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does_this_come_in_black

Sep 16

Excuse me, but does this come in black?

I saw an image today on the interwebz and got a really good laugh.  It reminded me of shopping with my sister.  No matter where we go or what we’re shopping for, it’s a common occurrence for her to find something cute, show it to me and for my response to be, “too bad it’s not black.”

She’s always telling me to branch out, try different colors, expand my horizons.  To me branching out means a different fabric or perhaps a different length or style or even heel height, but not a different color.

Buxom_Bones_Tombstone_Business_Cards

Sep 02

S-p-o-o-k-y Business Cards

As a craftsperson I’m a big believer in buying local but I’ll admit it’s getting harder and harder to find a printing company that prints locally. It seems most of them take your order and then place it with some far-away, bigger print shop. It’s a fact of life.

Two years ago I ordered some mini cards from an on-line company. I absolutely loved them. The printing company allowed me to upload a selection of my product images and create cards with not just one photo, but with a variety of different photos.

Whenever people inquired about my business or products I could give them a business card that perfectly suited their interest. It was fun and I got a great response not only to my product line but to my cards as well. As I began to prepare for the busy season it was time to place another order, but alas the company I purchased them from has gone out of business.

A bit deflated, I was kind of resigned to either paying a lot more for similar cards or going back to printing them myself. As a consumer who loves alternative products or as a craftsperson taking a regular everyday product and turning it into something a bit alternative I was elated when I found something on-line I couldn’t resist.

While working on the design I saw a few companies offering business cards cut into specific shapes. Oh sure, most of them were rectangles, but that’s not the shape I’m referring to.

The printing companies refer to the shape I ordered as “half-circle”. Basically that means I ordered a card that is a rectangle with rounded corners on one end. What’s so special about that? Well in my mind the shape looks just like a gravestone when it’s turned on its side.

Bwhahaha. A gravestone shaped business card. What more could I possibly ask for?

All of the sudden my new card design became quite clear in my mind. A tombstone shaped business card for business that makes and sells coffin shaped jewelry boxes – a match made in heaven (yeah, well you know what I mean).

Here’s a quick peek at the finished product. I totally love them and hope you will too!

Zombies

Jun 16

Zombies… They’re not just for killing

Sometimes you’re working on something and you find the absolute coolest thing ever on the interwebz and you realize you MUST share it.  That’s how I felt when I found this font.

I will admit I am kinda a font addict and love finding new ones.  If you don’t feel the same about fonts that’s ok, but I’m guessing once you see this font you’ll be as crazy about it as I am.  The font is named Zombie Font and was created by some very talented folks; art director Avery Oldfield, creative technologist Jack Inscoe, and illustrator Amanda Dockery.

You can find this super fun font at zombiefont.com.  Here’s an example using the name of my business, Buxom Bones, in the Zombie Font.

 

jack_skellington_sm

Oct 05

I need some evil minions!

I added an awesome countdown to the site to show how many days are left to “the BIG day”.  I can’t believe it’s already October.  I’m already in love with the cooler weather but I don’t even have any decorations out  yet.

I’m feeling a bit like Santa (a.k.a. Jack Skellington) today.  There are coffins to finish and jewelry to make for the shop, all of which all need packaging, labeling and shipping to their awesome new owners.

Plus I need to really be stocking up on inventory for the three big events I have going on this month.  I’m scheduled for two Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) events and the ICT Roller Girls Annual Monster Mashup.  There aren’t enough hours in the day!

As I was working on this post I was wishing for my own team of evil minions.  Not a bunch, but at least a few that were good at sanding coffins for all the gruesome little boys and gouls.  And maybe a couple more that would take over all the shipping duties.  But until that happens I guess I better get back to the morgue (studio) and get back to work!

Hugs and kisses from Buxom♥Bones where we believe everyday should be Halloween!

Click here for the “adult” version of this post!

Custom Coffin Plaque 2

May 28

Ask and ye shall receive (AKA A lot more action)

I had a discussion with my mother a few weeks ago about this great article “A Little Less Inspiration, A Little More Action” by Tasia, The Sewaholic.  I blame my over-planning gene on my mother.  I forwarded the article to her and she laughed, agreeing that she is an extreme over-planner and I was doomed to inherit that trait.

This post is about something I’ve been contemplating for quite awhile.  I’ve been working on the idea and tons of sketches fill the pages in my design book.  But with all the things going on lately I haven’t taken the time to actually experiment with my plans or ideas.

Luckily, a recent customer asked to have her Gothic Jewelry Box Coffin personalized.  She plans to use it for her Ring Bearer to carry the rings in her upcoming wedding.  Out came my sketches and design ideas and to work I went.

I won’t say it went smoothly.  And I certainly won’t say it was easy.  However, I am pleased with how the end product turned out and hope my bride-to-be customer will be too.

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ICT_Roller_Girls_Pinbacks

May 18

I fell in love with a Roller Derby Queen

I remember watching the Roller Derby bouts on one of the three channels we got when I was a kid.  I’ve watched the movie “Whip It” over and over.  I can’t even begin to guess how many times I’ve sung along to the lyrics by Jim Croce.  So, you can probably imagine how excited I am to be a sponsor for our local Women’s Flat Track Derby Team, the ICT Roller Girls. This Saturday, May 18, 2013 Buxom♥Bones will have a booth at the bout where you can see all my cool Gothic jewelry and gifts.  Be one of the first 25 people through the door and you will receive a free ICT Roller Girl pinback button to support our local team.

gIRLY gOTH

Mar 24

gIRLY gOTH Earrings Now Available

It’s been a bit of a hiatus for me in the studio.  It was beginning to feel like I’d never get back to work on my latest designs but the time is finally right.

Check out my new listings in BuxomBones on Etsy.  You’ll see the new line up of gIRLY gOTH earrings.  I really don’t know what I enjoy more, making them for others or making them to wear myself! Stay tuned for more colors and designs…

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Sugar_Skulls_Brooch_01

Sep 13

Two NEW Collections Debut at the Fall Red Barn Outdoor Market – Part I: Sugar Skulls

I can’t express how excited I am to have the first of these two new collection ready to make their debuts this Saturday at the Fall Red Barn Outdoor Market in Benton, KS.  I’ve been working like crazy (what’s new?) on getting these two new lines ready to go for the fall season and what better time to release them than at my first fall event?

The first new line is a collection of Sugar Skull Brooches.  Each brooch is made entirely by hand and although some may use similar colors or designs each one is completely unique unto itself.  I’m posting a single brooch on my Etsy site today but the rest of the brooches will be making the trip to Benton for your perusal and purchase this weekend.  They are a perfect tiny taste of Halloween and Dia de los Muertos to add to any outfit!

[slideshow]

Stay tuned to learn more tomorrow about the gIRLY gOTH collection!

VooDoo Dolly Brooch

Sep 05

Who do? We do voodoo! Miniature Voodoo Doll Brooch

As you know from my bio I’ve been interested in the bayou and deep south from my childhood reading.  One of my favorite songs that I listened to over and over from from that era was “Marie Laveau” by Dr. Hook.  It got me interested in learning more about Marie, the Witch Queen and the Big Easy.

Several years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to New Orleans for work.  During my time away from work I visited a number of local places and hit all the “tourist trap” voodoo shops.  I was so excited to get to go on one of the cemetery tours.  The morning of the tour of St. Louis Cemetery #1 was dark and rainy, setting the perfect mood for the tour.  I took a ton of photos and as I stood before Marie Laveau’s tomb I made my mark as is the tradition.

 

Tomb of Marie Laveau

 

In honor of my fascination with Marie and her life I’ve designed a small felt Voodoo doll brooch.  The brooch is so cute and adorable I’m finding it difficult to part with them.  Visit my Etsy shop to see more details about the dollies.

 

VooDoo Dolly Brooch

buy_local

Aug 24

More Locations…

I am so pleased to announce that you can now find the cool Gothic items by Buxom♥Bones in even more locations.  Be sure to check out all my dark goodies at the Wichita City Arts gallery.

While you’re there be sure to check out the super bright and incredibly awesome artwork of Jami Moore.

To make it easier to see my items in person I’ve created a new “Where to Buy” page on the blog that lists where my products can be found locally as well as a list of upcoming events where Buxom♥Bones will have a booth.  As always, you can see any of my Gothic jewelry or gifts at Buxom♥Bones website.