The Williams-Sonoma Skellie Toile collection is reminiscent of vintage anatomical textbook illustrations.
Given my predilection for anything that makes me feel as if I’m either in a museum or studying something that belongs in a museum…I’d give these items a spot in my home all year long.
Now this is an apron I could cook in.
These creative confections have been featured on at least 15 sites I follow, but they are too pretty not to share. The inclusion of the gummy brains (with corresponding colors) is genius. Walnuts, as it turns out, also serve this purpose quite well.
Ah, now where are my chocolate molds so I can try my hand at this?
See the individual pieces of the collection here.
Hilary Wallace suggested her portfolio for my Halloween countdown, and I feel it fits.
This was done in colored pencil:
I adore this vampire’s hands.
Well, miss…your hair looks lovely.
The perfect zombie mouth:
Krisztianna has a series of Day of the Dead inspired sculptures she calls “Muertitas.” There is one representing each season (and a few others).
They are all gorgeously blossoming with life, drawing elements from their respective times of the year. The color coordination is lovely.
She crafts these beauties with styrofoam, paper maché, wire, clay, wood, acrylic, synthetic flowers, twine, pins, glue, sealant, screws, “and lots of love.”
I’ve been trying to gather some potential films to set the proper spooky mood of the season. My lovely friend Bettie pointed me to 101 Horrors You Must See Before You Die. I must say, it’s a fine compilation.
What’s on your viewing list this month? I’d love some suggestions for movies, shows, cartoons, etc.
My earliest conscious memories involve a (harmless) deep intrigue and love of darkness. As a very young child I used to enjoy traipsing around my local library, looking for spooky goodies. Still do.
Given my innate radar, I was drawn to this box immediately, as it was the only one in the kids section that had a black spine and cover with ominous writing instead of the usual kid-friendly color schemes and bubble letters.
I was further entranced by the Devil’s voluminous neck folds. Admit it…you can’t look away.
The Devil and Daniel Mouse (loosely based on the Faustian short story The Devil and Daniel Webster), was released as a Halloween special in 1978. Once I found this in the video section, I got my parents to rent it for me multiple times.
The plot (via IMDB):
Finding their audience drying up in favour of rock music, two young mouse folk singers find themselves with a bleak future. Desperate for a better career and life, the female vows that she would do anything to become a rock star. Instantly, the Devil arises to take advantage of that and offers to make her a star in exchange for her soul. She agrees and she quickly becomes the star she’s dreamed of while her boyfriend, Daniel Mouse, is left behind. On the night of her greatest triumph, the devil comes to collect on her soul. In desperation, she turns to Daniel who must attempt the impossible task of trying to find an escape loophole for his girl’s release.
I’ll be straight with you here…The ending is pretty lame. Spoiler alert:
Despite a deep belief in the transformative power of song, I couldn’t get behind this. Perhaps a testament to the cynicism of my old age, I found myself thinking “A song does not negate a legally binding contract. Oh, come on Dana…it’s a cartoon! Suspension of disbelief! Think of it metaphorically, or something.” And even as a 4 year old I fast forwarded through the (intensely 1970’s) musical interludes. But this whole cartoon is worth it for the perpetually shape-shifting Devil, who is an absolute delight.
There are many fists of fury poses…
If you dig retro animation, watch this for good ol’ B.L. Zebub. Let me know what you think!
[Edit] Thank you, Bettie, for reminding me that this was sampled in Bauhaus’s “Party of the 1st Part.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lwQRpBzbxg&feature=player_embedded
Neato Coolville featured these excellent iron on transfers, featuring some classic fiends.
I think I’d wear every one of these on a T-shirt for Halloween.
In fact, this is going to be be new “migraine T-shirt” for those headachy days.
Which one is your favorite?
There are some leads for original image sourcing here.
Here we have a great reader submission: The Doll Asylum.
From the staff:
Welcome to the Doll Asylum. We are a place for the old, the decrepit, the forgotten…the insane. We try to ‘fix’ those we can, and provide a place of refuge for those we can’t.
Founded in 1867 by German Dr. Hermann Reinhardt, the Doll Asylum’s purpose was to receive dolls who were abandoned, neglected, or most importantly, showing signs of psychotic or murderous behavior.
Doll Maker by hobby, Dr. Reinhardt thought he could bridge the gap between the inanimate and animate and stomp out the dark thoughts that lay beneath.
While no true success was to be had in his day, Dr. Reinhardt did establish a home for those unwanted creatures and in doing so, has protected society at large.
We continue that tradition and throw open our doors to the public 4 days a year to show what his good work has wrought. We cannot guarantee your safety or mind or spirit, but we will have cookies.
Has anyone in Portland gone here?
The cake below was the inspiration for a whole post on the subject. Can you believe this is a cake?
On the flipside, we have simple and classy:
Genius:
Holy hell…
Holy hell, and then some…
For those who want to keep it pretty:
And for those who prefer to keep it undead:
The pumpkin trifecta:
Oh my god…
Great design on this little Sleep Hollow treat.
Images via Google search and Cake Wrecks.
This homemade parasite specimen is one of the finest examples of DIY prop crafting I’ve ever seen.
The creator gives a small comment:
This was sculpted out of polymer clay and painted with acrylics. The detail work was done with dental tools and some custom texture stamps. I added the gore just to dress up the photos a bit. It’s essentially lumpy gravy- cornstarch and water mixed with some food coloring and heated up until it gels.
I don’t know about you, but I think the goopy red stuff is a very nice touch. A shiny, slimy luster makes any parasite look its best.
SheWalksSoftly 