SheWalksSoftly

Wind Up Dreams and Vinyl Nightmares

November 20th, 2010

Christmas came early for me this year, in the form of a truly awesome series of collector’s edition postcards from Wind Up Dreams and Vinyl Nightmares.

I think I’m going to have them framed because I doubt I could actually part with them and send them off as regular postcards.

Some of you may recall my previous post about John Purlia’s haven of incredible kitch and ephemera. He has put together some of my favorite photos of vintage toys and assorted goodies.

John’s Etsy store features a variety of prints ranging from reasonably priced glossy photos to limited edition collectors items.

In addition, I’m thrilled to welcome Wind Up Dreams and Vinyl Nightmares as a SheWalksSoftly sponsor (check out the nifty sidebar link)! It’s really my pleasure to promote artists whose work I enjoy so much.

Visit the website and the Etsy site.
Museum of Unnatural History

November 19th, 2010

This fictional museum has a very elusive online presence. I saw one image from the lot, and figured I would find a plethora of articles, photos and information. After all, The Museum of Unnatural History is a sensational concept.

I could only find this site, which does not even list authors or contact info. I’m intrigued. I want more.

The collection boasts one of the finest arrays of fictional charts, specimens, and products I’ve cast my eyes on.

For my dear cynics and nihilists:

The simple re-branding of everyday objects is genius.

This one makes my geek senses tingle with delight:

Why are there no links to buy these products?

I highly recommend the rest of the collection.

[EDIT] Because I have such awesome readers, there is now more info in the comments. Here is an article about the brick and mortar store. Scan the comments for a series of links about the purpose and history, courtesy of Rich. Thanks, guys!

This place has officially been added to my “destinations” list!
Kira Shaimanova

November 17th, 2010

Kira Shaimanova is a 3D artist who constructs subjects and scenes out of clay, then photographs them to make the final product.

I love her sweet and creepy little displays. A fair amount of the undead grace her work…

I first saw her work here.
Paperchase

November 16th, 2010

During a brief stop at Borders bookstore, I found myself exclaiming “Sweet glittering Jesus!”

And I meant it entirely literally.

Paperchase is now selling products at Borders, and among them you will find some of the sparkliest religious superstars on the shelves this season. The photos don’t do justice to how they glimmer in the light.

Jesus also comes in black (apparently they are money boxes, but at first I didn’t realize they served a purpose).

Mother Mary comes in blue and pink.

Although it was the absurdity of these kitschy disco icons, Paperchase really does have some cool products. Check out their other Christmas decorations here.
The Girl With the Prefabricated Heart

November 15th, 2010

Over the weekend I got to see a rare Hans Richter film: Dreams That Money Can Buy.

The story involves a man who realizes he can see into the minds of others, and opens a business selling custom made dreams to troubled clients. Each customer encounter is followed by a surreal dream sequence.

My absolute favorite was The Girl With the Prefabricated Heart. I couldn’t find the entire clip without a remade score, but you can get an idea from this. If you enjoy strange dolls, and clever satire of consumerism and manufactured beauty, this is NOT to be missed:

Here is an abridged version with the original soundtrack. Click to hear its scratchy, vintage glory:
Ornaments For Sale

November 13th, 2010

I have a limited quantity of ornaments for sale this year, if anyone is looking for a cheap little gift and would like something slightly out of the ordinary.

I apologize for the awful photos. All ornaments look much better in person!

THE KRAMPUS ORNAMENT:

For those who enjoy the darker side of the holidays, a Krampus would be a perfect tree adornment!

2″ X 3″ X 1/2″ cedar block, subtle red glitter background with a slight gloss finish, decoupage vintage Krampus illustration and bow detail. Black felt covers the back.

$6 + $2 packaging/shipping

TECH TREE:

Got a tech geek in your life? Why not give a Tech Tree?

4″ X 3″ painted wood with circuit board pattern, “wiry” garland and glitter star.

$4 + $2 packaging/shipping

And of course…

Info on that one here.

Please contact me to place an order. I only have a few of each (and won’t be making more due to other holiday obligations), so order soon!

Paypal, check, money order (or cash if you feel comfortable sending it in the mail).
Notebook Paper Bedding

November 12th, 2010

This notebook paper bedding definitely appeals to the geek in me (and the old fashioned gal who still actually uses paper to write things down).

Source
Nicolette’s Jewelry

November 11th, 2010

The holidays are coming up, which means I don’t spend a penny on myself because I want to make sure my loved ones are taken care of.

If I had some change to spare, I’d DEFINITELY buy myself one of these incredible rings from Nicolette’s Jewelry.

This iridescent vintage glass ring blows my mind. It looks like abstract science art!

The best part? It’s ADJUSTABLE so I could make it fit my freakishly small fingers.

I like the green one even better because it’s vertical.

That one is on the very top of my wish list!

Nicolette’s Jewelry
Tama

November 9th, 2010

As long as I posted some scenic watercolor paintings the other day, I might as well post some of an entirely different style.

Tama paints detailed watercolor scenes, usually featuring innocent little girls trapped in the midst of slightly sinister fairy tales.

See more here.
Harry Clarke: Faust

November 8th, 2010

A Journey Round My Skull posted a series of Harry Clarke illustrations from a 1925 publication of Faust. Quite unique and compelling…

Beautiful, strange, haunting shapes morph into each other, often adorned with the delicate detail of fine art deco…

See the rest here.