The Mad Science Creations Lab

Halloween night brings BIG changes to MSC

2011-10-31T23:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!!!

A fitting day to change the name of my shop to Madsylvania. Yes, you heard right. I won't be shutting down the Mad Science Creations blog just yet, that way my awesome fans can get a chance to follow my new blog. Madsylvania will not only be the new name for my stores on Etsy and Artfire but will be a portal for updates on ALL my shops. Speaking of which, another exciting announcement is the opening of my newest shop, Magicwerks. As the name implies, this new store is where wizard wares (clothing, accessories and decor) will be available. The newest item is doggie wizard hoodies, which is modeled by Henna, the Gryfferin.

For those curious about this major change, check out my new blog.

Quoth the owl...Pottermore

2011-06-18T18:51:00.007-05:00

"The owls are gathering...find out why soon."

For those who may have been abducted by Death Eaters and missed it, J.K. Rowling will be making an announcement on June 23 to reveal an epic new venture for the Harry Potter fandom. The media blitz is totally unprecedented. The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter wasn't even surrounded by so much promotion and fanfare. Speculation is running rampant after the super sekrit reveal of the trademarked term "Pottermore", discussed in depth "here and here.

What is Pottermore? Muggles and wizards alike will have to be patient for a few more days. My prediction *glances into crystal ball* a magical MMORPG. What do you think it will be?

On a semi-related topic, last night under a full moon, we noticed our own owls gathering. We were up late (as usual) and happened to look outside to see a small owl sitting on the power line in our backyard. When we returned from racing to grab the camera, it was joined by a second. I LOVE owls and was pretty shocked that my squeals of excitement didn't scare them off. As we took pics, their hooting was answered by other hoots in the forested area behind out house. What a magical way to end a day that was spent obsessively watching new owls appear on the YouTube announcement (11 at last count) and reading faster-than-lightspeed tweets/Facebook posts about Pottermore. Still hoping they'll return to drop off an Owlpost with my acceptance to teach at Hogwarts next term. ;)

Brainz: The other, other white meat

2011-06-17T11:49:00.005-05:00

Oops, time got away from me. Again.

Comicpalooza was great geeky fun!! The highlight was the last day when I got my photo taken with Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan of Harry Potter) and when Meaghan Rath of Being Human said she loved my costume. :) I opted for dressing as Harry Potter of the Dead costume and ran into another wizard girl with the same Hogwarts zombie idea. Magically creepy and cool. And as you can see from the photo, another zombie fan shuffled up to groan Hello while clutching some bloody brainz. Anyway, I finally got a chance to upload the con photos to my Flickr account. Enjoy! :)

How does a Geek celebrate Memorial Day weekend?

2011-05-27T09:53:00.007-05:00

By dressing up and going to a major scifi/fantasy con.

Comicpalooza in Houston is shaping up to be EPIC!! The theme is *happy shamble* zombies, "The Rise of the Dead". Sweet. The guest line-up is varied and has top notch representation in both genres. There is even a strong Steampunk presence, one of my fave cosplay themes. Mad Science, go figure. ;) My cosplay plans for the event?

Friday: Possibly Star Trek:TOS uniform.
Saturday: A reprise of the Steampunk Squid complete with tentacles and goggles.
Sunday: I will be doing a zombie/wizard mash-up: Harry Potter of the Dead (a Hogwarts guest has been scheduled that day and it's a call out to one of my favorite flicks, "Shaun of the Dead.")

The event starts today so if you need me, that's where I'll be.

Oh and here's a video of last year's Comicpalooza for giggles. Kinda like being trapped in a Big Bang episode isn't it? ;)

It's a Good Magical Friday!

2011-04-22T12:58:00.004-05:00

It's truly a good Friday in the Mad Science Lab when a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 DVD arrives at your door!! It must have been sent via Owl Post cos I no sooner got word it was on its way and *poof*, there it is. Thanks and much appreciation goes out to Wendy, The Not So Good Witch. xoxo For the latest pop culture and fashion from a magical perspective, check out her blog "A Pagan's Life For Me."

What have I been up to? Well, it's that time of year: vacations to Hogwarts in Orlando, Harry Potter cons, and *sniff* the fast approaching last installment of HP movies are in the immediate future. So I've been stitching up a storm to try to beat the flood of Wizard Wear orders for both the Etsy and Artfire shops. Looks like I need to head to the wholesale fabric shop for another bolt of black anti-pill fleece this weekend too.

Friday's F Word: Vampire Face-Lifts

2011-04-01T14:31:00.004-05:00

In the quest to be immortal or at least look that way, the dream to be a vampire is seductive. Short of being "turned" by a bloodsucker, this life altering change won't happen. The next best thing? Vampire face-lifts. Fillers taken from your own body are nothing new but a NY doctor is now using a blood-collection system called Fibrinet, whose platelet-rich byproducts can help turn back the clock. No wonder Vlad Dracula looked so young. ;)

Friday's F Word: Happy Coffins

2011-03-25T11:48:00.003-05:00

Who says leaving for the afterlife needs to be a somber affair?

The Lien Foundation, a Singapore philanthropic house and St Joseph's Home and Hospice, is challenging outdated taboos.

"The name 'Happy Coffins' may be like an oxymoron...(but) we seek to turn the coffin from a supreme negative symbol of death into a creative canvas for reflection and inspiration, and the positive celebration of life." (Mr Lee Poh Wah, CEO)

Rather than "gloom and doom", the dearly departed can spend eternity in a customized coffin much like the ubiquitious designer clothes and coffee he/she enjoyed in life. And just imagine the conversation starter at funerals to take loved one's mind off of grief for a bit?

Friday's F Word: Itsy Bitsy Spider...

2011-03-04T10:06:00.008-06:00

....crawled up the Mazda vent.

Toyota recalls have become ubiquitous. Ho hum. *yawns*. But now Mazda has implemented a recall due to the possibility for clogs in the vent line to by *drumroll please* spider webs. Seriously. Wouldn't it be ironic if these insects had chosen their vehicular namesake, the Spyder? ;)

"A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction in the line," warns the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a spider does weave its tangled web there, it could prevent vapors from escaping the fuel tank and "eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/mazda-recall-spiders_n_831109.html

Naughty, naughty arachnids.

While we're discussing our 8-legged friends, I found a humorous video to the tune of The Who's "Boris the Spider". Here's to hoping you don't feel something crawling up your arm!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dSBWysmnM

Back to the final organization of the new craft room so I can finish up some new listings.

Almost Valentine's Day and it feels like spring!

2011-02-13T17:49:00.008-06:00

The temps hit a high of 73 with loads of sun. After all the freeze alerts lately, what a thrill. Now that's what I'm talking about!!

Finally dragged myself inside to get online. Thought I'd post the diabolical Valentine's Day themed treasuries that MSC was lucky enough to be added to. Tons of great items were also included, check 'em out! I want it all. :)

Thanks for including my items, CustomZombie, missteacherlady, ALDDesigns, LongstockingShop, SevenSantasWorkshop, faerydustpixy, DenimShmenim, and HumphreysHandmade!

Dark love is in the air

2011-02-07T16:17:00.006-06:00

While unpacking at our new house, I happened to stumble upon a pile of art prints I made from vintage paper from over 2 years ago! SCORE!! I guess good things can happen even when doing something unpleasant. Soon I'll start listing them but for now, I created some new original designs for Valentine's Day.

Available in both my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Houston: The City That Cried Wolfish Weather

2011-02-04T14:29:00.010-06:00

All the hyperbole about 2-3 inches of snow here in Space City turned out to be seriously anti-climactic. Not one snowflake. Instead, due to widespread black ice and a multitude of car wrecks, we have an "Ice Day". Was SO looking forward to sitting by a roaring fire with a book and a glass of wine watching it snow today. I feel cheated. *sniff*

Instead, I'll be finishing up some morbid Valentine's Day goodies to list on both my Etsy and Artfire shops. Quite amazing so far! :)

Hump? What hump? ;)

2011-02-02T14:52:00.007-06:00

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!

All day long, I thought it was Tuesday. Where is my brain???

In the lab this week, working on some creepy and bloody Valentine's Day offerings.

Shambles off.....

Friday's F Word: 1000 Ways to Die

2011-01-28T19:26:00.004-06:00

Think Jackass-type stunts can't happen in real life? Wrong.

The Spike Channel's 1000 Ways to Die "...combines the science of living and the randomness of death with a dash of Darwinism." Sweet.

What happens when an overly endowed woman wears a metal bra in a lighting storm? Or when household caulk is used for butt implants? Or an overly tight corset cracks a rib and pokes a hole in the fashionista's heart? Questions like these are answered by a team of specialists which offers viewers a chance to vicariously experience a truly morbid reality styled program.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. No wait. Sometimes freakish twists of fate DO invite the Grim Reaper. And in a fabulously grotesque manner.

Friday's F Word: Zombie Holiday Paper

2010-12-24T14:42:00.005-06:00

Befuddled by what to buy for your favorite Undead for the holidays? Me, too. However, when it comes to the wrappings, your problem is solved. Just shamble over to ThinkGeek.com and bite into some cooler than cool Zombie wrapping paper.

You can also use your brains (while you still have them) to think of lots of interesting uses for this creepy paper. Perhaps line your kitchen drawers, frame for wall art, or decorate the box where you keep your zombie flicks.

waves from a sea of boxes

2010-12-20T19:03:00.007-06:00

Moving day is over and I'm slowly getting everything unpacked. *is exhausted* The sewing machines are out of their boxes but I still have to finish putting away the million craft supplies. So far, all my fabric is in it's new home.

Need a bit of magic for your holiday season? Harry Potter mini felt stockings are still available for all 4 houses. :)

Happy Winter Solstice everyone! And don't forget, tonight there will not only be a full moon but a rare blood red lunar eclipse.

The Mad Science Lab will be moving soon!

2010-11-22T13:52:00.005-06:00

Good news!!! We have found a new, larger home and will be moving mid-December. The Mad Science Lab aka Room of Requirement will soon be in a new location.

The bad news is that any Made-To-Order items such as Wizard Shrugs, Hats, and Hoodies, have been deactived for a short time. Once the sewing machines and fabric are unpacked, these awesome products will be available again. I apologize profusely for the inconvenience. :( Stay tuned for further updates!

One more week......

2010-11-12T16:21:00.004-06:00

....til "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1"!! Around 20 of my friends and I are going to the midnight showing in costume. Since I'm a Ravenclaw, I'm dressing as my fave, Luna Lovegood, complete with a butterbeer necklace and Spectra Specs. Can't wait!!

I've had a ton of inquiries for Men's sizes for Wizard Hoodies so both my Artfire and Etsy shops have listings for this new item. Along with a ton of other magical goodies.

By the way, the Biography Channel is airing some really awesome Harry Potter specials on Nov. 16 and 17. Don't forget to set your DVR's!

Halloween amongst the dinosaurs

2010-10-29T17:13:00.003-05:00

Heading out for a bit of spooky fun with a gaggle of ghastly friends to Spirits & Skeletons. I will be decked out in tentacles as Ursula the Sea Witch. We also plan to check out the new Pirate exhibit while there. Good times. There promises to be many opportunities for blackmail photos and hopefully no need for bail money. ;)

Now where is my ginormous Trident???

Friday's F Word: Caught Dead in That

2010-10-29T17:03:00.005-05:00

Ever feel stymied by what pithy inscription to put on your gravestone? Fret no more. The macabrely hysterical "Caught Dead in That" will provide some inspiration. Or at least a few giggles.

My personal fave? "He never killed a man that did not need killing." A logical rationale.

"I'm a very neat monster."

2010-10-17T17:26:00.004-05:00

SO thrilled!!

One of my items, my Bloody Knife Plushies, was featured in the BEST treasury ever on Artfire: a Dexter themed on featuring blood splattered goodies. One of my fave creepy shows!! Thanks so much, PoorYorickDesigns.

My minion Igor claims that he is a neat monster too. But you wouldn't know it by his messy room in the Lab. Bits of bone, torture devices, and Halloween candy wrappers littered everywhere!

Friday's F Word: The Zombie Apocalypse

2010-10-16T00:58:00.003-05:00

Take heed.

From the brilliant and twisted minds from theoatmeal.com, comes a primer that will prepare us for what we fear most: How Everything Goes to Hell During a Zombie Apocalypse.

Passing this along is my way of looking out for everyone when the undead inevitably rise up and take over. :)

Magical Mischief contest!

2010-10-10T19:32:00.003-05:00

Show your support for the first installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movie by entering the Magical Mischief contest hosted by the Confessions of a Bookworm blog. Perhaps you may be one of the charmed winners of an incredible goody generously offered by one of the participating wizard shops. Included is a Mad Science Creations Wizard Hat in your choice of house crests.

Apparate on over and throw your name into the witch's hat. Contest ends on Hallow's Eve.

Friday's F Word: Romeo & Juliet vs. The Living Dead

2010-10-01T18:25:00.005-05:00

"What's in a name? That which we call an Undead by any other name would smell as rancid"

In this Indy flick, there are more than thumbs that are bitten. Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers face an even more deadly fate than poison. Zombies. A plague on your house if you miss this one. ;) Thanks go to Phil for sending me this link.

An explosion of shoes!

2010-09-30T14:03:00.004-05:00

Do you have a shoe fetish? And small feet? In that case, check out my MEGA lot of shoes on Ebay. Everything from platforms to pumps. Even a pair of skeleton flip flops! Since we're moving, I either have to sell some of my stash or open a footwear store. :/

Back to working on my offerings for Ocean Madness Week on Etsy......more to come on that. Think tentacles!

Happy Autumnal Equinox!

2010-09-23T13:57:00.002-05:00

Fall leaves, a crispness in the air, and of course, Halloween!

In honor of the start of the BEST time of year, I created an Etsy Treasury of things that remind me of autumn. Also, don't forget to check out the Super Harvest Moon tonight. You won't see another until 2029!

Hurricane Igor updates is a proud Master

2010-09-13T12:52:00.005-05:00

Hurricane Igor is now just shy of a Category 5. What started out as just a tropical storm of little importance has now become a full-fledged hurricane. Matter of fact, the Weather Channel is simply gushing over how "well formed" and "formidable" Igor has become.

My inner mad scientist is thrilled that such a monstrous storm shares a name with my minion. *beams*

Friday's F Word: Find A Death

2010-09-10T19:39:00.004-05:00

Are you a Death Hag?

We all have our obsessions. It could be chocolate, sports, and for the morbid-minded: all things related to death. Find A Death is a cheerful little site that is a clearinghouse of info and photos on celebrities who have met their demise. As a fellow cemetary explorer, I naturally stumbled upon this macabre site.

Sit back with a glass of blood red merlot and enjoy.

Treasury: Nailed It!

2010-09-09T17:32:00.005-05:00

MSC's Zombie Brains necklace was just featured in an Artfire treasury. The focus was "nails". What does hardware have to do with zombies? Well, you can chop off the head of one of the Undead with an ax or chainsaw...

You'll just have to check it out and see. :)

Thanks so much to the curator, ViragoCreations!

Igor's Curiosities: Dia de los Muertos Pumps

2010-09-09T11:27:00.003-05:00

Oh how I wish these diabolical shoes, by the incredibly artistic Kezbirdie, were my size! I SO love anything Day of the Dead and not only that, they are in my beloved purple. Argh. Check out her Etsy shop for more offerings.

MSC Mega Moving Sale on Ebay!

2010-09-07T20:00:00.004-05:00

Mega Moving Sale at MSC!! Been packing like a fiend for our upcoming move. Just listed on Ebay are some dark goodies to tempt you: black crinoline skirt, tall combat boots, satin boned corset, Vans slip-ons, skinny jeans, skeleton flip flops, etc.

Go forth and check 'em out. :)

Igor's Curiosities: Eegor VII by Brainriot

2010-09-04T14:44:00.008-05:00

From a tip from Creeplings, Igor has found his likeness in an endearing yet twisted plushie by Brainriot. My master plans to buy him for me so I can curl up with him on stormy nights. I'm such a spoiled minion. *sighs*

While your visiting her shop, check out her other creepy critters. I happen to love Damientia, the harbinger of insanity and death. :)

Craftus Interruptus

2010-08-09T14:08:00.012-05:00

Is there anything more frustrating than not being able to craft when the creative juices are flowing? Not much. I looked at the date of my last post and it was 2 days before we were robbed. Yep, we've had a run of serious bad luck the last couple of months! Some highlights:

1. I came home from work early for a doc appt. to find that our back door was kicked in and we had been the victims of a home burglary. One of my laptops (the one with all my graphics programs) was stolen. *scream* Luckily, it was a 'snatch and grab' so not much else was taken and the dog wasn't hurt.

2. I found out I have masses in both my spleen and lungs from a fungal infestion in the old detached garage where our washer and dryer are housed.

3. My car careened over the edge of the culvert that flanks the end of our driveway and sustained $600 in repairs to the suspension system! *shakes fist* The driveway is SO scary that our friends/family and even the landlord refuses to use it.

4. My bf's car was sideswiped as he turned onto the nearest corner on his way to work. The other driver was uninsured with no license and quickly sped away. The cops in Houston refuse to show up for auto theft/accidents/vandalism and we've had all 3 since we moved here.

5. We had another death in the family. This time totally unexpected to someone way to young to lose. He will be missed. :(

And now, for the worst of all...

6. We had a major scare involving our furbaby, Larry the dog. A week ago Sat, by sheer luck, I stayed home when my bf went shopping. It quickly became clear that he was in severe pain and was rushed to the pet ER. After an ultrasound and x-ray, a large mass was found on his spleen. He had an emergency splenectomy bc he was hemorraging internally. After several healing rituals and days of tears, the lab called with good news on the biopsy. He had a hematoma rather than cancer. :) SO grateful that this happened on a weekend rather than while we were both gone at work. *shudder*

My web gig (which gave me NO time to craft) ended 2 days before our pet scare so thankfully, I can stay home and take care of him while he recuperates. And Infinitus 2010, my 5th Harry Potter con, is over (I'll post more on that later) so I no longer have to focus on sewing costumes. But I can't jump back into the swing of crafting just yet. We've decided that there is some bad juju in this house and given that we need more space anyway, we're looking for new digs. So I've been hitting it hard packing!!

Halloween is just around the corner and my busiest time of year, so I do plan to offer some new designs before I completely pack my craft room. So get ready!! :)

Fabulous new fabric by Owlpost!

2010-05-09T19:01:00.005-05:00

This week, I was SO excited to receive some incredibly hard to find Harry Potter fleece from the awesome Karyl of Biting Gnome Baubles. (Funny coincidence, as I type this, I realized I was wearing gnome pj's).

Thanks again, Karyl, you ROCK!! *hugs*

Not sure what I'm going to create with it but for now, I'm just looking at and smiling.

Grimmy is hanging out in the Lab! :)

2010-04-29T11:25:00.002-05:00

Yay!! MSC just got featured here. Thanks so much, Serena ♥

Also included were some spooky but cute goodies from the talented and fun, Carmen of Spooky Hollow. Say Hi to Grimmy for me if you stop by. :)

On another note, sorry I haven't been so hot at keeping my blog updated. Things just got REAL crazy!! *wants that roller coaster to stop and let me off* But I have tons of cool ideas that are upcoming. Not just clothing but creepy, cool stuff that you will love. Oh and contests too!!

The ULTIMATE Halloween collectibles score!!

2010-04-13T19:27:00.012-05:00

As I was playing Vampire Wars in my Fangtasia T shirt, my coffin arrived.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Across the street, a couple is fixing up an old house to live in. My boyfriend yelled "Hey, come here...you gotta see this!" I looked across the street and saw a large casket on the neighbor's front lawn. Well, you don't see that everyday so I dashed over with my camera. It's an old house that a couple is totally remodeling and no one was home. Just as I arrived she pulled up. Turns out she is super cool and mentioned that her hubby is also obsessed with Halloween. Then she said *screams* that I could have the coffin if I wanted it!! OMG. Of course I did!

The funniest thing was seeing the look of the driver who happened by as they were carrying it across the street. Bwahahaha. It's big enough for an adult to get inside. He was joking that now our house will look cooler than theirs on Halloween. :) We all plan to get together for a few beers soon.

And the casket looks fabulously creepy on the back patio with my black skeletal flamingos and gargoyle. :)

Dark stuff for Valentine Witches!

2010-02-03T20:19:00.009-06:00

Just for Valentine's Day 2010!

MSC offers some diabolical Red & Black items on Ebay. Included are 2 pairs of killer BRAND NEW Witchy Shoes!

And also, LOTS of twisted new items with a dark Valentines theme in the MSC Etsy Store!

Go forth and shop!! :)

Treasury: Goth Girl Geek Boy Romance

2010-01-24T17:15:00.008-06:00

MSC's Snarky Conversation Hearts have made into another Etsy Treasury! "A collection of gothy delights and geeky thrills" chosen by dbvictoria! :) Lots of dark Valentines goodies in this group.

Changes in the magical New Year for MSC stores!

2010-01-10T16:32:00.008-06:00

Mad Science Creations wishes everyone a wickedly happy and healthy 2010!

With the new year, there are a few new changes to pass along. I'm currently working on some non-clothing creations. Never fear if any items from the best selling Wizard Wear line are not listed on the MSC Etsy or Artfire. They are still available as custom orders - just convo me with any inquiries. If you'd like to see what products are available, view the Sold section for ideas. I'm also working on a Gallery which features both Wizard Wear goodies and customer appreciation photos. :)

And be on the look out for some discounts to make room for the cool new stuff!

Important info for MSC customers!

2009-12-09T11:40:00.007-06:00

Due to a family emergency, I am out-of-state this week. Let's put it this way: there is nothing worse than packing for a funeral when you go to visit a parent. :( Any purchases will experience a delay in shipping. I apologize for any inconvenience, especially given that this is the holiday season.

I appreciate all the support and well wishes from everyone more than you will ever know.

Keep checking back for updates.

There's an app for that....

2009-12-03T14:47:00.004-06:00

File this under 'whacky news'...

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been given a grant to develop a software application that allows a patient to cough into their phone to diagnose the type of illness. Gives computer hacking a whole new meaning. ;)

Treasury: Have yourself a scary little Christmas.....

2009-12-02T23:31:00.016-06:00

Two creepy holiday Etsy treasuries...what do they have in common? A Mad Science Creation!! Yay!!

'Santa Claws is green' features my Zombie Star Ornaments (thx again, creeplings!):

And my Butcher Knife Bloody Ornaments were added to 'hexmas holidays' (thx, MadHouseMauly) along with a whole slew of talented Etsy Dark Team's offerings:

Igor's Curiosities: VonErickson's Coffin Couch

2009-11-17T15:03:00.013-06:00

"Why not enjoy the comfort of the afterlife today? " Indeed.

Igor has discovered a wondorous creepy new item to share. Professional prop builder and artist VonErickson's latest creation, the Coffin Couch, is a strange and macabre piece of furniture to rest your weary bones upon. The lucious velvet cushions are available in a variety of colors, but of course, I would choose purple. Why this just may start a new genre of interior design, hmmm, maybe Neo-Victorian Morgue. I like that.

Already a huge fan of their morbid jewelry, such as the Stitches or Dripping Blood chokers, this dream (or nightmare) sofa has pushed me over the edge to full-fledged fan. Keep up up the ghoulish work!

Treasury: Noel Noir

2009-11-15T17:56:00.010-06:00

The holidays are coming up and MSC's Snarky Conversation Hearts Ornaments (second row on left) has been featured in a Christmas themed an Etsy treasury, Noel Noir! Featured are incredible items from Etsy's Dark Team. Search etsydarkteam to check out all the cool stuff these talented artists have to offer. :)

Thx, creeplings! :)

Friday's F Word: The Addams Family musical!

2009-11-13T17:31:00.006-06:00

This week's installment is both freaky and funny!

A huge Addams Family fan, I couldn't wait to share the news that there is soon to be a musical based on the spooky, ooky clan. Bebe Neuwirth, with her Broadway background and dark character roles such as Lilith on Frasier, is perfectly cast as Morticia, my favorite Addams. Halloween is over but it still looks like good clean creepy fun.

It's Merry Gothmas time again!

2009-11-13T15:44:00.005-06:00

Why have a boring, traditional stocking this year?

Just listed are several unique stockings in my Merry Gothmas line with TONS of details! Grommet tape, check. Corset lacing, check. Skull studs, check. Faux fur or goth stripes, check. All are oversized and fully padded to hold lots of goodies. :) Available in both my Etsy and Artfire shops!

Friday's F Word: Regretsy

2009-11-06T10:06:00.010-06:00

Every product must find the perfect consumer.

Fetus kitty toy? Fish in a Taxidermy Squirrel Suit? Kitty Litter Bag Tote? Poo Soap? Condom Pillow? You know you want it.

Any crafter worth his or her salt has at least heard of Etsy, the marketplace where creative folks can list their wares. But lurking amongst the treasures are, well, bits of trash. Or at least items we can ask, as we wipe tears from our eyes and giggle hysterically, "what the bloody hell were you thinking??"

Luckily, there is a site that is dedicated to sharing these finds aptly named Regretsy. And each gem is presented with such biting sarcasm that it makes you cackle out loud. Regretsy's motto is "Handmade? It looks like you made it with your feet!" You can also follow them on Twitter.

Be careful, because like a train wreck, you can't look away.

Post Halloween assemblage art for sale

2009-11-03T17:05:00.008-06:00

We just returned from a spooky weekend in New Orleans and hope everyone had an eerie and memorable Halloween/Samhain!

Now that I am caught up with custom clothing orders, I had a chance to finish up some altered art pieces. "Celebration of All Hallow's Eve" is the first offering and meant for those (like me) who collect Halloween items all year long. It is a miniature wood box/chest all decked out in spooky accents. The second piece, a decidedly Steampunk style featuring lots of clock parts, skeleton keys, and vintage paper is a combination wall hanging and trinket holder.

Both are now available for immediate sale. Enjoy! :)

Etsy Treasury: Nice to perfection!

2009-10-28T14:00:00.007-05:00

Wow! My items were featured in 2 Etsy treasuries in one week! I'm on a roll. :)

Today's treasury is entitled "Nice to perfection" and includes my Lime Green and Stripes Star Ornaments. Thanks so much, Alman.

Just for magical creatures, like your pet!

2009-10-27T15:50:00.011-05:00

Wizard wear has always been my biggest seller. But it's always been limited to bipedal creatures. Not anymore! I just finished the first Wizard coat for pets which is modeled by Larry the dog aka Larry Potter.

Perfect for Halloween but a unique way to keep your doggie warm this winter, especially for Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fans. It is available in both my Etsy and Artfire shops. This new design will be continued in several sizes with a variety of fabric linings. Woof!

Treasury: Purple People Eater!

2009-10-27T12:34:00.011-05:00

Woo hoo! My Vintage Madness store made it to an Etsy Treasury. The theme, go figure, is "Who is this purple people eater?". My purple ornate upcycled frame was included along with a ton of amazing items inthat awesome color. Thanks, ceeyjay60! :)

Igor's Curiosities: The Webcaster Gun

2009-10-23T11:29:00.008-05:00

Igor is in an interior design mode this week. File this freaky Halloween product under, "Imusthavethisnow"!! What could possibly be cooler than gratutiously creating creepy cobwebs ALL over your own castle and yard?

Playtime with Ghoulies and Ghosties!

2009-10-23T09:57:00.011-05:00

Some of my fondest childhood memories were playing board games with my parents and 2 sisters. We took turns choosing which game to loose our competive spirits and my fave was always Clue.

Imagine the thrill , when I found Halloween themed games!! The classic property trading game, Monopoly, offers Boo-opoly . Jenga and Yahtzee have spooky versions of these popular games, perfect for a Halloween party. For Tim Burton fans (like me!), check out the Nightmare Before Christmas games: Monopoly, Scrabble, and Uno.

And for those with a dark sense of humor, don't forget Goth and Horror themed games. With Goth Trivia, the object of the game is to fill your graveyard plot with 13 tombstones by answering the questions read to you by the "inquisitor." Gloom: The Game of Inauspicious Incidents and Grave Consequences, in which players "assume control of the fate of an eccentric family of misfits and misanthropes, the reward in the afterlife is based on the misery endured in life." Sinister fun!

And what I would not give for a vintage Halloween Chinese Checkers set. :)

Igor's Curiousities: Snakebitten Halloween

2009-10-22T16:33:00.011-05:00

What a week it's been! The highlight? Having to yank the dog back from the bushes by his hind legs as he tries to attack a snake in the yard before we both get bitten. As you can see from the photo below of Larry the dog menacing a tombstone, he is always spoiling for a fight. Yes, he was growling at it. *eyeroll*

In honor of his escapades with serpents, Igor has helped me find some Halloween snake themed projects: Martha Stewarts's Creepy Snakes, Canned Halloween Monstrosities, and Upcycled Necktie Snakes.

Sssssseee you later!

Igor's Curiosities: Killer Pumpkins

2009-10-16T19:06:00.008-05:00

Bored with the sickly sweetness of smiling Jack-O-Lanterns? Or gourds with something innocuous carved into them? I sure am.

Igor has also found Killer Pumpkins by artist John Pelico, whose work has been described as the "Disney of Halloween." but don't be fooled, his spooky, creepy, and colorful Halloween scenes are far from warm and fuzzy.

Freaky, yes. But I want them all! :)

Boo! More spooky aprons!

2009-10-15T18:09:00.007-05:00

In time for Halloween, I have concocted more Halloween themed aprons for my Domestic Witch line! One features a slew of Jack-O-Lanterns on spiderwebs and the other a Haunted House with denizens of the graveyard. Spoooooky! Peruse them in both my Artfire and Etsy shops. :)

Hurry, hurry....31 Days of Halloween is half over!

2009-10-15T14:41:00.005-05:00

If you haven't checked out Mrs. B's annual "31 Days of Halloween" yet, you are reaaaaaaaaaaally missing out on some spooky fun! Giveaways, guest bloggers, and an awesome Haunted Halloween Blog Tour.

And if you a culinary witch, Mrs. B. always has some tasty recipes to try out. They always look so yummy that even someone who burns water like me is tempted to give them a go. :)

A chance to indulge my inner mad scientist!

2009-10-14T13:47:00.008-05:00

My lastest addiction in my years of gaming are the offerings on Facebook. It started with Farmville and quickly spread to Yoville, Vampire Wars, Age of Castles, and School of Wizardry. The latter meshes nicely with my Harry Potter obsession but I digress.

How does it work? One simply installs the game app and invites friends to join your Neighbors, Friends, Clan, Guild, or Order, respectively. They all have an MMORPG feel to them, though not as huge as Evercrack or World of Warcraft. Mindless fun nonetheless. A host of games such as Mafia Wars were huge on Myspace and other social media venues so this is not a new way to waste hours at a time.

Farmville is just what it sounds like, a game to design a kickass farm and harvest for coins to upgrade. Mine is pretty huge now and complete with spooky trees for Halloween. Yoville is from the same company as FV and Mafia Wars, Zynga, but is a city where the player is issued an apt and goes to a "job" for coins. What interested me is not the party aspect of it, instead it tapped into my love of decor. But it lacks alot of the same money making potential and other features as FV so I lost interest.

What changed you ask?

Well, for Halloween, Yoville introduced some wicked Halloween items: costumes and decor. And, get this, players could upgrade to a Haunted House. *screams with evil glee* I wasted no time moving into my new spooky crib and getting set up with creepy furniture. Yesterday, I got a witches cauldron for my kitchen. Today I learned that new items have been added including a *be still my beating heart* MAD SCIENTIST collection of goodies!

I MUST have these, ASAP.

Star in Southpark!!

2009-10-11T20:21:00.003-05:00

OK, not really. But you can make a custom avatar of you as a character, like I did.

Me, all ready for Halloween, the BEST night of the year! :)

Caught in a Web: MSC's featured item on Mrs. B's 31 Days of Halloween!

2009-10-10T11:19:00.005-05:00

Glad you stopped by...a spooky welcometo you!! :)

As most of you know, I am participating in Mrs. B's annual 31 Days of Halloween. Well, today is day that my donation is featured, a Spiderweb & Stripes Batwing Apron for domestic witches. :)

While you're there, check out the previous day's for exceptionally creative Halloween bloggers and artists. And remember, there are 10 more days til the BIG night!

What in the heck are Igor 's Curiosities?

2009-10-09T16:53:00.011-05:00

What do you think of when you hear "Mad Scientist"? No, not menacing castles, although those are excellent locations for an alchemist's lair. And no, not getting struck by lightning or playing with cadavers. Why, experiments, of course!

Wikipedia makes the distinction between archetypes: "...A quick way to tell the difference is that a mad scientist thinks "can I do this" whilst an evil genius thinks "what can I use this for?" Those with Mad Craft Skills embody a bit of both in their 'experiments'. And the mediums have a wide range - from Photoshop to fabric to paint.

OK, getting to the point...

As promised when I started this blog, this post begins a random series to highlight clever creations which are aptly named "Igor's Curiosities". Curiosities are defined as "..a strange, rare, or peculiar object. An oddity." Rather than see the hunchback assistant as a bumbling liability, I view Igor as more of a creepy yet endearing muse.

So.....the MSC Lab is henceforth also a forum to give props to those who push the envelope. Or should I say "flip the switch" to try something unique and ingenious.

Shall we begin....*drumroll please*

The first installment is for those graphic art mad scientists out there who also love Halloween. Design Live shares 30 wickedly delicious tutorials to create creepy retouched photos or scary graphics to celebrate the season. Muhahahaha!

The debut of Friday's F Word!

2009-10-09T14:05:00.006-05:00

Just for sake of twisted entertainment value, every Friday (cos we ALL love the weekend!), the MSC Lab will be passing along an online tidbit that fits the category of either "Freaky" or "Funny". It just so happens that the inaugural selection is BOTH. :)

The Domestic Witch herself, Mrs. B., recently introduced me to the most wonderful book site ever: Quirk Books. As a lifelong avid bookworm, moi was like a kid in a candy store perusing the twisted goodies in this store. From "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" to "Crochet a Cthulhu" to "How to Tell if Your Boyfriend is Possessed by Demons." Great fun for those who embrace the strange and morbid things in life.

Now go forth and celebrate Quirktober!

Oh what a tanged web we weave.....

2009-10-09T12:14:00.004-05:00

Want an MSC Halloween item for FREE? My wicked Spiderweb earrings are the Trick or Treat giveaway of the day. Check out the Artfire Ghoul's Guild blog for more info. :)

MSC featured on the Ghoul's Guild blog!

2009-10-05T15:00:00.003-05:00

Artfire's guild for creatures of the night, Ghoul's Guild, has featured my shop on its blog today! YAY!!

Trick or Treat on Artfire!!

2009-10-04T19:17:00.009-05:00

TRICK or TREAT 2009 has now begun!!

On Oct. 1, 13 days of deals, prizes, and spooky fun from the Ghoul's Guild, Artfire's creative creatures of the night, starts! For more info, visit the blog.

Mad Science Creations is also participating so I have been busy as a bat stocking my store with tons of goodies. Working on some brand new Halloween themed designs that will be listed in the coming weeks as well.

Promotion info below:

Coupon Code: GHOULS09MSC
Details: Free Shipping on US and Canadian orders (coupon code is valid for the entire month of October)

Stop on by!

MadViolet13's Series of Unfortunate Events

2009-09-28T12:21:00.009-05:00

This week, I am starting out being a wee bit behind in crafting and listing.

Why is that? You see, yesterday I displayed some of my classic accident prone skills. Doing a face plant on concrete outside the brand new Barnes & Noble...priceless! Note to self: NEVER wear sunglasses in a dark parking garage. Never saw the curb until I was airborne. Totally swollen, bruised and bloody knees and palms. Last night, I noticed that my right arm hurts really bad. :( Friends asked if I had too much drink or if I was texting and walking simultaneously. Nope. OK, I did have one pint at the English pub at a late lunch. But I tend to hurt myself simply trying to remain bipedal. I had to postpone my physical therapy/adjustment at the chiro until later in the week. I can't see driving a standard transmission or working out in my delicate condition. Meh.

Hysterical comment from one of my long-time customers/friend regarding this incident: "...that's a heavy bummer about your tumble. but on the bright side at least you might save a little cash on fake scabs if you hit any early season costume parties; "dude that's so realistic!" ;)". Pixie, you always crack me up!!

And before I headed to the Post Office, I went out to the backyard to find our dog, Larry. He was strangely silent, no barking at all. I found him lurking behind the garage not far from a freshly dead squirrel. There is no blood or scratches on him (or the squirrel). Unless the squirrel fell out of the tree (unlikely), he must have finally caught one. *shuddertwitch* He did look a bit guilty. I refuse to dispose of the "body" so I will wait til my guy comes home from work. :/

All this doesn't bode well for this week.....

Off to cut some fabric and attempt to get some sewing done.

MSC featured on Dreadful Musings blog!

2009-09-27T18:53:00.006-05:00

One of my items, my Plush Bats, were featured today on the Dreadful Musings blog for the " Halloween Crafts" treasury!! Thanks so much, Jinn!! :) Back in July, MSC was also part of a "What's It Like to Burn" treasury on her blog for my Plush Flame Hearts.

Jinn has an Etsy shop, Dreadful Designs, with wicked zombie themed and other unique items. Her treasuries promote sellers from the Etsy Dark Team so if you want to browse some amazing items from the dark side, run to Etsy and search with the team name! Happy hunting!

(Almost) Fall promotion!

2009-09-16T13:22:00.004-05:00

Liquidation Sale means bargains for you!

Starting today, FREE shipping on ALL jewelry and sleep masks at the Mad Things & Raven Wings Etsy Shop! Yay!!

Happy 09-09-09!

2009-09-09T20:07:00.004-05:00

09.09.09, the final single digit repeating date for 92 years. From the article: "....it is also the upside-down number of the beast." lol And this kid will never forget his birthday.

Finding this date extremely enthralling, not only cos I was born on the 9th but because "9", Tim Burton's newest flick, starts today! Been reaaaaaaaaaaaaaally anticipating that one.

MSC is Etsy Dark Team's "Item of the Day!"

2009-09-04T09:32:00.004-05:00

Woo hoo!! My Bat Wing Apron is the Item of the Day. Thx so much!! :)

Just what every Domestic Witch needs!

2009-09-03T17:10:00.013-05:00

Cooking up a new batch of potions? MSC has just what you need...

Halloween is in the air. OK, for me is always is but it's close enough now that I can stop getting strange looks when I put out my holiday decor.

Just listed the first of a brand new creation, Spiderweb Aprons, for my Domestic Witch line! Reversible with pockets on both sides to keep your Eye of Newt or Wand handy. Available in both my Etsy and Artfire shops. More on the way!!

I stash, you stash, we all DEstash!!

2009-08-30T13:22:00.009-05:00

Destash blitz at the MSC Lab!!

Hey there, fellow crafters and DIYers! *poke*

My supplies are literally taking over the house. So, to clear out the surplus, TONS of new craft & sewing supplies are being added to my Etsy shop. Fabric, beads, jewelry findings, stamping supplies, sewing tools, trims, art supplies, you name it. Listing as fast as I can but this might take awhile! *sigh*

Stop on by to snap up some deals.

MSC now on Facebook!

2009-08-27T12:12:00.006-05:00

Mad Science Creations now has a Facebook presence!

Follow me. *twists your arm* ;)

Adventures with black spray paint!

2009-08-21T12:30:00.010-05:00

My long-time obsession with spray paint rears its head again....

Years ago, I picked up an old wicker settee. It looked so ragged and worn in shades of mud brown that I almost pitched it to the curb many times. Well, on a whim, I decided to, as Mick Jagger says, "paint it black." I am SO glad I did! Now it is one of my fave things. Check out the before and after...

And I didn't stop there!

I also whipped out the spray paint and attacked 2 wicker cabinets, one of which had a cool mirror, that I just snagged at a thrift store a few months ago. Sorry, no before shots. My bad.

Observe... :)

Hopefully I didn't fry too many brain cells from the fumes after years of this behavior.

Vampires and other things that are Blood Red.

2009-08-20T09:46:00.015-05:00

Huzzah! Just listed a couple of new clothing items. For some odd reason, both are predominately red. Hmmm...could be a coincidence. Or my muse could be channeling my vampire themed life of late. TrueBlood's season 2 is on and I started reading "New Moon" at the behest of a pile of friends.

Speaking of the Undead, I recently added a couple of fangy offerings to my store: a Vampire Hat and Vampire Hoodie. :)

Back to the new stuff....

Anyway, the first offering is a new skirt style, a ruffly, flouncy design using coordinating fabrics with a comfy wide waist panel of medium weight black knit, that I plan to make more of. The body is a wicked tattoo and wings print of grey and black on a red background. The ruffle is striped grey and black.

The second is a zip front patchwork dress that I started 2 months ago, got sidetracked, and finally completed. It is gothic mix of carnivale and creepy goodness. I threw in a variety of fabric types (from satin to spiderweb mesh) and prints (harlequin to stripes).

Go ahead and check 'em out. You know you wanna. ;)

Zombies, part deux...

2009-08-10T12:05:00.016-05:00

Another creepy submission by moi for the Etsy Dark Team!! The August theme is "They Live on Fear" and what could fit the bill more than a zombie offering?

Amble slowly to my shop and check out my Zombie Brains hardware necklace! :) And for die-hard (or should I say dead) fans, check out this humorous zombie article about those pesky moaning critters with a gruesome palate.

Z is for Zombies

2009-08-09T17:07:00.012-05:00

For pretty obvious reasons, I want this reaaaaally bad! *looks longingly at the photo*

It has always been SO dangerous for me to hang out on the ThinkGeek site.

Do I have small children? Nope, we are pet parents but that doesn't qualify. I am just a sucker for twisted toys. Now I need to think of a way to rationalize ordering yet another strange collectible for my evil lair.

Save Some $$ - MSC's Back to School Promotion!

2009-08-07T18:58:00.011-05:00

Back to School time already????

Makes me think of that funny Staples commercial where the parents are dancing with happiness in the aisles while the kids give them evil looks as they buy school supplies. *eg*

Limited time only (expires Sept. 15)!!

Oh, and new products coming soon too! :)

Featured Artist: Batgirl Designs

2009-08-04T12:22:00.017-05:00

As a fellow bat lover, I was destined to find the Etsy shop, Batgirl Designs. Alex sells the coolest bat themed ice cream/coffee sleeves. And her newest products, Sugar Gliders and Bat Sachets are super cute!! We became fast friends and needless to say, I purchased several of her batty products for my ever growing bat collection---->

I have an ice cream and coffee fetish and they are so cute that I almost hate to use them for their intended purpose! I have my eye on a few others such as her Absinthe Bat which will fit nicely with my existing all year long Halloween decor in my home. :)

I got a chance to throw a few questions her way:

1. How did you get started in crafting?

My mom taught me everything I know about crafting, she's the next Martha Stewart. She taught me how to sew and she helped me to create the bat cup sleeves I sell and we still colaborate on new ideas and craft together all the time! :)

2. Describe your studio/craft area.

My studio/craft are is pretty much an organized disaster zone. I know where everything is and how high it can be piled and pushed into drawers, but it looks like a total mess! lol

3. How does your muse provide you with ideas?

Well, my muse would be all of my family and friends. I bounce ideas off of them all the time and get their opinions and they usually give me ideas and advice, either directly or inadvertently! :) When I go fabric/craft shopping, seeing all the new and cool fabric and add ons really inspires me! :)

4. When life is not consumed by crafting, what else keeps you busy?

Pretty much my life is consumed with either schoolwork, movies or crafting. I'm an anthropology major at UCSC and I'm working on a minor or History of Art and Visual Culture. Homework, memorizing, studying and reading for both of those classes really takes up all my time. I also love to go to the theater with my boyfriend or spend nights in my apartment watching movies and TV shows like Buffy or Dexter! :)

5. What do you consider the coolest thing you ever made?

Hmmmm... that's a tough one! I think the coolest things I've made are some of my custom orders, but I love my Yeti bat cup sleeve as well as my travel sewing kit which is coming to my shop soon! :)

6. Pretend you have magical powers, how do you see your ideal future (art or otherwise)?

I see my future as being a bat rehabilitator or a bat zoo keeper and still doing my crafts and hopefully being a successful bat cup sleeve/craft seller! :)

7. Lastly, If you had a pet bat, what would you name him/her? ;)

Wow that is a tough question, you have me stumped. I guess I would have to see the personality of the adorable bat and then decide lol

Check her out!!

A visit to the Dark Carnival!

2009-07-26T17:46:00.010-05:00

Just submitted my offering for the Etsy Dark Team's July exhibition.

The theme is "Dark Carnival" so I created a Ringmaster underbust boned corset. The tails are lined with harlequin fabric which is one of my fave prints. It was completed before I left for vac but I just got a chance to list it in my Etsy shop. Whew!

Check out all the submissions- there are some amazingly cool items from Etsy sellers.

Off to have dinner before TrueBlood comes on. :)

Poppy in the City By the Bay!

2009-07-20T20:27:00.016-05:00

Well, kinda....

So after the ball at the Harry Potter con in San Francisco last night, a bunch of friends and I decided it would be loads of fun to run to the nearby fast food resturant and grab some munchies. Another group of attendees had the same idea. I looked over and saw a girl in a cute HP dress and recognized the style immediately as a Poppy's Wicked Garden original!

So I asked her and sure enough, it was. And she was kind enough to indulge me and allow a picture to be taken for posterity.

And if you have been living on another planet and have not heard of the talented Poppy, check out her Etsy store. :)

Got magic?

2009-07-15T12:26:00.010-05:00

Woo hoo! Just created 2 new designs in my Wizard Wear line! Harry Potter themed hats and a new version of fingerless gloves. Just in time for the Half Blood Prince which I saw at midnight last night with a large group of friends. *yawns and sips coffee*

The hat has a long pixie hood, a house patch and is lined in the corresponding house color in gorgeous velvety panne. The gloves feature a house patch and dragon-like "fins" (if you know what those are called, please convo me! lol) on the sides also in the panne.

I am heading out for Azkatraz 2009 (http://www.hp2009.com/) tomorrow, the annual Harry Potter con, and will be bringing along a limited number of these new designs which will be offered at event discount prices!

MSC's foray into the blogosphere....

2009-07-13T20:37:00.009-05:00

Join me as I creep into the world of blogging....

I finally had a few spare moments to set up a Mad Science Creations blog. Yay! Prepare for lots of announcements of new items from the dark side, contests, tutorials, promotions and other cool stuff. I will also occasionally feature talented artists and their wares just the share their awesomeness.

Beware....it will be wickedly creepy.... *evil grin*

Oh, and if you are morbidly curious, check out my Etsy shop, Mad Things & Raven Wings!