Truly "Fangtastic" Cards: An Interview with Alura Lapierre of Immortally Yours

Today I have an interview with the multi talented Alura Lapierre.  Alura has quite the entrepreneurial spirit; she owns several online shops from paper arts and cards with Immortally Yours, antiques with Alluring Antiques, and handcrafted soaps and body products with the Soap Witch Bath Co.  Today I will be focusing on her card and paper arts shop.  Read on to learn more about Alura and Immortally Yours!



Alura Lapierre

What inspired you to become a card designer and paper artist?

I've been scrapbooking since the 90's. After meeting my husband, my paper arts took a turn into another realm. If found myself inspired by him. But also inspired my vampires, Gothic literature, Poe, fairies and Marie Antoinette.  

 



Holiday Marie Antoinette Cards

How do you begin your design process and what are your favorite materials?

I work with all sorts of papers. I do love some of the more widely available papers that I can find at the craft store but I also look for unique Italian papers and handmade paper.

I love embellishments like flowers, lace, ribbon.  Because I love each card to be unique, I try to not make any that are identical-although some might be similar in nature.
 


Steampunk Cards

Gothic/ Halloween Cards

You have a lot of gothic elements and baroque themes in your cards. What is your favorite theme to create around?

I love Gothic elements and elegant themes. I feel that my cards are from another time, a time when women wore elegant gowns and men were chivalrous.

I am inspired by Marie Antoinette and her Rococo lifestyle which I use to design cards that I feel reflect her spirit.

My more Gothic cards are very inspired by Poe and Vampires. I think my darker cards have a romantic element to them. I want to create an aesthetic beauty that captures the feel of the Victorian era.

Not to mention that I also adore Halloween, and I make alot of Halloween themed cards-although you can give them for any occasion.


Gothic Cards

 

Describe the very first card you made and who it was for.

My first cards on etsy were out in 2009-The Witches Cottage collection. Cottage chic feeling but with an underlying Witch theme.




Holiday Cards

 

Romantic Gothic Cards

What types of music do you listen to while you are in designer mode?

Nox Arcana, Trobar de Morte, Midnight Syndicate are all wonderful bands and I love to play them when I'm creating.
 



Dark Valentine/Gothic Cards

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I find myself reading or planning a meal. I love to cook and consider myself an amateur chef!

 

Gothic and Victorian Cards

What handmade possession do you treasure the most?

It's hard to say because I have so many! I do have a scarf that I got as a gift, it's 9 feet long and wraps around me like 5 times...my neck is never cold in the winter!



All Occasion Dark Cards

Where can we find your cards and paper arts?

immortallyyourscards.thecraftstar.com/
www.etsy.com/shop/ImmortallyYours
www.facebook.com/pages/Immortally-Yours/440750149325293
foreveryours.indiemade.com/

Thank you so much for the interview, Alura!

Until Next Time......Love, Cat


***ALL PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS BLOG POST ARE PROPERTY OF AND COURTESY OF ALURA LAPIERRE AND IMMORTALLY YOURS***



Victorian Holiday Cards

Romantica Nocturnis: An Interview with Clothing Designer Joelle Richard

Greetings, Everyone! Today I have an interview with Joelle Richard, the lovely clothing designer behind Romantica Nocturnis: Victoriana and alternative clothing and accessories for women and men. I hope you enjoy reading about Joelle and her clothing designs :)

Joelle Richard, designer and owner: Romantica Nocturnis

How did you realize you had a calling to design clothing?

My interest in fashion really only peaked once I realized how much I was drawn to the Goth aesthetic. Once I started trying to build myself a Gothic wardrobe, I got the sense that most of the clothes that I wanted to wear weren't available to me, and I would sometimes sketch designs that were in my head. My boyfriend (now fiancé) was the one who suggested I pursue fashion design, and I did need some convincing at first. But I was a waitress at the time and hated my job, so I eventually decided that going back to school and learning a skill that I could use towards a creative career was the way to go.

Victorian pinstripe waist skirt by Romantica Nocturnis

How long have you been creating handmade clothing?

I started studying fashion at the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in 2006, and graduated from the Fashion Design diploma program in 2009, and with a diploma of Advanced Study in 2010. I started up Romantica Nocturnis in September of 2010, so I've been doing it professionally for just over two and a half years, but I would say that I've had the skills to really bring my designs to life since 2009.

Victorian pinstripe shrug with short sleeves

What or who inspires your creations?

Inspiration can come from endless different places. But I can certainly say that historical fashion, particularly from the Victorian era, has a big draw for me. I never go for historical accuracy, though, I just bring specific elements into my designs. I'll also pick up design elements from other places, like on TV and in movies, photos on the internet, people on the street, even from characters in video games and anime. One tiny detail can inspire a whole outfit, and then that outfit can inspire a whole collection.

Victorian velvet and lace top by Romantica Nocturnis

How do you begin your design process?

I'd like to say that I always start with a sketch or illustration, but the truth is that sometimes I never commit the ideas to paper. Sometimes I get so excited by a new design idea that I'll want to just jump right in! Next comes pattern drafting, which I get a lot of satisfaction from when I'm able to work out a new kind of pattern all on my own. I'm at a point where I can generally picture in my head, from start to finish, exactly how I'll go about creating a garment, and that's something I'm pretty proud of.

Victorian men's velvet waistcoat

What are your favorite fabrics to work with?

Even as a student I always felt the need to challenge myself with my designs, so I've never shied away from using difficult fabrics. So when I say that I love working with velvet, lace, and satin, it's because I love the look of them, and not because it's easy! Stretch velvet in particular, which I tend to use quite often, can be a real pain to work with. But it's well worth the trouble to have the finished piece be made from a beautiful fabric.

Victorian men's velvet spats

What other things besides clothing do you enjoy creating?

While I've always been a very creative person, especially as a child, I have to say that lately I don't really spend a lot of time making things other than clothing. I've always enjoyed drawing, but I hardly ever draw anymore now. I used to devote a lot of time to playing music too, but don't feel the need to do that anymore either. I painted my kitchen recently, does that count? ;)

Stretch lace sleeves

What other interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

Well, I will proudly admit that I'm a giant geek, so a lot of my hobbies are of a geeky nature. I love to read, particularly fantasy novels, and I'm a long-time gamer (currently playing Skyrim and also Tetris occasionally). My fiancé and I also enjoy listening to various podcasts together, and there are, of course, a few TV shows I enjoy - I can't get enough of Once Upon a Time, and am eagerly awaiting season three of Game of Thrones.

Velveteen corset, satin circle skirt and lace shrug, One of a kind by Romantica Nocturnis

 

What is your favorite quotation?

That's a difficult thing to narrow down, but being very fond of Oscar Wilde I'll choose “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

 

Faux-leather bustier and satin bustle skirt, One of a kind by Romantica Nocturnis

 

 

Where can we find your lovely clothing designs?

www.etsy.com/shop/RomanticaNocturnis
www.facebook.com/romanticanocturnis

 

Black velveteen and blue jacquard dress, One of a kind by Romantica Nocturnis

 

Thank you for the interview, Joelle!  Until next time, Dear Readers!  xoxo Cat

 

** ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ARE THE PROPERTY OF AND COPYRIGHT OF JOELLE RICHARDS AND ROMANTICA NOCTURNIS AND ARE USED WITH PERMISSION.

Dank Artistry: An Interview with Spoon Jeweler, Dan Kemp

I have had a passion for spoon rings and spoon jewelry since my dear aunt Isabella gave me an old spoon ring she had owned back in the 1970's.  Suddenly I was in love with silverware and patterns.  My personal favorite pattern is the Charter Oak, but I have developed a love for spoon jewelry with roses and those with Art Nouveau patterns. Because of the multitude of patterns out there, there is a diverse array of looks and styles from a very Victorian look to a very modern Gothic look. I think it's a very unique and affordable way to create a really cool and fashionable look!

Today I have my interview with Dan Kemp, the talented spoon jeweler of  Dank Artistry. I am in love with his unique collection of patterns and the heirloom quality jewelry he creates from them. Now let's meet Dan!

Michelangelo Spoon Ring by Dank Artistry

"How did you become interested in creating spoon jewelry?"

It came about sort of organically. After quitting my job I started making a bunch of stuff to sell. I originally thought I was going to make a business of sewing and selling pants. Pants were hard to sell because there are so many different sizing options. I started to make jewelry to sell as well. I was melting down spoons to make organically shaped pendants. I found a few spoons with some really cool designs and made them into crude spoon rings. They sold much better than anything else I was making at the time so I just kept making them!

Dan Kemp

"What is the most unique piece of spoon jewelry you have created in terms of your design?"

I think my spoon and fork sculptures are the most unique. I am fascinated by insects and flowers, and have made a few models of insects out of spoons that have turned out great. I don't sell those online, they are something I do to exercise my creativity.

Spoon Insect by Dank Kemp

 

"Do you have a favorite pattern or one you consider the most coveted to find?"

That's like asking me to pick my favorite child! I love the Art Nouveau period patterns from 1900 - 1910. I collect Watson's and Wallace's floral series teaspoons just for fun.

Rose Spoon Ring by Dan Kemp 

"What do you remember about your very first customer and sale?"

When began I was selling my jewelry and art at a small craft market in a tiny town, I sold a few things to friends at the sales first. The first thing I really sold to someone I didn't know, (or who wasn't a friend of a friend) was a spoon ring. I remember thinking that perhaps I really would be able to make it in my own business. At that time I was really poor, making just enough to pay my bills.

Knife Bell Necklace by Dank Artistry

 

"Apart from designing stunning spoon and silverware jewelry, what else do you enjoy doing?"

My wife and I spend a lot of time with our friends laughing. I have an addiction to rex begonias and live bearing fish. I also have a big collection of instruments I like to practice and learn to play. Last year I decided I wanted to become financially literate, so I spend a lot of time learning about money.

Repousse Kirk Stieff Spoon Ring by Dank Artistry 

"What handmade possession do you personally cherish the most?"

On our wedding day my mom presented my wife and I with a painting of us finger painting together as children. It's a beautiful painting she made. It's kind of humorous because when I was the age I am in the painting, my wife was still in diapers. My wife's hand in the painting is taken from a picture of my brother's hand in a photo from when we were kids. It's quirky, strange, and funny if you know the story behind the painting. Once everyone involved is dead it will be a wonderful heirloom:)

Spoon Bracelet Precious Pattern by Dank Artistry

 

 "What music do you listen to while you create your pieces?"

I listen to Folk music from:  folkalley.com

Dan Kemp in his studio workshop

"Where can we find your beautiful jewelry?"

www.facebook.com/DankArt
www.dankartistry.etsy.com
www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/DankArtistry
www.dankartistry.com

Thank you, Dan!

**All photos courtesy of and copyright of Dan Kemp and Dank Artistry.

I Do Believe in Faeries: An Interview with Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations

Greetings, everyone!  Today I have a little interview with the multi-talented Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations.  I have been a fan of Theresa's art for some time now and just recently released a perfume featuring her sweet and gorgeous art that she created just for my perfume.  Now let's read on about Theresa and take a look at some of her magical art and her whimsical, and romantic jewelry :)

Original mixed media art was created to benefit The M & L Hockman Ranch

What inspired you to become an artist?

I have always loved art since I was a child. I entertained the idea of becoming an artist as a teenager, but life took me down a different path. It wasn't until several years ago that I had the urge to try again – but offering original art and jewelry on etsy.

Red Paper Rose Earrings

What are you favorite art mediums to create with?

I love working with acrylic paint and colored pencil. When I was younger, I was actually afraid of color...but now I embrace it!

Blue Wooden Butterfly Necklace by Faerie Moon Creations

What is your favorite theme to create around?

My favorite themes are whimsy, nature, and faeries.  

Red Haired Butterfly Faerie Fine Art Giclee Print

Can you tell us how you begin creating a piece?

When creating an art piece, I will usually have an idea in my mind of how I want it to look. I'll begin sketching the main image and take it from there, I especially love to work on faces. I adore creating beautiful eyes – because I believe that's where stories are told.

Cinderella Mini Art Print Necklace

You also make a lot of lovely jewelry, tell us a little about the pieces you make and what inspires them.

I enjoy making jewelry that I, myself, would like to wear. I often create one-of-a-kind pieces but sometimes will duplicate a design if I find it is really popular. Our jewelry designs are whimsical and pretty and nature-based. My husband is my jewelry partner-in-crime. He works on the metal designs – he enjoys manipulating silver and copper and turning them into interesting, unique jewelry pieces.

Silver Beaded Calla Lily Earrings

What is the most unique piece of art or jewelry you have created?

A bracelet we call “Mystic Moons” is one of our more unique pieces. I love the natural look of the earthy colored beads along with the copper washers and silver spirals. A lot of work went into this piece. My husband had a great time working on it.

Mystic Moons by Faerie Moon Creations 

What other hobbies do you enjoy in your spare time?

I love reading, photography, hiking, baking (especially cupcakes) and knitting.

Dorothy and Toto Art Print Bookmark by Theresa MacNaughton

What handmade possession do you cherish the most?

My favorite handmade possession actually came from my husband. He actually found this lovely smooth large rock that was in the shape of a heart. He beautifully painted in delicate shades of red and inscribed it with “My love for you is as solid as a rock.” I simply adore it. He often makes me little handmade trinkets from nature findings.

Where can we find your sweet, lovely artwork and beautiful jewelry and read more about you?

Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/faerymoongoddess
Blog faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/FaerieMoonCreations
Pinterest pinterest.com/faeriemoon
Twitter twitter.com/faerymoongodess
 

Thank you so much for sharing, Theresa!

 

Now, here is the artwork Theresa, created for my newest perfume oil, Naenia.  The first TEN people to buy the perfume will get one of ten special LIMITED EDITION art print bookmarks of this artwork by Theresa.  This art will be found no where else, so only ten of you will have a chance to own an art print of it as a large format bookmark.  They are protected in plastic and come with a tassel. Theresa has made these very lovely for you :)

NAENIA: PERFUME Oil by Deep Midnight Perfumes, art by Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations

 

 

See you again soon!  XOXO  Cat

 

**Photographs courtesy of and copyright of Theresa MacNaughton of Faerie Moon Creations.

** Perfume listing copyright of Cat Marx of Deep Midnight Perfumes, Artwork Copyright of Theresa MacNaughton and Faerie Moon Creations, for use by Deep Midnight Perfumes Only.

An Interview with Ally of Feral Strumpet: "Wanton whimsies for wildlings"

I have quite a few favorite shop on etsy, and Feral Strumpet is one of the shops that first captured my wandering, jewelry-addicted eye.  My friend Ally has taken the time to answer these interview questions so we can all learn a little bit more about her and her stunning jewelry :) Here is a chance to take a look and find something special for yourself or a loved one for Valentine's Day as well!

Valentine Wine Red Fairy Flower Earrings

 

What inspired you to become a jewelry designer?

Ever since I was a teenager scouring thrift stores, I have refurbished vintage jewellery making it into something new, but it wasn't until I moved to Yorkshire from London that I became serious about it. I was jobless, a bit desperate and a friend said, "Why don't you sell the jewellery you make?"

 

      Feral Valentine Red Sacred Heart Earrings by Feral Strumpet

How do you begin your design process and what are your favorite materials?

Most of my designs start from stories, myths and archetypes that surface in my reading and research on the history of Witchcraft in Europe. I love to go hiking on the moors, and often things will come to me suddenly while taking in that vastness. Characters arise and I know what they are wearing-- and then I make it. My favourite materials right now are raw crystals. I have pounds of them which have come to me like wayward children. I've cleaned them-- literally and ritually. Working with them has given me vivid dreams.

You have a lot of wonderful fantasy themes in your pieces. What is your favorite theme to create around?

I think of all the forgotten wise women throughout history, and sometimes I fancy they whisper to me while I work. Also, there is the indulgence of childhood in many of my pieces. I have always loved fantasy literature since I was a child. I used to dream of riding dragons and visiting enchanted places. I guess I haven't changed that much!

Describe the very first piece you created?

My first jewellery I ever made were strings of beads to wear on my wrists. I was covered in bracelets--it was the 80s. But the first piece that marked the particular design that led to me making jewellery professionally was the Black Hearted Love Rosary Necklace:

Black Rosary Necklace and Carved Cinnabar Heart by Feral Strumpet

Versions of this necklace have become a best seller; it has been featured on the front page of Etsy. I made the first one 10 years ago and wear it all the time-- now, I listen to the rosary fragments that come to me. If they want to be black-hearted, that's what I make them.

Tell us a little about the shows where you exhibit and sell your jewelry and creations.

My favourite place to sell is Eastercon, the British Science Fiction convention. There is a great sense of community, enthusiasm and wacky fun. I feel as if I am with my people!

What piece of jewelry remains your favorite?

My current favourite is the Spiral Promise Ring.

Most of my designs are marked by Victorian excess, and it was a delight to make something so simple, meaningful and well-made. I had been perfecting the design for a long time. I wear mine every day.

Spiral Promise Ring by Feral Strumpet

 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

My secret identity as a tribal bellydancer has recently been revealed. I also love knitting, brewing beer and reading. I have been known to write a novel or two.

 

Hot Air Balloon Bookmark by Feral Strumpet

What handmade possession do you treasure the most?

This is the hardest question to answer! I live with handmade things all around me. I will always buy handmade things before I will go to the high street, whether it be perfume (yours!) or tea towels. Is it the Edward Gorey quilt my mother made for me? My new teeshirt by Raintower on Etsy or my constant companion, the Ring of Brodgar ring by Steven Cooper?

www.aurora-jewellery.co/steven-cooper-master-craftsman/ I can't say!

Black Sacred Heart Earrings by Feral Strumpet

 

 

Where can we find your jewelry and wanton whimsies for wildlings?

-- www.feralstrumpet.com (blog)
-- www.facebook.com/pages/Feral-Strumpet-on-Etsy/194855940556056 (facebook)
-- @feralstrumpet (twitter)
-- feralstrumpet.tumblr.com/ (tumblr)

 

Art Nouveau Heart Rosary Necklace by Feral Strumpet

Thank you so much, Ally!

*** All photographs courtsesy of and copyright of Ally Shaw of Feral Strumpet