraction.  Knowing some of the people that I do, and having this crazy creepy mind, I think it would be just a dream come true for this home haunter.  When I win that lottery....I plan to buy a haunted house.  I'm pretty sure not too many people say that, except for those that read my blog!

Now, because comments are always good, and I truly wonder this...what would you do if you were going to make a haunted attraction?  Whom would you hire?  What props, tricks, gooey things would you include?  What would you name it?  Serious answers, really, or at least as serious as you can make them.  Looking forward to reading this stuff!