Azalea’s Of a Unique Sort

Chloe Schwanz is a talented jewelry designer located in the mysterious land of Louisiana, and I’m pleased to say she recently designed a special piece for me to show off proudly. Chloe and her husband are both artistically gifted. Her husband is an architect who won the very first Zombie Safe House Competition (check out the facebook page!). Chloe is quick as a whip with her wit, and fun to work with. Her wearable art can be found at Azalea St Studio on etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/azaleaststudio?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_content=shops&utm_campaign=fb_seller_shop2
            Her work utilizes leathers, natural rocks, found treasures, and has an earthy-yet-modernistic style, and is definitely uniquely Chloe:

NS: Chloe, why don’t you tell us a little about your past, like where you grew up, what your hobbies were as a kid, and what type of jewelry you wore as a teenager?

CS: Well, I grew up in the teeny tiny rural town of Sunset, LA—making mud pies, tending to hoards of animals, composting, gardening, and overall good ole country fun! When I reached high school, I longed for that city-girl feel! We wore uniforms to school, so I took every opportunity to differentiate myself from the masses. I was known to wear sport accessories you didn't normally see on a teenager, things I'd inherited from my mom or grandmother. Really funky stuff! I moved to Lafayette when I began college in 2002

NS: When did you decide to start making Jewelry?

CS: Jewelry making all started when I began studying architecture at the University of Louisiana. I just hated to throw away all the scraps of various materials I used in my design classes. In an effort to be efficient and create less waste, I fashioned pieces of stained and painted wood into earrings, sold them, and have been growing as a jewelry maker ever since!

NS: Who is your biggest inspiration for making wearable art?

CS: Geez, I'm not sure! I suppose I could credit every environmentally-conscious voice out there that seeped in over the years stirred in with all those times I saw something clever and said, "Hey, I can do that!"

NS: Who is your favorite jewelry designer?

CS: Another hard one! I have a few Etsians (Etsy artisans) that I just love seeing new work from!—such as SSD jewelry, Neile, and Kikisan—just to name a few. Also, I will turn the pages of a Sundance Jewelry catalog until they turn to dust! The artisans that are lucky enough to grace said pages certainly deserve it.

NS: If you could own any piece of jewelry in the world, which would it be, and why?

CS: As a huge fan of the ancient, antique and vintage (it is a form of recycling!) I would cherish and make an alter around a Victorian Chatelaine—a woman's wearable tool kit, if you will. These pieces represent everything I'd want to achieve as a craftsperson: ultimate aesthetic appeal and perfect functionality.

NS: If you could design a piece of your art for any superstar to flaunt, who would it be, and why?

CS: Just a few that came to mind: Sienna Miller, Kate Hudson, and Zoey Dechanel. I think each of these lovely ladies have a history of sporting some eclectic pieces. They are very current and 'in the know' when it comes to fashion, but aren't afraid of taking chances. I also think that these women each pay tribute to fashion's past and those are some things I try to convey in my pieces. I'd love to find a place in their jewelry boxes!

NS: So, I hear your moving to New Orleans? Where can the fine citizens of Louisiana find you displaying your crafty wares?

CS: I'm always near at azaleaststudio.etsy.com. As an artisan, I'm kind of like a gypsy when it comes to a physical locale! 'Like' azalea st studio on Facebook to find out where I'm squatting next!

            Also, I've begun the very fun venture of giving jewelry fans the opportunity of hosting jewelry parties! As a host, you'll get 20% of the total sales in free jewelry a la azalea st studio! Anyone interested can send me a message via my etsy shop for questions and details.

NS: Any last tips for making jewelry or tidbits you’d like to share with my awesome blog followers?

CS: Always go with what feels true to you, whether it's creating original pieces of art or your next outfit. If you force it, it will look forced and you won't feel 100% you!

Chloe, you know how to wrap the rock! I hope all you amazing readers out there support local artists, and take the time to explore Chloe’s sparkling flair. Cheers …!

Annie M. Vicar: Dolls & Skellery and Fantastic Delights!

http://anniemvicar.webs.com

There is something I have to admit. I’m deathly afraid of most dolls, especially baby dolls—yuck! Destination Truth is one of my favorite television shows, and on a certain episode, Josh Gates (the host of DT) travels to Mexico’s Doll Island to do a bit of ghost hunting. Being a die-hard fan, I didn’t want to miss a single moment, even though I was petrified. My hands were sweating and I turned hot then cold and was shaking. Seriously, I do not like dolls.

     Then something magical happened. I came across the Dolls & Skellery work of Annie M. Vicar. These were dolls I could handle, some of the most curious and marvelous creations I have ever allowed my eyes to alight upon—without breaking a sweat. The detail of Annie’s work goes beyond the doll itself, like, Siamese Cat Yokai with its tiny Japanese sandals and miniature sushi platter. Not to mention the mysterious boxes, adorable custom cake toppers, and darkly hip jewelry she designs. Visiting her site is like trick-or-treating for mind-candy.

NS: Your work borders on the gothic (but much, much more than that), so I have to ask what you were like as a child, because I can picture all sorts of cool stuff you might have been into!

AMV: In all honesty, not much has changed. I'm still that oddball little kid. I was (and generally still am) happy to live inside of my own head, daydreaming stories and building my own fantasy land out of anything in arm's reach. It was kind of difficult for me to connect with other kids - I was too weird and too awkward to ever fit in, so I just kind of locked myself in my room with clay, paper, markers, my dad's old Beatles records and comic books. I would play in the back yard for hours alone, pretending to be a witch, and pick all of the "poison berries" off of the neighbors' hedges, dig up dirt and tare leaves off of the trees to make "spells". I was Halloween obsessed and ghost obsessed - thanks to my father, who would scare the holy bejesus out of me by telling family ghost stories.

NS: Were you into monster movies? What type of books did you read, and did the movies/books help to influence your current art? If not, then what did inspire you?

AMV: Oh yeah, I love the classic Monster flicks!! I'd say the Universal Monster films have left a HUGE imprint on everything I do, being as they were my first introduction to the horror genre and something I always relate to Halloween. Other movies? Well, things like Never Ending Story, Dark Crystal, The Exorcist, Beetlejuice, Rosemary's Baby, Return to Oz etc. A healthy (or unhealthy, whichever way one may view it, I s'pose) of fantasy and horror. There are also a few Czech animators, like Jiri Barta and Jan Svankmajer, who have been my biggest influence for doll making, specifically. Really, the dolls came about through failed marionette designs I was working on some years back. Eastern European puppetry is something that's fascinated me since I was a kid. Books?? I've always loved comic books most of all. Started out reading Tales From The Crypt reprints (EC horror in general) and then got into things like Sandman and Preacher when I was in high school. When my attention span matured a bit, I started reading Anthony Burgess & Dostoevsky, to name a few favorites.

NS: How did you get to the point where you decided to start your own business making dolls and skellery?

AMV: It seemed like a no-brainer when the opportunity presented itself. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I'm the worst employee of all-time when it comes to grown-up day jobs. I've never really played well with others in those situations and I've never taken authority seriously. Basically, any time I've felt that something or someone has taken me away from creative projects, they were in my way. I know that all sounds terrible, but the way my brain is wired, I just really start to resent any situation that takes me away from fantasy. I had no other choice than to be my own boss, doing the only thing I'm comfortable with. Hell, I have trouble figuring out a cash register. It's kind of sad. haha. This is the only way I can really function in the world.
 
NS: Besides your own creations, do you admire any other doll makers?

AMV: Most definitely! There are some incredible artists out there. And more than just doll makers, too. As for dolls, LaTeefah Dolls is my favorite:
( http://www.etsy.com/shop/laTeefahDoLLs1898?ref=seller_info). Bizarre, kind of Victorian Erotic creations that just blow me away. She works in ceramics, fabrics and fur. Illustration wise, I love Christine Ernst from Crows Feet Studios(http://www.crowsfeetstudios.com/), Rachael Deacon, illustrator and filmmaker (http://www.gonzoriffic.com/uncategorized/watch-this-now-a-fever-and-a-river), and Jeremy Baum (http://madbaumer37.deviantart.com/) - all under the radar, quite amazing and worth a look.

NS: If you were hired to have your talents used on the big screen, what Producer/Director would you most want to work with?

AMV: Werner Herzog! I know, he has nothing to do with puppets or animation, but HE SHOULD! I'd love to animate a puppet version of the film "The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser". 
 
NS: Say a famous person contacted you to make a piece of art/jewelry for them, who would that famous person be, and what type of piece would you make for them?

AMV: Hmmm. That's a question! Well, if Werner Herzog wanted a Kaspar Hauser puppet....

NS: When you’re not creating fantastic art, what are you usually up to?

AMV: I like to star gaze in the mountains or spend my Sundays at the shore. Just being out in nature and enjoying what I can of the world while I'm here. When I decided to throw conventional living out the window with my day job and moved across the country, I promised myself to love life a little more and actively pursue happiness instead of waiting for it to fall in my lap. It's been good :)

NS: Are there any parting tid-bits of information you would like to impart upon the fabulously awesome readers out there?

AMV: There is a way to do what you love. There's a way to be happy. Find it.

Annie, you are number one on my list of amazing artists, and you are an inspiration for all of the artists out there who are intent on following their dreams and artistic inclinations.

Please visit Annie M. Vicar at the following sites:
https://www.facebook.com/anniemvicardollsandskellery
http://anniemvicar.webs.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AnnieVicar?ref=si_shop

"The only thing standing between me and greatness is me."

-Woody Allen

Steamy Friday Book Releases From Decadent Publishing!

Available August 19th: Pandora's Box by Gracen Miller, and Mile High Airship Club by Nishi Serrano! http://www.decadentpublishing.com

Pandora's Box by Gracen Miller:

Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions? Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?

In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind's liberty has begun...

Author Gracen Miller

*************************************

Mile High Airship Club by Nishi Serrano:

 

Tea, airships, and stockades—oh, my!

Newlywed Lady Rose’s curiosity is inflamed when a mysterious airship captain shows up extending an honorary invitation for her and her husband, Lord William, to join the Mile High Airship Club. A club she has never heard mention of in polite society. Rose is excited for the trip. It will be her first time aboard an airship. However, Rose is modestly unaware of the trials she will endure to acquire a membership in this pleasure club!

Author Nishi Serrano

Rockin' thanks to all of you out there supporting the small press and its talented authors!

Whipped and Steamed and Ready For Release!

Are you ready to lose yourself in an erotic Steampunk adventure? Whip yourself into a frenzy of delight on August 19^th when ‘Mile High Airship Club’ is released through Decadent Publishing. Tea, airships, and stockades—oh my!
     Being a fan of Steampunk, and of Ann Rice (aka A.N Roquelaure), I felt the need to dabble a little into my own brand of erotica—classy, alternative, and atmospheric, the later in fancying the story transports you to a different world, not just focusing on the naughty bits. So, without further ado, allow me to give you a nibble of what is to come:

Mile High Airship Club (PG Excerpt):

“I commend you on your fashionable home and sharing a marvelous selection of wines.” Captain Harland complimented. “And, may I politely add, you are blessed with a wife as beautiful as the diamond-bright stars.” Rose squirmed uncomfortably at the compliment, afraid her husband would become jealous of the captain’s obvious admiration.
     William winked at Rose, allaying her fear, and held his glass high. “Indeed, I am a fortunate man, Captain Harland, and even luckier for the honor you are soon to bestow tonight.”   
     “Oh, my, what tribute have you gained?” Rose was not aware of any new titles to her husband, but knew he deserved the highest of praise. 
     “For us both, my love, a membership to an elite club,” William clarified.
     Rose clasped her hands together in excitement; she had only just started accepting societal invites, as every married woman should. Her favorite clique was, of course, the Royal Temple Gardening Society. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense. What affiliation will we be attending?”
     Captain Harland clucked. “It’s a secret, my lady, and must not be spoken of.”
     Rose scoffed. Surely he was joking. Seeing her disbelief, William added, “It is true, Rose. We must first prove our loyalty before we gain membership.”
     “My lady, the path to membership will begin aboard my airship, and a more delightful voyage you will never have,” the captain claimed. Rose was mystified, then ecstatic, for she had never traveled in an airship. It made her giddy expecting to share the first experience with her lovely husband and perhaps the fine-looking captain.
     “Ah, but let us retire to the study, Captain. An after dinner tawny pairs well with a fine cigar. Rose, if you will excuse us.” William stood and bent to kiss his wife on the forehead. Rose watched the two men leave, paying extra attention to the captain’s firm behind. She waited a solid twenty minutes before removing herself from the dinner table and sneaking quietly to the door of the study. Rose’s stomach fluttered as she peeped through the large keyhole, intent on discovering all she could about the captain’s mysterious invitation.

MHAC's release is August 19th, be sure to support the small press and their authors: http://www.decadentpublishing.com

The Scariest Tree, Ever!

Recently, Yahoo posted a blurb about the creepiest trees. Well, not to brag, but my tree blows them away! I found this tree in a little town in Louisiana while I was on my way to the Myrtles Plantation. A great way to start a spooky weekend is to find a gem like this.
Tree's have always been a fascination of mine. They truly are one of nature's most beautifully sculpted creatures.

Do you have any scariest trees or haunted places you want me to post? Send them, and I will do a blog on your vision of the ghoulish and phantasmagorical world of wonders.

... And here's a few more:

And this last one, well ...

Cheers!

In Memory Of A Hero ...

Sergeant Jacob F. Livesey 1980-2008:

A brave soldier, hilariously lovable little brother, caring and respectful son, and the best uncle—ever! Jake was (and still is) my youngest sibling. He died while serving in the military under suspicious circumstances. These circumstances were never fully divulged, but eventually there were arrests made. He died about five weeks before his fourth round of deployment. It took us over two weeks to finally have his body released for burial. His death was sudden, and inexplicable. It happened on base in Colorado, Fort Carson.

I hope in his peace he knows how much of a Hero he is to me, and that we miss him too much to express.

My favorite quote from Peter Pan is: "To die would be an awfully big adventure." Jacob has moved on to that next big adventure, and someday, perhaps, his family can join him.

This blog is to all the Hero's who have fallen, and to all those who are still fighting for our freedom, thank you doesn't express the gratitude I wish to convey, but you--the hero's--are in my heart and thoughts.

 

 

 

 

 

 



Myrtles Plantation Ghosts

Recently, I took a small excursion with my Mom to the world famous Myrtles Plantation. Myrtles’ claim to fame is "One of America’s Most Haunted Homes", and I was excited for the opportunity of perhaps being lucky enough to be honored with a glimpse of its ghostly denizens. 

               

Myrtles Plantation is located on US Hwy 61 just a little past St. Francisville, Louisiana. If you stop by the cute little town, be sure to have a cup-of-Joe at Birdman Coffee & Books, where art and birds fill the walls, and is the only place in town to get breakfast, other than the delicious breakfast you’re served if spending the night at the plantation. You might also want to pop into the Audubon State Historic Site.

Arriving around 4:30pm on a Sunday, I was disappointed we were not able to have dinner at the Carriage House Restaurant due to a wedding, and further disappointed we had to scramble to find somewhere to eat because we paid for the Mystery Tour at 6pm. We ended up going to a grocery store and buying the makings of baloney sandwiches, and sadly settled for beer with lime instead of my mint julep, which I planned on sipping while sitting on the massive porch in a wooden rocker.

The mystery tour was informative, but only one picture was allowed during the tour, and that picture was of the old mirror where many a supposed eerie face shows up. Or, as the tour guide claimed from the stairs she stood on and could be seen in the mirror, the tour guide is guaranteed to not show up in at least one of those mirror photos clicked hungrily by us tourists. Most of the camera’s were digital, and no one claimed the tour guide missing from their pics.

                After the tour, surprisingly most everyone cleared out, leaving me and my Mom to snap photos of the quickly retreating sun. The grounds of Myrtles are indeed peculiar feeling. Massive trees dot the plantation, and solemn statues peek from around bushes and gas-lamp poles. The courtyard is squared with laid bricks and metal patio furniture. A large fountain in the center of the courtyard spits water at the moon. Two raggety black cats and one tabby beg for handouts, and will be your friend for the rest of your stay if you oblige. A feature I found haunting was the gazebo on a small island surrounded by a moat. A long bridge takes you to the mini island, where an apparition of a woman is supposed to roam. We took our time exploring the landscape and snapping pictures we hoped would reveal the paranormal.

Inside, we headed to our room: The John W. Leake Room, where—if you are a Ghost Hunters fan—you’ll remember GH debunking the cigar smell. The room also sits over the old dining room, so listen for bumps in the night below! I have to add here that the room we stayed in was quite dirty, and for the price and world famous part—you would think the proprietors would keep it a little cleaner (the dust on the chairs was so thick they were turning into giant dust bunnies!). In bed, we set our clock to wake up at midnight in order to do a bit of ghost hunting ourselves. When it was time, we stepped out, but found that everyone who had booked a room decided to head out too! Needless to say, I didn’t find any ghosts … or, did I?

               

Breakfast was served in the quaint gift shop: coffee, juice, grits, ham, eggs, and a biscuit with pecan butter and jelly. It was a good time to meet the other ghost hunting enthusiasts and share our nightly stories. The married couple who stayed in the nursery and set out jelly beans didn’t seem to encounter anything except what sounded like a bass guitar. I promptly replied it must have been the ‘air guitar’ played by the ghosts—and my Mom added “They must have tired of the elevator music.”

                We decided to do one more round of snapshots, and then packed up for our next adventure at the ‘Afton Villa Gardens’, which is entirely a separate blog. Upon scanning my digital pics, nothing unusual seemed to show up, and again, I was feeling a smidge of disenchantment. However, on returning home, two unusual anomalies did in fact emerge.

                The first photo is at midnight in the trees at the front of the house, and shows some orbs. When I magnified the orbs, I noticed one had a face … now, I’m not into orbs, and personally I think they are almost always dust and bugs, but these were up high and kind of peculiarly bright, even in the dark. Maybe it’s only my brain trying to make some recognition sense, but, well, you can decide:

And here is the orb photo originally, but slightly lightened, as it was a very dark photo:

The next picture is the truly strange one. It was taken on our dusk stroll, and is of the gazebo and island. What I noticed was a strong whiteness on the island not far from the white of the gazebo, near the dark bushes. When I magnified it, I could clearly make out the image of a woman in a long dress and ruffled hat or bonnet. I circled it in black so it’s easier to see. I played around with the photo by saturation and darkening and stuff, and something is definitely there, but barely there. The photo I have posted is not messed with in any way except lightened a little to see the figure better (and of course the arrow and circle added so you know where to look):

And again, here is the full photo in its original without me brightening it for detail:

Perhaps the wispy occupants of the Myrtles Plantation were watching us all along …