SheWalksSoftly

Notes on a Case of Melancholia

December 13th, 2014

Nicholas Gurewich, the creator of the surreal and wonderful Perry Bible Fellowship comic has kickstarted a project I’m incredibly jazzed about: Notes on a Case of Melancholia, inspired by Edward Gorey and Jungian analysis (two of my very favorite things! *covers mouth with hand so as not to squeal with joy*).

This a book about Death’s despair regarding his kid- an affectionate “Little Death” who simply doesn’t have what it takes to carry on the family business. Dr. Edgar O. Wye is a psychoanalyst who takes Death on as a patient. The book’s rhyming narration will be taken from his case notes.

The book will run about 42-50 pages long, and will be completely illustrated. Graphic novel “frames” will be used on occasion, but this will really be more of a picture book – deliberately similar to the short books of Edward Gorey, but with a character-driven plot. Though it has a pretty high body count, it is in essence a family story.

Watch the video and support the project at the Notes on a Case of Melancholia Kickstarter.
Shaq’s Favorite Easy Bake Oven Recipes

December 12th, 2014

I never thought I’d hear anyone utter the phrase “when you invite your bros over for tea,” and it kind of made my day. This video shows Shaquille O’Neal being a great sport (pun intended?), for a great cause. Just wait for it, and let yourself be confused and entertained in the meantime.
World’s Largest Gummy Skull

December 11th, 2014

Know someone who is both skull obsessed AND a hardcore sugar junkie? Perhaps the World’s Largest Gummy Skull is a suitable holiday gift.

This hyper-realistic depiction of the human skull is made of solid gummy, weighs over 5 pounds, packs over 7,000 calories, and is 100% edible! Each highly-detailed and gluten-free World’s Largest Gummy Skull is handmade in the USA and is currently available in three flavors: red cherry, blue raspberry, and grape.

World’s Largest Gummy Skull
Source
Cereal Killer Cafe

December 10th, 2014

As terrible as I know it is for me, I have a major cereal addition. It’s basically the only thing I never get sick of. A new London restaurant, Cereal Killer Cafe offers a dazzling array of classic and rare cereals.

Twin brothers Alan and Gary Keery have designed a truly amazing tribute to crunchy, boxed morsels worldwide, offering over 60 types of cereal and 30 types of regular and alternative milk (rejoice, ye lactose intolerant!). All milk is offered on the side, so diners can control the exact amount of crunch they desire.

Rare and imported cereals (anyone remember URKEL-O’s? I don’t) are the same price as common ones, which is rather awesome.

The walls are decorated with vintage memorabilia…

And art made of…you guessed it: cereal.

The cafe also features sweet treats and novelties in keeping with their theme.

Keery brothers…please consider a NYC location!

If anyone across the pond stops by, please tell me your impressions of the place!

Cereal Killer Cafe
Mini Spinal Hiatus

December 9th, 2014

I recently returned from the hospital after having an outpatient procedure for the damaged, pained nerves at the base of my spine. Resting up today, but hope to be posting tomorrow!

(image by caryndrexl)

Also, if anyone has come across weird and wonderful holiday items, please share! Have a good evening…
Anatomy of Digestion Plates

December 8th, 2014

At first glance they appear to be trendy, artistically decorated china, but these Anatomy of Digestion Plates are essentially “anatomically correct.”

This unique range of fine china illustrates the anatomy and histology of the digestive system in graphic black and white with hand gilded detail.
The range portrays the intricate anatomical pattern and detail from the teeth to the stomach, intestine and liver.

Each plate is carefully handmade (and there is also a series of matching cups and saucers at the Morbid Anatomy Gift Shop).

Anatomy of Digestion Plates
Alyzia Zherno

December 7th, 2014

Today I bring you a few favorite pieces by Alyzia Zherno.

I love the concept of hands emerging from flowering vines; these seem to glow with life force!

A handmade crown…of unique materials.

A couple of her pieces seem to comment on the relationships between humans and the natural world, sometimes with a satirical twist, such as this wonderful little role reversal.

Today I bring you a few favorite pieces by Alyzia Zherno.
Blown Glass Solar System Ornaments

December 6th, 2014

My favorite decoration I’ve come across this year is this series of Solar System Ornaments.

From the product description:
Blown glass Christmas ornaments. A Saturn that actually LOOKS like Saturn, with Cassini data used to etch the rings! A Sun with sunspots! Earth and Mars with clouds and polar caps, Jupiter with a red spot, and I include Pluto, just because! Very cool!! And with a loop on the top to hang on your tree. I like to hang these in the window during non-Christmas months. The sunlight coming through them is amazing! I hand blow these ornaments myself. Ornament size is about 2″ for the small ones, up to 4 inches, and Saturn has the rings about 4.5″. With the rings, the ornament is heavier than my others and may be too heavy for little trees. All of the ornaments are thicker than cheap breakable ones, and have been crash tested by my cats to be able to withstand normal handling and last a lifetime as heirloom pieces.

I’d like to try my hand at making a series like this via painting (or even plush). In fact, I’d like to do a whole space themed tree. Unfortunately, the price of these ornaments is too steep for me, but they are awesome pieces.

Solar System Ornaments
João Carvalho

December 5th, 2014

Brazilian artist João Carvalho is only 15 years old, yet he demonstrates a remarkable talent for creating three dimensional illusions in two dimensional space.

He just started drawing earlier this year, and can already achieve excellent character replication and figure studies with mind-bending ripples in space.

There are some impressive sketches that do not involve warping space as well!

João Carvalho
Jessica Joslin and Conjurer’s Kitchen: Morrigan

December 3rd, 2014

Two gifted creators of curiosities, Jessica Joslin and Conjurer’s Kitchen have teamed up to produce a delightfully intricate chocolate sculpture of Joslin’s “Morrigan.”

Last year, the talented Tonya Hurley gave me a piece from Conjurer’s Kitchen, and I can attest to the supreme quality of their work. I could not bring myself to eat my chocolate raven skull; it was simply too pleasant to look at. I’ve kept it as a sculpture.

Handmade from white chocolate, this exquisite piece of edible art comes beautifully packaged in a black box with a small print of the original sculpture.

You can purchase your chocolate Morrigan here in the US and here in Europe.