Handmade Steampunk Pens by Drono

I think letter writing should come back into fashion. There is something very intimate about thinking critically about exactly what you want to say then flawlessly conveying those thoughts to paper. I am starting the letter writing craze back up by introducing you all to Drono and some marvelous handmade pens. You definitely cant find these at your local Office Max. Grab a pen, paper and ink and share some odd love!

Rustic Skull Rest from Texas Ceramics

I really love the rustic feel of this skull spoon rest from Texas Ceramics. It is simple, but he almost looks a little sad to not have a home yet.

Allegro Arts Folded Fun Silver Origami Stuff

Sorry Allegro, I couldn't come up with anything witty for a title. Allegro Arts is a staple of the ETC forums on Etsy as well as a creator of beautiful silver origami art. I cant imagine doing to sheets of silver clay what Allegro does! I mean, who thinks up an entire silver origami nativity set?

Pooping Rabbit's Art

Heck, just this shops' name qualifies it to be on this blog! Pooping Rabbit's shop is full anthropomorphized  animal headed people. They look like something out of someone's dreams!

Sneak Peak!

I am sending out a little sneak of the next bit of my contest for COE buttons. The next button will be created by a fan! If you feel you have any ability to wield a pencil, pen or just use photoshop... start thinking of designs for 1 inch buttons! I probably wont officially put the contest up until after the holidays... but I wanted to give my peeps a little time to get their noodle going. Keep in mind that my site is (for the most part) family friendly... and no negativity please!

Unconventional Jewelry Created by Melanie Favreau

If you are looking for a thoughtful gift for a great person in your life... but want something out of the box, maybe you should check out Melanie Favreau's shop. It would also be beneficial if you liked Latin, but not essential. Her jewelry is kooky, nerdy and just a bit out there...which means they are perfect for odd aficionados.

Wacky and Wonderful Wool Creations from Nif Naks

Every holiday season needs a little punk. I present to you Nif Naks and their great additions to your holiday tree! What a surprise to see Cthulhu's tentacle filled face peering out from the branches or the Flying Spaghetti Monter's noodlely appendage spreading blessings from the top of your tree! There are so many fun things in this shop... it was hard just picking three to showcase!

Salty and Sweet's Kick'en Mobiles

Salty and Sweet definitely has a different take on the classic mobile. Laser cute, the black silhouettes make a graphic and bold statement. Whether skateboarders, zombies or pinup models (or whatever!), Salty and Sweet has a lot of flavor!

Interview with Elf518

 I remember the first day I saw some of Elf518's work in the ETC forums on etsy. The work just blew my mind. Everyone was just in awe. I figured that there had to be some way to learn more about the artist. It seems all I had to do was ask!

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Bio:
I live in Schenectady, New York. Schenectady is one of those burnt out, crumbling little cities that are scattered around this part of upstate New York- it used to be a bustling place but is now sort of a burnt out skeleton of industrial decay (ie- I love it). I’m an elementary school librarian, although I’m looking to quit my day job…. I’m married, and I have a fat, dumb, happy cat.

How did you find Etsy? How long have you been selling on Etsy?
I first found etsy as a shopper… probably via a blog, although I don’t quite remember. I made my first purchase in 2007. I’ve been selling on etsy for 10 months.

How would you describe your style? Has any other artists etc influenced your style?
My style changes with whatever I am interested in at the moment, but I think the one thing that is consistent is the mash-up- something traditional and something odd. I love contradiction. I feel like there is something sinister and strange underneath everyone’s skin, someplace.

How long have you been creating?
My whole life! I’ve always loved to make things- when I was a little girl I was nearly obsessed with paper dolls and clothes, and I’d sew clothes for my dolls. My grandmother is a painter and my mom is pretty crafty, so there were plenty of people to encourage me and lots of materials around. When I was a teenager, I spent a lot of time making wacky jewelry and sewing ridiculous outfits for myself. And I made a LOT of ugly paintings!

Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?
I guess I’m self taught? I learned to knit from a book. I draw a lot of inspiration from digital images and things I can’t afford to buy. And all things Japanese.

Do you sell more at one time of year than others?
I haven’t been selling long, so… I don’t really know. I sold a lot of patterns during the summer- I think because people would like to get a jump on holiday knitting,.

What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don’t know?
I think most people don’t know I have a creative process. I am really shy about talking about anything creative in a face-to-face way.

What kind of custom work do you do most often? What has been your favorite custom order?
One buyer had some yarn sent to me with instructions to knit her something- anything I wanted. That was just great, and it led to the development of the owlie cowl pattern, which is my most popular pattern. I am happiest when I feel like a customer is giving me the freedom to be creative- a really polished knitted item, like anything else, often requires drafting, a “first version” is so unpredictable, and when a customer has very specific parameters…. I get really nervous.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?
My black and white robot mash up sweater.

Lourdes of the Flies' BEWBS!

Can't let the boy bits have all the fun today. I submit for your enjoyment and approval Lourdes of the Flies' boob scarves. There are a lot of shades to choose from! Bewbs for everyone!