ehagart

An Interview with Emily Dimov-Gottshall of EDGE Gallery

2011-07-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

Emily Dimov-Gottshall is the imaginative artist behind the

Altoona, Pennsylvania based

EDGE Gallery

How would you describe your work?
I enjoy working in a variety of different art mediums...from acrylic to watercolor, collage to fabric and clay. At times, these over lap each other and other times, I have fun exploring the medium by itself. My work usually involves a bit of magic, some elements found in nature and overall inspired by life.

When I create a new piece using watercolors in the ACEO form, I am limited by the size of the piece (2.5 by 3.5 inches). However, this is what makes the piece exciting for me and I hope for the collector. I try to give each piece some sort of emotional connection...whether it's humor, sorrow or joy. Once I know what I'm trying to convey, I can jot down a sketch or to freehand a piece.

When I work with paper clay, I often freehand my pieces. My sculptures are rarely drawn down...unless to solve some physical challenge of the pieces. My Sammie Crow piece was a challenge as it is top heavy and is supported by wooden legs on a wooden platform. I figured out by adding wire into the wooden legs, I could attach it to the wooden platform and they would balance each other.

I also work with wood carving and for these I do sketch out my ideas. With wood, there is this intense time period where you are investing a lot of your physical energy into giving the wood dimension and form. I compare it to animation in some ways...you don't want your story to be cheap or too simple if your going to be putting so much artistry into your work. So, you do give it a lot of thought and time. And yes, it does make it harder to give your work to the world. You want to keep them all. lol

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
I started around 2006 or earlier. I sort of stumbled into it, actually. I really love Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas and thought, wow! There is a whole other world of magical realism! I love magical realism.

I also love the Day of the Dead. When I lived in Los Angeles, we were very lucky to have a strong connection to the Day of the Dead. I loved these cultural events as they are unique to what I celebrated in my family but am still very connected to these days. Who hasn't lost a loved one? It's this remembering of those who have left us, I find so poignant in Halloween and Day of the Dead art.

I also like how there is this overall acceptance of Women in Halloween art. For me, I see it as a celebration of Women who were often on the fringe of society and labeled a witch. I tend to see them as some of the first doctors/caretakers and hope I celebrate a little of this in my work. My work is often a gentler view of Halloween. :)

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
My greatest challenge is time. I have 3 children and a house full of pets and yes, time is very important. I carve time out by getting up early, limiting TV watching and have found it's getting easier as the children grow. Oddly, the children do help to keep me inspired. I probably wouldn't do as much art if I didn't have them in my life. They keep me balanced and focused.

Creatively, I find it challenging to get fresh ideas. This is why I have piles of books by artists and art I admire. Gustav Klimt, American Abstract Art collection, Beatrix Potter, etc. all of these, help me when I need inspiration. When I feel as though I'm tapped out, I reach for a book and within an hour, I feel as though I can start a new series of painting.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
I enjoy the camaraderie and the support. The group has been great to push you in directions you wouldn't have thought of. I like how they get you excited about doing something new in Halloween art.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
I probably had 2 favorites. Wonder Woman and a Gypsy woman. Wonder Woman was a store bought plastic costume that was totally uncomfortable (imagine Halloween in Southern California...hot!). But I loved the mask and being someone who could save people and was a strong woman. The Gypsy woman was a favorite because my aunt put lipstick on me and my sister and this seemed so wow to me!

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
Besides trick or treating and watching "Nightmare before Christmas", I love decorating the house up. I usually have the fireplace covered in a little Halloween town theme with lights and all. I enjoy making a little magic happen in the house and outside. Since we are geared towards the little ones, candy is a big part of it all. I'm okay with that. lol

Where do you find your inspiration?
Besides films like Nightmare before Christmas or the books on Klimt, I like Edward Gory's style and Hayao Miyazaki. When I saw Princess Mononoke in 1999 or 2000, I was like what is this incredible world? I was hooked, heart and soul. Then, I saw Spirited Away and Kiki's Delivery service (not in that order) and each time, I'm blown away by the depth and imagination of Miyazaki. I find his work has a way of capturing those details people often rush by and this is what makes his work so strong to me.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
I have been working on a novel...it's illustrated (hence the time factor). I want to make this available on Amazon. My other goals are to send out more to magazines for submissions, get an art agent and keep creating. I would like to see my work in stores some day. :) I guess that's a common goal of artists, but it's worth aiming for.

I was recently accepted into a juried artshow. It is one of my abstract art pieces. This is the 3rd show I've had work accepted through the juried process.

I also have work shown at "Art 4 Gallery", in Hollidaysburg PA. They just opened their own on-line shop! I'm also selling my work at my Etsy shop and plan to keep adding new work there.

This year I will be doing my "Art Yard Sale". I usually talk about it on my art blog for the local newspaper. Basically, I set up some tables in my yard and sell art. :) It's a nice way to met people, share my art and website and hear what people have to say. We are aiming for the first weekend in August. Last year was great as my first time selling and doing my Art Sale. It helps having a very supportive husband/partner who encourages me.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
I am inspired by the Muppets and wanted to be a puppeteer. When I had my 7th birthday, my mom took us to see the Muppet Movie. I thought this was the best thing in the world. :) I wanted to make puppets (and have made quite a few) and if I could have connected to people who did this, I would be one right now. I love this art form and will always have a soft/fuzzy spot for puppet artists.

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
Often, I'll have the dining room table covered with paints and art supplies which makes eating dinner a challenge. I also have an art table in the dining room, which sort of helps. lol I have a studio in the basement, and have more tables set up with projects I'm in-progress on.

During the summer it's a little more difficult with the kids being under foot, however, they are used to finding paint brushes in the kitchen sink. Usually, it's not too chaotic...only when I'm planning to bring things to the gallery or having a show.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year/next year?
I will be participating in "Artists in our Midst" at SAMA (Southern Alleghany Art Museum) in September.

I will be having an Art Yard Sale on August 6th.

You can find my work at Art 4 Gallery in Hollidaysburg PA, www.art4gallery.com.

Emily Dimov-Gottshall's work is also available in/at Nutkins-nest (eBay id),

http://www.etsy.com/

www.galleryedge.blogspot.com

www.edgegal.com

www.cafepress.com/emilyinkstone

If you would like to contact Emily her email is emilyandjon@atlanticbb.net

An Interview with Jennie Hepler of Prim Pumpkin Studio

2011-06-30T13:11:00.000-04:00

Jennie Hepler is the imaginative artist behind the

Michigan based

Prim Pumpkin

How would you describe your work?

I create pumpkin art dolls with vintage lavish couture accents! Having had a love affair with clothing for many years, I can testify to the way a garment can make a person feel. When I was in high school I borrowed from my Grandma's closet. I put on her clothing and I felt like a lady. Her clothing was a costume for me; the girl who really didn't fit anywhere. Clothing can create our story and make us feel on the outside as fabulous as we do on the inside.

Just as we plan our costumes for Halloween, I outfit each art doll in her very own frockish delight. Something that makes her inner pumpkin fabulous side shine! Feminine, sweet, and Prim Pumpkin lovely. I specialize in pumpkins that choose to be costumed in romance.

My studio is called The Prim Pumpkin and this is where pumpkin magic takes hold. I create one of a kind art dolls -pumpkins with the flavor of Halloween, using wonderfully feminine themes and fabrics. My style is a mixture of French chic, primitive feminine and whimsical Halloween. I like to provoke thought with my pumpkins. How would a pumpkin lady dress if she were headed to the ball or if my pumpkins were invited to tea, or even on a Paris carousel? I take pride in the construction as well as the frilly nature of my art.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?

I have dabbled in Halloween art for about 5 years, but became serious about Halloween art dolls three years ago. I create every day.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

Honestly, I think my greatest challenge is compartmentalizing the need to market my work and the work itself.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?

Ehag is wonderful because it is a group of seasoned Halloween artists who are willing to encourage and elevate each other.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?

As a child I remember being costumed as a gypsy! It was freeing and colorful. I have since dreamed of owning a gypsy wagon and watching the movie Chocolat exclusively. I remember mostly how amazing my classmates costumes were. I remember going to the rich neighborhoods for full -sized candy bars!

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?

I have a fairly new little family and we just moved to a sweet, homey neighborhood. Traditions are in the make. Last year when we went out our little boy received more religious material than candy, so this year I think we will venture out, in search of the full sized candy bar!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I believe that people follow a creative path. No matter how crooked or bumpy your path, you keep brushing on this stone of creative passion until the day when you pick it up carry it like a jewel in your crown. I get inspired by music and art. I love discovering new artists and looking into their creative process.

What are your artistic plans for the future?

I am selling my work on eBay and Etsy this year. I am in two really wonderful groups PFATT and EHAG. I am working like crazy, creating one of a kind art and whatever flows from that, I am open to.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.

Not many people know that in my last life I was a shopkeeper. I partnered with my dear Grandmother and we opened a shop, with our focus fluttering around the genre of vintage romance. I painted old furnishings, and anything that would remain still long enough, really. The painting was our bread and butter for some time. It was my first swim in the happy pool of being an artist and having people desire what I was creating.

I have always longed to create Halloween art and blend it with my passion for romance.

How do you balance your personal/professional life?

I work fulltime at an art center. When I arrive home, my studio is on the main living area, so life happens, friends come to visit and I create. We start dinner and while it cooks, I create. Creation happens often and daily. It’s a delicate balance, but one worth working at.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year/next year?

This year my artistic efforts will be taken to new heights as I design an plan our vintage wedding at a European style bed and breakfast. I am sewing tablescapes, creating mixed media topiaries, and outfitting my bridesmaids in vintage couture. Due to this huge undertaking, I am not participating in any shows this year, I have maintained a consistent steam of art dolls for eBay and I am selling though my blog and etsy. While I am not part of any shows, Joe and I will celebrate at Ghoultide Gathering as husband and wife.

Jennie’s work is also available at:

www.PrimPumpkin.blogspot.com

www.PrimPumpkin.etsy.com

and on ebay.

I have a blog enabling me to communicate with collectors all over the world. I love giving updates about what I am creating. I market my work on Facebook and I am PFATT and EHAG seller on EBay. I have been published in Art Doll Quarterly, last year my work was featured on the cover as well a feature inside.

EHAG Art Challange - "Familiar Friends"

2011-05-10T18:29:00.016-04:00

Several times a year, the artists of EHAG respond to a group artistic "challenge", the purpose of which is not only to get the creative juices flowing, but to share many different takes on the same subject, or jumping off point. Participation is voluntary, and varies with each challenge, but I think you'll agree the finished pieces are always fun!

We'll be updating this post as creations are shared, listed on eBay or Etsy, or offered on the individual artist's blogs. We'll be sharing our work here all week, and the listings beyond that. Please check back to see what "Familiar Friends" our artists have conjured up for this challenge!

The first challenge piece is a whimsical Black Cat Egg Cup from EHAG artist Johanna Parker...

Click here to visit the auction.

And here's a magical watercolor from Celia of Oberon's Wood...

Not sure where and this will be up for sale just yet, but you can contact Celia via her blog. :)

Carolee Clark, of King of Mice Studios painted this mystical jewelry or tarot card chest...

Click here to visit the eBay auction.

Here's a wonderful, primitive black cat art doll by Lori Brechlin of Not Forgotten Farm...

"Mr Jasper Binx" is now up for grabs on eBay. Click here to visit the auction.

Nancy Malay of Victorian Whimsies created this magical mixed media piece...

It's currently being offered on Nancy's sales blog.

The next EHAG creation is this beautiful watercolor by Iva Wilcox...

Click here to check out the eBay auction.

This fun pair of "Familiar Bats" are from Eleanor Burian-Mohr, the Cornerstore Goddess...

Find them in her eBay shop.

This acrylic painting on canvas is from artist Becky Federico...

"Familiar" is now us for grabs on eBay. Click here for the auction.

EHAG Challenge ~ Goblins & Ghosties!

2011-03-12T11:25:00.027-05:00

Please join the Artists of EHAG in their first spooktacular challenge of the year!
Starting today and continuing through March 18, expect to experience a variety of one of a kind Halloween creations in this ghost and goblin theme! Our artists will be selling their EHAG Challenge creations on various sites, including eBay, Etsy and perhaps their personal blogs and websites. Here, our EHAGart Blog is your source to view these whimsical creations and then navigate on to where you can learn more about each piece and the artist who created it!

We will be updating THIS post with the latest Ghosties and Goblins that are being offered as soon as they become available to you! So, please check back often for a variety of EHAG eye-candy and make sure to click on their corresponding links to see where these spooky works of art are being offered.

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

~ Original Green Goblin Ghost Postcard ~
by
Chris Klingler

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

~Goblin Fruit~
by
Chandra's Box of Stars

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

~ About the Cauldron ~
by
King of Mice Studios

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

~Ghostie Boo~
by
Johanna Parker Design

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

~Vintage Style Halloween Ghost~
by
HoHoHalloween

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

~Goblin Dancers~
by
Leah's Art Magic

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

~Beatrix the Banshee~
by
Fiddlestix Studios

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

~Gwallter the Goblin~
by
Possible Impossibilities

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

~Betty BOOp Hang Tag/Ornie~
by
Vintage Palette

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

~Fantôme de Citrouille~
by
The Prim Pumpkin

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

~The Ghost of Nell~
by
Dianie Mac Designs

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

~Ghostly Grace~
by
Enchanted Productions

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

~Hop Goblin Harriet~
by
Grimitives Originals

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

~Harry the Greeter Ghost~
by
Cornerstoregoddess

~Elwin the Goblin~
by
Cornerstoregoddess

An Interview with Elaine Thomas of Alphabet Studio

2011-02-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

Elaine Thomas is the imaginative artist behind the

Ohio based

Alphabet Studio

How would you describe your work? I would describe my work as an eclectic grouping with an infusion of mixed media.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art? I’ve always had a love Halloween but my true passion came in 2000.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge? My greatest creative challenge would be to balance my time. I know once I start creating it is hard for me stop sometimes. I may start a project in the morning and before I know it is time to get dinner on for the family.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG? I am excited to be apart of a group whose members also share a passion for creating wonderful Halloween Art.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why? Well, I would have to say I just loved Pippi Long Stocking. I work and watch her movies all the time.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions? My favorite Halloween Tradition is watching old Scary Movies like, “Halloween” and “Friday the 13th”.

Where do you find your inspiration? I find inspiration from childhood memories, shopping at antiques stores and through my dreams.

What are your artistic plans for the future? I plan to continue creating my art for collectors and work toward learning techniques to improve my art. I will continue my licensing contracts.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you. Well, LOL, I seem to have lost the code to the vault so once I remember the code I will share some secrets!

How do you balance your personal/professional life? Wow that can sometimes be hard for me with a hubby and kids. But, I find I work best in the morning. So, after my kids are off to school I spend a few hours creating. Also, throwing meat and veggies in the crockpot helps during those busy sculpting days. (lol)

What shows if any will you be participating in this year/next year? Right now I am reviewing my options and will post confirmed shows dates on my blog at www.artful-spirit.blogspot.com

Elaine's work is also available in her etsy shop

www.alphabetstudio.etsy.com

and at

www.spookytimejingles.com

Giveaway Goodness!...

2011-01-16T19:41:00.008-05:00

The artists of EHAG are kicking off the New Year in style with a *wicked* fun giveaway, which will run for the next two weeks!

Three fabulous prizes are up for grabs, and three lucky winners will be drawn on January 30th (the day before the first Emporium update of 2011!) Here are the goodies: "Gregory Gourdhead", an amazing original by Laurie Hardin of Monkey Cats Studio, a hauntingly beautiful and sparkly "Curious Eye" Halloween ornament, by Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations and A wonderfully whimsical Halloween pumpkin ornie by David Everett of Chicken Lips... Simply enter by visiting EHAG's Emporium and leave us a comment! Best of Luck!

An Interview with David Everett of Chicken Lips

2011-01-06T23:20:00.000-05:00

David Everett is the imaginative artist behind the

California based

www.chickenlips.biz

How would you describe your work?

I know the word is so over-used, but "whimsical" really seems to describe it best. A little bit of Halloween nostalgia, with a touch of humor.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?

The first Halloween pieces I made were back when I was 10 years old. I made some creepy shrunken apple-heads. All my friends wanted one! Since then, Halloween has always been my season of choice.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

Keeping it fresh! Producing enough pieces for up to 5 shows a year and online sales, it is easy for the "creative well" to run dry. I constantly look for ways to get into the Halloween mood. Looking through Halloween publications, online searches, even visiting local vintage stores help to get my creative juices flowing.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?

The sense of community and camaraderie amongst the artists is priceless! We encourage each other to be better artists, to step outside our own comfort zones and really push ourselves to do the best we can do.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?

My mom made me a Mouse costume...gray felt, with big ears and a tail. I carried a big hunk of foam rubber cheese and had a mousetrap on my tail. Wow! I haven't thought of that in years! Gives me an idea for a new Halloween piece to work on ;)

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?

I used to LOVE to decorate the outside of the house and scare the kids as they came to the door for candy! Hey, if you want candy from me, there is a price to pay! I know they loved it, because they always came back for more. Unfortunately, where I live now is too rural - sadly, we just don't get the kids at our door anymore.

What are your artistic plans for the future?

I'm going to continue to work in papier-maché, developing new characters - maybe a few "darker" designs - but not completely abandoning the "whimsy."

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.

I used to be a magician! I worked children's parties and special events. My claim to fame....I performed for the opening of a new Burger King (LOL!).

How do you balance your personal/professional life?

That's a tough one! Because I LOVE what I do, I want to do it all the time! I own my own graphic design company - http://www.dhedesign.com - and that takes up most of my day. My evenings and weekends are spent creating. As much as I love having my hands in the papier-maché, I have to force myself to get out and be social. It's so easy to lock yourself in your studio and never see the light of day. But it's the experiences outside our workspace that help to mould and shape us as artists.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year/next year?

So far, the confirmed shows are:

Glitterfest in March

Halloween and Vine in Sept.

Village Venture in Oct

The Harvest Festival in Dec.

You can check the Show Schedule on my web site for updates and new shows.

Follow David on his blog - http://chickenlipsfolkart.blogspot.com/

David's work is also available in his Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/chickenlipsfolkart

At "SpookyTimeJingles" on the 13th of every month - http://spookytimejingles.com/userpages.php?usersearch=dhedesign

At "Arts a Flutter" on the 1st of every month - http://www.artsaflutter.com/intro.html

His work is also for sale at the EHAG Emporium - http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/

An Interview with Leah Humberston of Leah's Art Magic

2010-12-14T19:00:00.000-05:00

Leah Humberston is the imaginative artist behind the

Oregon based

Leah’s Art Magic

Leah's sales blog - http://leahsartmagic.blogspot.com/

Her unique work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID : leahsartmagic

How would you describe your work?
My paper mache pieces have a vintage style to them. Most of my paintings have a texture to them, be it paper or polymer clay or paperclay or texture with a gel medium. I like to use antiquing gels and crackle’s to make my pieces look old. I guess I try to make my work look like it was found it in grandma’s attic.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
About six years I guess. But,… I do remember at the age of 9 years. I was drawing graveyards and ghost and witches on chalk boards quite a bit. I think my mother was seriously worried about me. J

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
This is a hard question, I would have to say, time. Being able to manage my time for creating is a challenge for me.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
Being in EHAG is a great honor. Everyone is very helpful and caring. The artists in this group are of the highest standard, so I’m very proud to be a member. There are so many talented people in this group and I am always in awe of their work.

What is your favorite childhood costume, and why?
A witch, because as child I liked the idea of being able to fly on a broom! :) I also remember designing my sisters witch costume and doing her make-up for a contest when we were young. I put a big hook nose on her and warts and she won first place! Great memories.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
We carve pumpkins and hand out candy to the goblins. I decorate the front of my house. Sometimes we have parties.

Where do you find inspiration?
Old postcards and graphics, antiques, books, magazines, movies, my dreams. Music can be inspiring as well.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
I hope to get published this year. I always try to strive to improve on my sculpting and painting skills.

“Open the Vault” tell us a secret not many people know about you.
Hmmmm….. When I was in my twenties used to paint cartoons for Mill Valley Animation, they did work for Hanna Barbera. So I painted Space Ghost, Scooby- Doo and Jonny Quest cartoons. It was a fun job.

How do you balance your personal / professional life?
That’s a very good question. It’s defiantly a balancing act. Having a studio in your home is difficult to say the least. I just try to do my best.

What shows will you be participating in this year or next?
The “Downtown Art Walk” in my home town , Cottage Grove, OR next year. I participated in it this last year and I enjoyed it.

Mostly I sell from my blog -http://leahsartmagic.blogspot.com/, my Etsy store- leahsartmagic, and the EHAG Emporium.

Follow Leah on her blog - http://leahsartmagic.blogspot.com/

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

An Interview with Len Bentham of Happy Holidays

2010-12-01T23:17:00.001-05:00

Len Bentham is the imaginative artist behind the

Victoria,BC, Canada - based

Happy Holidays

website - www.happyholidays.ca

Sales Blog - http://happyholidays-neatstuffforsale.blogspot.com/

How would you describe your work?
I am not interested in spooky, gory, or creepy Hallowe'en themed pieces so I suppose the words detailed, realistic (sort of), and humourous (that is the Canadian/British spelling) best describe my work.

I looked up humourous in the dictionary and it said causing amusement or laughter. After the definition were similar words - tongue-in-cheek, witty, slapstick, zany, comical, funny, hilarious, uproarious, joking. All of those words apply. The humour is filtered through gentle nostalgia and childhood innocence.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
Margaret Schiffer's book “Holidays – Toys and Decorations” published in 1985 was the book that started me off on holiday themed art work. I found the quality of the German holiday candy containers amazing. I remember looking at the images in the book and saying “I want to do that.” What was the question? I have been doing holiday themed art, Hallowe'en and other holidays, for at least 18 years.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
Staying focused! I constantly have all kinds of ideas zipping around in my mind. Some ideas are for holiday items while other ideas for interior design projects or anything else for that matter. If I stop and do one of the unrelated ideas I am off and running on a new project. I always have several to a dozen projects going at once!

The other area is not having everything perfect. I used to beat myself up (mentally!) for not having complete perfection and balance. What a sicko! After realizing I am human and not God and that the human element was what makes an art work come alive I relaxed and let the work express itself. I still like to have control but not at the cost of the item I am working on. It is like a dance, I go in this direction for a while and then the piece says over here kiddo. If I am paying attention then I don't notice the give and take as much. If I am not paying attention then it is just very difficult and exasperating.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
Having been a member of other craft groups the one thing that stands out so much is the camaraderie, we are all in this together. I remember showing a finished Hallowe'en candle holder to everyone at the board meeting of a group I belonged to and not having very much of a response from anyone. I like the fact that we do have high standards and that we are serious artists. Everyone is very helpful as well with information.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
I don't know if I have a favourite costume because we would throw on some old clothes of my dads. Victoria was a very small provincial town in those days. I always wanted to have one of those boxed costumes (I own a few vintage ones now!) I remember going to Kresges with my brother and mum and seeing the costumes hanging on the racks and then a pile of Japanese handmade papeir mache top hats and bowler hats. I wanted both hats but my mum bought us a top hat each. I still have them.

When I was in my teens I read a magazine called ”FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND”. One year I used a metal eyeball from a set of bobble-eye glasses, a touch of fake blood and held it all in place with a nylon stocking. Very spooky, someone even thought that it was a rubber mask.

Our children faired much better in the costume department. Over the years my wife and I turned cardboard boxes into a giant milk carton and a giant box of cookies, there were pirates, of course, a Thistle Fairy for our middle child Michael – check out the Flower Fairy books the Thistle Fairy is very manly, and many more costumes than I can remember.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
Fireworks! I live in Victoria B.C. Canada on Vancouver Island. There was a very strong British influence in southern B.C. and I believe that with the British celebration of Guy Fawkes day on the 5th of November, Hallowe'en took on the fireworks tradition as well. Every year we would buy fireworks and firecrackers and let them off after going trick or treating. We would also let off firecrackers before Hallowe'en and then buy more because we had depleted our supply! The last few years there have been almost no fireworks for sale. I think that the powers that be have finally managed to get them banned. You will see fireworks used in some of the pieces that I make.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I do not as a rule pour through books on Hallowe'en for ideas! I constantly scour the thrift shops for vintage and antique items. One item can give me an idea for an entire piece or pieces. I do not put the idea down on paper as a finished drawing, I find that by having a fully realized drawing of the idea that it constricts the design process. The only drawing done may be a thumbnail sketch. The books that I do look at constantly are on interior design and display. Costume and set design, haute couture, magicians, joke store novelties are other areas of influence. I love good design in any media so that is where I go for ideas. Check out my blog and look at the“Little tour of my brain” posts.

I had not realized until recently but there is an underlying theme of family and the joy friendship in my work. The story that accompanies each piece is as important as the work itself. I like to have the work appear as realistic as possible. It is also fairly detailed. I admire people that can do a flick of the brush here and a scrunch of papier mache there to then have a beautifully realized design. I love the German composition veggie people from the 1920's. I have found that Hallowe'en, especially the veggie people, has the greatest amount of humour in it.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
First and foremost I want to take the quality of my work to a higher level.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
Before I started doing holiday themed art work I was producing sculptural textiles using basketry and off loom weaving techniques. I would use anything that was not considered a weaving or basketry fiber to produce the forms; ticker-tape, surveyors tape, shed snake skins, wasp nest,and plastic flowers come to mind. I received a Canada Council Explorations grant and produced a body of work that was displayed in the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. In 1980 I had two pieces of work in the International Miniature Textiles show in London England. All pieces submitted had to be 8” or less in any given direction. The show then went to Lausanne, Switzerland and displayed at the same time as the Lausanne Biennale, a major international textile show where all of the pieces must be 4 metres or more in any given direction. The miniature textiles show toured Europe and North America for two years. I had a picture of one of my pieces included in the review of the show in American Craft magazine. Eventually I became frustrated with producing “fine art” because I felt that I was making stuff for other people and not myself. I have a sense of humour and that is not an emotion that is usually portrayed in fine art. How many pieces of art do you see that make you laugh? The art world in general is very serious and I am not!

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
I think I do it fairly well. Sometimes I find I will spend too much time with family and not enough time in the studio.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year?
There are no shows on the West Coast in B.C. that are devoted to holidays or Hallowe'en. I have been in major craft fairs at Christmas but my sales would only cover my costs, which were high, and then I would make a small amount on top. I sell mainly on the Internet through my sales blog “Happy Holidays – Neat Stuff for Sale” and my website www.happyholidays.ca.

Follow Len Bentham on his blog

happyholidays-blog.blogspot.com

An Interview with Nancy Malay

2010-11-19T21:42:00.000-05:00

Nancy Malay is the imaginative artist behind the

Minnesota based

www.nancymalay.com

Nancy's work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID: Victorian*Whimsies

How would you describe your work?
That’s always a tough one, because I create a variety of items in different styles – including Primitive, Victorian and Folkart. But, I guess you could say my work is vintage looking, with a touch of whimsy and a little sparkle.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
I was originally known as “The Christmas Lady”, creating mostly Santas and snowmen. But, I added Halloween themed art about 5 years ago, and enjoy making it all year long.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
In a word……TIME! There are never enough hours in a day to get done what I’d like to get done.
I love getting up really early – usually about 4:30-5:00 am. (For some reason I’m most creative that time of the day.) But, I’m also a “night owl”, so I have to fit in sleeping somewhere, too!

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
This talented group of artists all have such a passion for Halloween, and I think this shows in their work. And, I like that everyone’s art is so diverse, with creations ranging from primitive to whimsical.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
I was an Indian Maiden one year. It was the only time my Mom would let me wear make-up at that age, so I made the most of it!

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
When our boys were younger, I loved making their costumes, going to their parties, and taking them out to Trick-or-Treat. I still enjoy hearing that doorbell ring on Halloween and seeing the kids in their various costumes.

Where do you find your inspiration?
It can come from anywhere….buttons, old postcards, or an unusual found item that I think will make a great accessory for something. I definitely have more ideas than time.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
I love to try different techniques and mediums. I’ve wanting to take a class on woodcarving for a long time, but haven’t been able to fit it in, so maybe this will be the year.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
I’ve had a hole-in-one in golf and my husband has had two (he’s a great golfer—I’m terrible!)

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
This is a challenge at times. But, no matter what is going on, my family always comes first. I’ve been known take multi-tasking to a new level and go with very little sleep! And, I love the quote: “Behind every successful woman is an enormous amount of coffee”! (I do love my coffee!)

What shows if any will you be participating in this year?
I won’t be doing any shows this year.

Follow Nancy on her blog

nancymalay.blogspot.com

Nancy Malay's Etsy store ID is NancyLee

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

An Interview with Jorge de Rojas of Hohohalloween

2010-11-06T14:28:00.002-04:00

Jorge de Rojas is the imaginative artist behind the

Florida based

www.hohohalloween.com

Jorge's work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID: hohohalloween

How would you describe your work?
I think the best way to describe my work would have to be “retro vintage” if that makes any sense. I strive for a look that is grounded in classic Halloween images, yet relates to our modern sense of humor.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?

I’m relatively new to this Genre, It will be 6 years now since I started creating Halloween art. I started it as part of therapy after an automobile accident that left me home bound for period of time. Once I reconnected with the creative process, there was no going back.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
I think the greatest challenge for any artist is how do you stay true to your original ideas while growing and developing your style and technique. I’m actually in transition right now. I recently started clothed figures and I’m trying to retain that “cartoonish” humorous touch withoug getting to serious or fussy about the final image.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
To be in such wonderful company, when I first started listing on Ebay I would often look at the EHAG listing in admiration. the acronym immediately stands for a high standard of creativity, and technique.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
It was a Vampire. I remember my Grandmother making a red satin lined black cape as I watched. She was an accomplished seamstress, which is where I picked up my sewing skills that are coming in very handy today. I also remember that I wore that cape out even after Halloween was long gone.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
My Halloween Traditions include an annual Open House Party for friends and family and putting up a Halloween tree. I try to add at least one new ornament each year, keeping to that limit has proved to be hard as there are so many wonderful artist in EHAG and in general that it is hard to stick to just one.

Where do you find your inspiration?
It can come from the most unexpected places or objects, a visit to the thrift shop, an oddly shaped branch even an occasional beguiling pose from my cat Talula. Including the vast resource of vintage imagery that is out there.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
I hope in the future to be a little more proactive in getting into publications and become more familiar to new collectors.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
My next door neighbor is a witch, no really!

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
That is a hard one. Since my studio is home based you can’t really close up. It’s finding the time to get out of the house!

What shows if any will you be participating in this year?
I might have bitten more than I can chew but I’m happy to say that I’ll be joining other EHAG Artist in returning to Halloween & Vine this year as well as Spirits in Sanford and of course the first annual STJ Soiree. I’ll also be sending some pieces to the Madman’s Masquerade event Gallery in New York.

Follow Jorge on his blog

hohohalloween.blogspot.com

Jorge also posts items for sale on SpookyTimeJingles on the 13th every month.

His Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

An Interview with Susan Brack

2010-10-26T13:22:00.001-04:00

Susan Brack is the imaginative artist behind the Indiana based

www.susanbrack.com

Susan's work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID: inkpenart

How would you describe your work?
I think fantasy mixed with a little whimsy and folk art best describes my work, but my styles and themes often vary. I'm best recognized for my Holiday and folk art illustrations.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
I've been creating art and Halloween themes as long as I can remember.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?
I never run out of ideas. I'm lucky to have lots of images come to me in dreams. I'm constantly jotting down ideas and doodling images that pop into my head, but life has a way of pulling me from the studio. Mow the grass, cook the meals, clean house, the list goes on. I would much rather spend that time in the studio.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
It is a real honor to be accepted into such a talented group. I take great pleasure in networking and getting to know some of my fellow artists. All the artists are so welcoming and quick to give words of encouragement. Ehag is a great place to be.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
I confess, as a child I was not a fan of Halloween. I was a bit of a scaredy cat, always looking under my bed and in closets for bed time monsters. My imagination worked against me back in those days. My true love was horses. I wanted to be a horse. Still love them and often portray them in my Halloween illustrations today.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
I've been blessed to be able to live in the country most of my life. My favorite memories are of all the Halloween parties most often held in big old barns along with bonfires and haunted hay rides. Those are some of the best traditions ever!

Where do you find your inspiration?
I have always had an over active imagination. I find inspiration in just about anything I see or do. I live in my own spooky kingdom. Country living brings flying bats, big full moons, rustling corn stalks, scary scarecrows and an occasional screech owl in the middle of the night. Couldn't ask for better inspiration than that.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
Over the years I have found some success in licensing my work and designing for companies. I hope to keep doing the same and perhaps illustrate a book or two.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
As a kid scary movies scared the you know what out of me, but what can I say? I've always had a thing for Vincent Price. Still can't pass up watching an old flick of his whenever I get a chance. Can't believe I just gave up that secret.

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
It's not easy balancing work and a personal life. As long as the economy is slow, seems like more art needs to be produced in order to stay afloat. There are never enough hours in the day to get it all done. I feel so blessed to have been given my talent and I have faith things will get better.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year?
I don't do shows anymore. I've never been keen on traveling so I'm content to stay home and offer my work thru Etsy (Susan's Etsy store ID is susanbrack), Ebay, Cafepress, Facebook, www.susanbrack.com and our little shop THE ENCHANTED SLEIGH in Centerville, IN.

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

An Interview with Suzanne Urban of Suzanne Urban Designs

2010-09-29T09:06:00.000-04:00

Suzanne Urban is the imaginative artist behind the

Connecticut - based

Suzanne Urban Designs.

Her unique work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID : suzanne.artist

How would you describe your work? Neo-folk art in style, I mix my knowledge of drawing with simpler designy shapes so I can communicate more to my viewers.

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art? Gosh, since I've been a member of EHAG from it's very inception-how many years is that? 4?

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge? Drawing new images I haven't flexed my artistic muscles to draw.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG? The enthusiasm the other artists have for the Halloween Holiday.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why? This is a toss up, my ballerina costume, and then being a Troll with troll mask when I was ten.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions? No, but I do string orange and purple lights on our deck outside every Halloween season.

Where do you find your inspiration? I love children's illustration and even illustrated a book myself, so I study a lot of the work coming out in this field today, I hope to get back to the field in the future.

What are your artistic plans for the future? To do more shows and build up my button and magnet business featuring my talent as a copywriter.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you. Years ago when I was verily out of school- I was commissioned by a playwright to do a caricature of Liza Minelli when she was on Broadway. The playwright was a friend of hers.

How do you balance your personal/professional life? I'm still learning how to do this.

What shows if any will you be participating in this year? I will be doing a local Farmers Market here in CT that features local art and produce goods and hope to get into the Brooklyn Flea with my husband, would like to do more shows of this nature in NYC. And I'm participating in an online marketplace featuring Halloween among other holiday-theme art.

See more of Suzanne's work at the following website:

Suzanne Urban Designs

ETSY STORE ID: suzanneartist

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

Interview with Amelia Schaefer of Sweet B Folk Art...

2010-09-16T19:37:00.003-04:00

Amelia Schaefer is the imaginative artist behind the

Arizona - based

Sweet B Folk Art.

Her unique work can be found on eBay under the

eBay ID : Sweet*b*

How would you describe your work?

I like to think of my work as "Seasonal Folk art with a Sweet Candy Twist."

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?

Technically, since I was about 5... but seriously, at least for the last 6 years.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

Experimenting with new mediums, I tend to stick to what I know and love, and need to push myself to try some of the new products that are available.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?

I really enjoy the boundless creativity of the membership, and the high standards of workmanship that I see in EHAG pieces. It is very motivating to be part of such a great group of talented artists.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?

A cheap, plastic Cinderella costume (Longs Drugstore special), complete with the cheesy plastic mask. My mom wouldn't buy it for me because we were visiting with my Grandma at the time, and she had already made me a costume. Although I didn't actually wear it, I would consider it my favorite because I still think about it to this day. I think it was the neon pink packaging that sold me.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?

Can eating as much candy as you can till you get sick be considered a tradition?

Where do you find your inspiration?

So much of my inspiration comes from my obsessive love for candy. I collect vintage candy and dessert cookbooks for inspiration, but I also find inspiration when I just let my mind wander where it will.

What are your artistic plans for the future?

So many ideas, so little time... Eventually I would like to open an Etsy store, and I have several ideas for books. In the short term, however, I plan to bring back the Sweet B Folk Art Candy Challenge to my blog.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.

I only have one filling!

How do you balance your personal/professional life?

Like a Ringling Barnem and Bailey juggler!

What shows if any will you be participating in this year?

I am honored to be participating in the Halloween and Vine show in Petaluma California, and also in the Spookytime Jingle Soiree in New Jersey.

See more of Amelia's work at the following website:

sweetbfolkart.blogspot.com

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

We have a WINNER!

2010-09-07T20:42:00.012-04:00

A BIG THANKS goes out to ALL the talented kids that entered EHAG's 1st Annual Next Generation Contest! The artist members of EHAG made up the jury, and honestly, it was a very difficult decision to make with all the wonderful entries we received. In the end, there was one very unique entry that won the most votes. We can tell that this young artist has a clever eye for design, and we look forward to seeing where she takes that talent in the future.

A BIG EHAG round of applause goes to Tiffany, our Winner!

Tiffany's "Meoween," a whimsical marker drawing, blends the colors and icons of Halloween in a bold graphic statement. We loved her stylized imagery, flowing lines and patterns. What fun and how very unique! CONGRATS!

~ Tiffany, age 13 ~ "Meoween" ~

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

We also have 2 Honorable Mentions that came in at a close 2nd and 3rd....

Iliana's "Percy, the Pumpkin Crow" was also a big hit with our jury! She used polymer clay, lots of creativity and a touch of magic to make this guy come to life!

~ Iliana, age 10 ~ "Percy, the Pumpkin Crow" ~

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

And, Halsey's "Spooked" also turned our heads! Halsey's use of colored pencil, talent and whit made us smile! What a great sense of humor and skill....

~ Halsey, age 13 ~ "Spooked" ~

Thank you again to ALL of our entrants! Your artistic entries dazzled us, and we appreciate you sharing your works of art with EHAG. We only wish we could offer a prize to each and every one of you! We hope we inspired you, and until next year, keep on creating and celebrating the whimsy of Halloween through your art year-round! CHEERS to YOU!

~ The Artists of EHAG

Announcing EHAG's 1st Annual Next Generation Halloween Art Contest!

2010-08-06T00:00:00.011-04:00

What: A Kid's Halloween Art Contest
Who: Children ages 10-14
When: Now thru August 31st, 2010. The winner will be announced by September 7, 2010
Where: Online at the EHAG Facebook Page and EHAG Blog
How: Parents email an image of your little ghoul's Halloween themed artwork to ehaagartists@hotmail.com along with the young artist's name, age, date, contact info, title of piece and medium used.
Prize: $100 gift certificate for art supplies from the winner's art supply store of choice.

Be as creative as possible and all artwork must be created solely by the young artist. We ask that no gore be depicted. Artwork will be judged based on originality and use of medium, and all mediums will be accepted. (All EHAG family members are excluded from participation.)

The artists of EHAG are obviously not the first generation to create Halloween art, and we certainly will not be the last. So, we decided to sponsor a kid's art contest that both celebrates our most favorite holiday and nurtures their creative spirit! And, as we know that there must be children out there that love both art and Halloween, why not begin to encourage them today!

Good luck, and we look forward to seeing your creative Halloween art entries!

Interview with Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions...

2010-08-04T11:12:00.029-04:00

Joyce Stahl is the imaginative artist behind the Ohio based
Enchancted Productions

Her unique art dolls can be found on eBay under the
eBay ID: villagegiftshoppe

How would you describe your work?

Well….the “little enchanted ones”, which is the term I affectionately use to refer to my dolls, have quite a hodgepodge of Halloween characteristics swirled together in their personalities. As I state on my blog, “Enchanted Productions… Where Everyone is a Little Sweet, A Little Spooky, Part Mischief and Part Macabre” describes them pretty well. “Sinisterly Sweet” and “Wickedly Warped” could also describe the little ones. Or, as a fellow artist once said, “They put a smile on your face, just before they bite”.

As a child, I absolutely loved the Addams Family television show, so I try to incorporate that same feeling of ooky, spooky, creepy, kooky fun into each doll that I create.

How long have you been creating Halloween-themed art?
Although I’ve been a professional artist for almost 20 years, I’ve only been creating the little enchanted ones for about 4 years.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

Oooooo…this is a tough one! I have several! I would say that the most difficult challenge for me is keeping up with/and keeping track of the many ideas and characters that pop in and out of my head on a daily basis! Usually, before I’m finished with one….I have several more characters already planned out. That’s why I always keep a sketch book handy.

I also really struggle with keeping all of my fabrics, laces, trims, buttons, vintage jewelry and paints organized. I love going to flea markets, so there’s a constant, in coming flow of bits and pieces and do-dads to the studio. As hard as I try, I think this one will always be an ongoing battle.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?

Oh my…I LOVE being a member of EHAG! I am always in awe of the mega talent of my fellow members and each one is so inspiring to me as an artist. It’s such a treat to be able to come together with like minded artists and share our passion for Halloween.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
My favorite childhood costume was of a witch….of course! Early on, I remember wearing those store bought witch costumes with the plastic mask. I really didn’t like those though. They were always stiff, uncomfortable and usually smelled funny too! Later (somewhere around the 3rd or 4th grade), I remember my Mom taking me to a second hand store where I spied a 1950’s, black chiffon evening gown! OMG…I fell in love with it and begged and pleaded for my Mom to buy it for me. She eventually did and then altered it to fit me and it was FABULOUS! I loved that dress so much….I ran around the house in it all year round, but it did make the best witches dress ever! LOL!

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
Decorating the interior of my home and pumpkin carving are my all time favorites!

Where do you find your inspiration?
For me, inspiration can come from almost anywhere and can strike at any moment too! For example, I like to write little rhyming verses that go with the little ones. One day, when I opened the door to go downstairs…it let out a big squeak! Immediately, the words began to flow in my head and before I had reached the bottom of the stairs I had the first verse to the following poem.

I hear the creaking of the floorboard
And the squeak of a distant door
There's something coming down the hallway
But I can't say anymore
I fear that it may hear me
I can barely take a breath
My heart is beating wildly
And I'm scared half to death
I wonder what it could be
A Monster from under the bed
Or maybe it's nothing really
And just a Monster in my head

Of course, I then created a series of dolls called “Monsters From Under the Bed”, which I plan on adding to again soon. It also illustrates how the simplest thing, like a squeaky door, can inspire an entire series of dolls.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
Oh my…the sky’s the limit on this one! I will definitely continue to create my dolls and I’d like to explore new ways for them (and myself as an artist) to evolve.

Also, I was a painter and illustrator for 16 years prior to creating the little enchanted ones, so I think I’d like to start illustrating some of my characters that I’ve conjured up and who knows…there might even be some Halloween children's books in the future.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
Well…I hate spiders, I love thunderstorms and I still wish I could dress up and go door to door trick-or-treating every year! There’s just a little kid in me that will never outgrow the fun of Halloween!

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
Balance? What’s that? LOL! My family always comes first, but being a full time doll artist and working from home makes it very difficult for me to completely separate myself from my work. Someone always needs an eye or an arm sewn on, so I always find myself sewing at odd hours of the day and night/7 days a week.

Seriously, I feel as though I’ve been given this wonderful opportunity in life to share my fun and spooky work with others, who love Halloween as much as I do. So, I really have been focusing a lot of time and energy into the little enchanted ones during the last few years.

What shows will you be participating in this year?
When I was a painter, I used to participate in a lot of art shows and gallery openings and loved every minute of it. I always loved meeting the collectors in person and even though I haven’t participated in a show in almost 5 years…you just never know what the future may hold.

See more of Joyce's work at the following website:

joycestahl.blogspot.com

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

Stay Tuned!...

2010-08-02T11:09:00.000-04:00

We have lots more Halloween artist interviews and images coming your way from our EHAG family! So, stay tuned and check back soon.... And if you haven't had the pleasure to getting to know Flora Thompson and Sheila Bentley, just keep scrolling down. The Halloween eye candy awaits!

Interview with Flora Thompson of Bone Head Studios...

2010-07-24T11:31:00.029-04:00

Flora Thompson is the imaginative artist behind the Texas-based
Bone Head Studios

Her unique sculptures can be found both on eBay and Etsy under her ID:
Bone*Head*Studios

How would you describe your work?

I'm a bit eclectic, but "Creepy Cute" is what usually fits the bill.

How long have you been creating Halloween-themed art?
In a really odd coincidence, around 2008 I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to just do Halloween themed items. And, low and behold an opportunity opened up for me to do just that!! Although, I did sell some Halloween items on Ebay in 2007.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

This may not be what you were referring to, but I find that my greatest creative challenge is to work with deadlines... I HATE time constraints.

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
I am always in awe that I'm in such great company. Everyone's an inspiration.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?

I actually don't have any real memories of a favorite costume, but I do remember that they would never fit very well and tore easily.

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
One of my most favorite traditions is putting together a Halloween basket, kinda like an Easter basket. It came about because a lot of our old neighbors had moved and the newer ones seemed to shun Halloween. My son was still little, and I didn't want him to be disappointed with the poor participation and lack of treats. Even though Halloween has made a comeback in our neighborhood, my son still loves his basket.

Where do you find your inspiration?
I usually just sketch faces and add to them. They go through a lot of changes and don't always look like the original sketches when I'm done. Lately, I see faces/figures in the marble tiles in our bathroom, but I also see them in everyday items. I don't always wear my glasses, so sometimes I see things that really aren't what they are. Mostly, they just come from my mind's eye.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
I just take it a day at a time...I'm hoping to get up enough nerve to go to an art retreat or something all by myself.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
Ahahaha, then it wouldn't be a secret would it? ...no real secret, but I'm afraid of heights.

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
When I do learn to do that, you will be the first to know.

See more of Flora's work at these following websites:

boneheadstudio.blogspot.com

spookytimejingles.com

halloweenartists.com

Her Halloween-themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay & Etsy searches.

July Giveaway at the Emporium!

2010-07-20T10:40:00.005-04:00

There is a fabulous Giveaway going on at our EHAG Emporium featuring 3 original works of Halloween art! This all leads up to our July 31st Emporium opening, and it's our way of saying thanks to you for following, supporting and collecting our art. Please visit our EHAG Emporium now to enter to win!

June 30 EHAG Emporium!!

2010-07-01T14:26:00.000-04:00

Run on over to see all the Halloween goodies!!

Interview with Sheila Bentley of Primdolly Designs

2010-06-16T08:40:00.003-04:00

Sheila Bentley is the imaginative artist behind the Minnesota-based
Primdolly Designs

Her unique Art-Dolls can be found on eBay under the
eBay ID: primdollly

How would you describe your work?

This is the hardest question... maybe funky, quirky, sculpted art-dolls. I like to blend the realistic with the absurd! I hope my hags make people smile!

How long have you been creating Halloween-themed art?
I have been sculpting art-dolls for about 10 - 12 years and focusing on Witches and Halloween characters for 6.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

Too many ideas not enough time! I have way too many sketches of Hags I want to sculpt. Sometimes I can waste days on drawing and get lost in the details. I need to spend more time on sculpting what I already have drawn!

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
Of all of the groups I have belonged to, they are honestly one of the most original groups. Its an Amazing mix of Artists. No-One is trying to be someone else, They are all working to improve their own style and support each other.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
Can you guess?.... A Witch, I think I dressed as a Hag for every year that I could!

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
We grow and sell about a thousand pumpkins every year on our farm, so carving is one of my favorite traditions. I have to borrow my friends kids now to carve pumpkins as I can't convince my teenagers to do it!

Where do you find your inspiration?
People! I used to paint portraits so If I meet you in person don't be offended if I study your face! (hazards of the Job) I love malls and people watching. Of course what I sculpt is exaggerated, which is why I never name my witches after my friends and family :)

What are your artistic plans for the future?
Well I absolutely love what I am doing now! If I could sculpt One of a Kind Dolls for the rest of my life I would be Happy, but I do realize that change is good for an artist and I have a few different things in the works for the Fall along with my OOAK Dolls.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you.
I have a Deathly, Paralyzing Fear of Spiders! I Love Snakes, Mice and am working on the hubby to put up a Bat house on our farm, just keep the eight legged creatures far away!

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
I have a separate studio in my house, so the agreement is that the chaos never enters the family living area and I try never to miss any of my kids activities to work on my art. Its been really tough at times with deadlines looming, but they grow too fast and I am glad I don't have to miss any moments with them!

What shows will you be participating in this year?
I only participate in the Ghoultide Gathering show in Michigan. I try to work on pieces for this show all year! I also sell on SpookyTime Jingles, Ebay, and occasionally Etsy. I am looking forward to the challenges and the Emporium here on EHAG.

See more of Sheila Bentley's work at these following websites:

Primdolly.blogspot.com

and

Spookytimejingles.com

Her Halloween themed work can also be found on eBay by using the acronym "EHAG" in your eBay searches.

A Giveaway!

2010-05-16T23:25:00.003-04:00

In honor of EHAG's fourth anniversary, and the upcoming (May 31st) EHAG Emporium update, we're having little giveaway/contest...Click here and you'll be magically transported! And good luck! :)

Let the Black & White Fright Begin!

2010-04-29T14:09:00.047-04:00

We know that you have been anticipating EHAG's Black & White Fright Challenge! So let the spooky fun begin! We will be adding additional links to the various works of themed art in this post right below, so keep checking back for more black and white Halloween eye candy! So far, most of these spooktacular creations are listing on eBay this week along with our member's blogs. Click on their names before it's too late! Enjoy!

Our first EHAG offering is from the talented Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Productions:

"Imogene"

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

And two very delightful Black & White offerings from Allen Cunningham!

"Han'some Jack, the Banjo Man"

and

"Jeannine O' Lantern Candy Container"

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

And a spooky black & white illustration by Chris Klingler of Designs by CK:

"Horny Jack"

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

How about this vintage-stylin' blackbird from Studio of Bonnie Jones:

"Halloween Mr. Bird & his Skull Cane"

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

Or this whimsical horn-tootin' delight from Susie Pastor:

"Halloween Horn"

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

Here's a spooky one-eyed witch from Howling Moon Designs:

"Magical Third Eye Witch"

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

And an expressive Skellie Totem by the Gourdqueen:

"Speak No, See No, Hear No Evil"

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

A festive mouse of great humor and voice from Soft in the Head:

"Jacko the Harlequin Singing Mouse"

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

A whimsical witch in a web by Cathy Pendleton:

"Evil Ezmerelda & Sinister Sid"

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

Or perhaps a frightfully fun spider egg cup by Johanna Parker Design:

" Spooky Sweet Spider Candy Cup"

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

And silly fun scenes of Halloween surround a sphere by Laurie Hardin:

"Monkey-Cats Halloween Ornament"

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

And a fun folk art Halloween pumpkin doll by Grimitives:

"Mister R Grimm"

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

A charming bracelet by Corner Store Goddess:

"Day of the Dead Bracelet"

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

Bride of Frankenstein
by Jennifer of Gypsy Mare Studios

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

A spooky owl by Deborah Adams of Possible Impossibilites:

"Spooky Hoot"

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

And 2 primitive folk art ghost dolls by The Pixie's Thimble:

Hortence

and

"Beau Booo"

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

And a black & white scarecrow from Joyce Stahl:

"Phineus, the Phantom of the Cornfield"

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

Meet a sweet pair of Victorian Whimsies by Nancy Malay:

"Baa Baa Black Sheep & his Buddy, Bill"

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

The Master of Macabre in scratchboard by Carolee Clark:

"Edgar"

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

And a spooky ink illustration by Leah Humberston:

"The Biggest Pumpkin"

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

Two Carnival style Halloween Games by Sweet B Folk Art:

"Skull Skill"

and

"JOL Ring Toss"

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

A musically-inclined jack-o'-lantern from Melissa Valeriote:

"Spooky Squeezebox Serenade"

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

A frightful 'ol hag by Matthew Kirscht:

"Black & White Fright ACEO"

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

A pumpkin-headed candle stick by Joyce Stahl:

"BOO Pumpkin"

************************************************
And a surreal mixed media illustration from Designs by CK:

"Hallowe'en Rain"

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

Black & White Fright!

2010-04-12T10:25:00.013-04:00

What's BLACK & WHITE and spooky all over? Well, it's the bold, Halloween folk art collectibles that are being created by the talented artists of EHAG for May's Challenge! Stay tuned for black cats and bats atop contrasting fields of white, thick and thin flowing lines, black and white illustrations and dimensional designs ALL created in the name of BLACK & WHITE FRIGHT! The artists of EHAG will begin to post their marvels in black & white during the first week of May. Starting May 1st, please visit eBay and Etsy and search "EHAG" for a bold array of frightfully fun, one of a kind designs! Also, make sure to visit the various websites and/or blogs of our EHAG members who opt to offer their Black & White creations on their individual selling sites. A list of our artist members can be found here on the right sidebar...

{Spooky banner, designed by EHAG's Melissa Valeriote}

Giveaway!

2010-03-03T07:45:00.002-05:00

Please drop by the new EHAG Emporium for our March giveaways! One piece of original art will be offered weekly - you don't want to miss this one! :)

Visit EHAG Artists on Etsy

2010-01-22T11:17:00.004-05:00

You can find EHAG artists not only on eBay, but also on Etsy! Click here to search for wonderful Halloween art available from the EHAG team members on Etsy. And don't forget to mark your calendar for January 31, 9 pm Eastern, for the unveiling of the EHAG Emporium. Happy Halloween!

We have Spooktacular News!

2010-01-05T19:56:00.022-05:00

The EHAG Emporium is coming soon,

to make our Halloween collectors swoon.

On January 31st our doors open wide,

visit at 9pm to see what magic waits inside.

20 pieces of original Halloween art will make you sigh,

Email the artist directly with your intent to buy.

Black cats, witches, jack o' lanterns, which one will you pick?

It's your chance for amazing Halloween art so be quick!

EHAG artists love Halloween and all it's spooky fun,

so look forward to our next sale on each month with 31!

( whimsically fun poetry by Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor )

Please join us for our Opening on January 31st at

www.EHAGemporium.blogspot.com

December EHAG Challenge

2009-11-25T22:45:00.007-05:00

You've heard of the Christmas Spirit...
....How about the Spirits of the Holidays?

Join us in the month of December as our talented EHAG artists tackle

The Spirits of Holidays

EHAG challenge.

Use the word EHAG in your ebay searches to see which Spirits have visited and inspired our artists!

Interview with the Artists from the Cart Before the Horse

2009-10-13T02:13:00.021-04:00

Jo James and Dylan Curry are the artists behind the Oregon based
The Cart before the Horse.

Their unique style of Folk Art can be found on eBay under the eBay ID: cartbeforethehorse

How would you describe your work?

That's a tough one! how about playful, contemporary folk art sculpture with whimsical leanings?

How long have you been creating Halloween themed art?
We've been doing Day of the Dead stuff for 6 years now, and started to incorporate more traditional Halloween imagery shortly thereafter.

What do you consider your greatest creative challenge?

The biggest challenge is keeping up with all of our ideas!

What do you like most about being a member of EHAG?
Ehag is a quirky mix of some of the top Halloween artists around, so the talent is inspiring. But more than that, they are really a nice, caring , and supportive bunch.

What was your favorite childhood costume, and why?
One year Jo and her brother were hobos under ghost sheets. This accomplished two things
1. It was free 2. we could go to the six apartments that were on the trick-or-treat route - twice!Dylan liked to dress up as a soldier (gave him an excuse to take his BB gun out in public)

Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
We make peanut butter spider cookies, and always buy too much candy to hand out to trick-or-treaters (we buy candy just in case one should ever show up on our doorstep - even though it hasn't happened yet!)

Where do you find your inspiration?
Everywhere! lately it has taken the form of antique postcards and circus posters.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
We're working on a series of instructional dvd's that we hope to have ready soon. We'd also love to have a line of kid-friendly products. Publishing books would be lovely too - while we're dreaming.

"Open the Vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you two.
Jo is totally scared of haunted houses, and clowns. Dylan trick-or-treated till he was much to old to be doing so.

How did your working partnership come about?
We're married, so it seemed a good fit partnership-wise.

How do you balance your personal/professional life?
That's always tricky, isn't it? Even more so when you work at home. We try to keep semi-regular hours, and a separate living and working space. We're not always good at that though. We HAVE managed to make the dinner table off limits to art stuff (for the most part), and we sit down to share a meal together every day.

See more of Jo and Dylans' work at their website

TheCartBeforeTheHorse.com

and visit their blog

TheCart BeforeThe Horse.blogspot.com

Their Halloween themed work can be found on eBay by using the word EHAG in your eBay searches.

EHAG artists featured in Celebrate 365

2009-10-06T01:34:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to all of the talented EHAG artists who have been featured in the 2009 Halloween edition of Celebrate 365

Candace Navarrete of Howling Moon designs, Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Designs, Nancy Malay of Victorian Whimsies, Kristen Beason of Kristen Beason Designs, Carrie Murtha of the SnipPets, David Everret of Chicken Lips, Arbutus Hunter of Arbutus Hunter Novelties and illuminations, Amelia Schaefer of Sweet B Folk Art, Jorge De Rojas of HoHo Halloween, Lori Rudolph of Retro Rudolph's and our Collector member and ultimate Halloween Fanatic - Robert Brawley!

Celebrate 365 is the premier Journal for the Ornament Enthusiast, the 2009 Halloween edition is choc full of artist interviews, Fabulous Halloween ornaments, and art!

Click the logo to visit the Celebrate 365 website, and to see the new edition.

A special nod to Lori Rudolph of Retro Rudolph's for the truly "retro" cover design.

Lori designed both the front and back cover of the journal as an homage to the Dennison Bogie Books of yesteryear.

Art from all of our wonderful EHAG artists can be found on eBay and in Etsy - just use the word EHAG in your eBay searches or visit our Etsy Group!

Happy Shopping!

She Has Been Found!

2009-09-26T02:44:00.020-04:00

A BIG Thank You to all of the bloggers who participated in our

EHAG Search for the Wandering Witch.

The lucky winners are listed below, we hope that all of you will visit us again soon - you never know what the artists of Ehag have planned!

Become a follower of the EHAG Art Blog, and keep up on the latest artistic challenges, give-aways and artist information.

And the Winners are....

blogger Tara N Colna prize from Leah Humberston (Leah's Art Magic)
blogger Queen of Nostalgia prize from Len Betham (Happy Holidays)
blogger Beka'n Kyle prize from Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor (Gypsy Mare Studios)

blogger Francie Horten prize from Lori Rudolph (Retro Rudolph's)
blogger Tristan prize from Linda Kennon (The Gourd Queen)
blogger Saving in Style Prize from Sweet B (Sweet B Folk Art)
blogger Lynne Mitchell prize from Iva Wilcox (Iva's Creations)
blogger Tamara C prize from Lori Davis (Vintage Palette Art)
blogger Connie prize from Jo James and Dylan Curry (The Cart before the Horse)

blogger Tracy M prize from Cathy Nash (The Eclectic Company)

blogger Della Rae prize from Chris Klingler (Designs by CK)
blogger Sandy and Cosmo prize from Eleanor Burian-Mohr (the Cornerstore Goddess)

blogger Cathy prize from Melissa Valeriote (Valeriote Designs)
blogger Kelli Bear Haven prize from Catherine Mallard (Darkling Woods)

blogger Laura prize from Nancy Malay (Victorian Whimsies)
blogger Jenn prize from Candace Navarrete (Howling Moon Designs)
blogger Cheeky Raddish prize from Brenda (Little Dollings)

WE have an extra winner (cheeky Raddish) since Brenda of Little Dollings joined us at the Midnight hour! Here is her wonderful give-away prize.

**********************************
HALLOWEEN EVENT: SEPTEMBER 26th

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

Please don't forget if you are in and around Petaluma, California you may want to stop by Halloween and Vine.

The show is at Hermann Sons Hall and runs from 9:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m. ~ Admission: is $5.00 at the door.

EHAG members attending the show are:
Scott Smith of Rucus Studio,
Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Design,
William Bezek of William Bezek The Artist,
Arbutus Hunter of Novelties & Illuminations,
Laurie Hardin of Monkey-Cats Studio,
Jorge de Rojas of HohoHalloween

EHAG Wandering Witch Give-Away

2009-09-21T00:00:00.029-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen... Start your brooms....

... the EHAG search for the

WANDERING WITCH

has begun!

Join in the fun and become eligible to win a piece of EHAG Halloween Art!

All you have to do is visit the EHAG artists listed at the bottom of this post.

One Artist is hiding the Wandering Witch on their blog.... Find that blog, leave a comment, and you will be entered to win one of these fabulous prizes!

Tennessee Spinner Gourd pendant hand-painted by Jennifer MacNeill Traylor of Gypsy Mare Studios

Halloween Party Hat by Cathy Nash of the Eclectic Company

Candy Corn Earrings by Eleanor Burian-Mohr the Cornerstore Goddess

Witch Ornament By Linda Kennon the Gourd Queen

Hand sewn Halloween tag by Lori Davis of Vintage Palette Art

Glitter Witch Banner by Lori Rudolph of Retro Rudolph's

Witch Silhouette Ornament by Melissa Valeriote the Holiday Queen

Glass candy Jar by Amelia Schaefer of Sweet B Folk Art

Witch sculpture by Leah Humberston of Leah's Art Magic

Halloween Skull Rattle by Jo Curry of Cart before the Horse

Nostalgic Halloween Rattle by Len Bentham of Happy Holidays

class="Apple-style-span">

Witch Ornament by Candace Navarrete of Howling Moon Designs

Set of Witch Halloween Tags by Nancy Malay of Victorian Whimsies

Close 2 Midnight postcard print by Chris Klingler of Designs by CK

Bride of Frankenstein print by Catherine Mallard of Darkling Woods

Limited Edition Print the right pumpkin by Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations

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

The Search will end on September 25th at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time. Winners will be randomly drawn and announced the next day!

Now... CLICK ON THE LINKS AND START SEARCHING THESE FABULOUS EHAG BLOGS!

Leah Humberston of Leah's Art Magic
Len Bentham of Happy Holidays
Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor of Gypsy Mare Studios
Lori Rudolph of Retro Rudolph's
Linda Kennon the Gourd Queen
Amelia Schaefer of Sweet B folk Art
Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations
Lori Davis of Vintage Palette Art
Jo James and Dylan Curry of The Cart Before the Horse
Cathy Nash of the Eclectic Company
Chris Klingler of Designs by CK
Elanor Burian-Mohr of Cornerstore Goddess
Melissa Valeriote of Valeriote Design (the Holiday Queen)
Catherine Mallard of Darkling Woods
Nancy Malay of Victorian Whimsies
Candace Navarrete of Howling Moon Design

Happy Searching!

Search for EHAG's Wandering Witch!

2009-09-18T00:31:00.010-04:00

The EHAG wandering Witch is an elusive gal ...

Round and round she flies,

casting shadows in the skies.

Rumors of her grow and grow.

Search for her high,

Search for her low.

Uncover our Witch in her spooky disguise,

and you may win an EHAG prize!

Join us here on the EHAG Art Blog on September 21st as The Search Begins!

Johanna Parker is a "Dreamer and a DOER!"

2009-09-15T12:23:00.008-04:00

Please join us in congratulating Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Design for being nominated as one of the ten finalists in Martha Stewart's "Dreamers into Doers" contest.

You can vote for Johanna by clicking on the link above.

We're sure Johanna would love to hear from you, so please cheer her on by visiting her at her blog.

Go Johanna, go!!! ~ You are an inspiration to us all!

An interview with Chris Klingler

2009-08-21T11:11:00.007-04:00

Chris Klingler of

Designs by CK

Chris currently Hails from the East Coast,

his work can be found on EBay under the seller id: Designsbyck

Website: www.designsbyck.com

How long have you been creating Halloween art?

I have been creating and selling my Halloween art on eBay and Etsy since 2006. I have been a fine artist my whole life and love Halloween. I was inspired to start creating Halloween art by fellow EHAG artist Pennie Griff (eBay Seller ID: vintagepennie). I feel my art has come full-circle in the fact that Pennie loves and collects my art as well.How would you describe the artwork you create?

I would describe my artwork as whimsical with touches of humor added into the mix. I'm inspired by vintage Halloween designs initially and then I like to add my own CK modern twist. I'm personally fond of black and white pen & ink illustrations that are very bold in design. I find in my art that less is more and the design is the most important element.

What is your greatest challenge creatively?

My greatest challenge creatively is painting. My strong suit is pen & ink illustration. I would like to better hone my painting skills in the future.

What are your artistic plans for the future?

After doing 200+ Halloween postcards the past 3 years, I'm ready for a change of pace creatively. I will be taking a break from the postcard art until after Halloween of this year. Starting in August through Halloween, I will be focusing on hand painting found decorative and functional items. Like I've stated before I'm itching to paint, paint, and paint! I would also like to get into Paper Clay sculpture in the future. I'm the type that likes to master one medium at a time before moving on to the next one.

What do you like best about being a member of EHAG?

The best part of being a member of EHAG is the support from fellow members. We are like a big happy Halloween family and are always there for each other. I do appreciate the added exposure & recognition that also comes with being in our talented group of artisans.

What was your favorite childhood Halloween costume and why?

(Hard to pick I've had SO many favorite costumes over the years!) ~ My favorite childhood Halloween costume was Paul Stanley from the rock group Kiss. It was one of those 5 & Dime boxed mask and plastic suit combos. You know the ones where you put on the plastic pants, and took one step and it ripped! ~ Hehe '-)

Do you have any Halloween Traditions?

My favorite Halloween tradition started when I was 13 years old. I started my first haunted house display for the trick-or-treaters at that age. I would work all summer mowing grass to save the money to make my homemade Halloween dummies and props. My parents, family, and neighborhood kids loved it. Loved it so much I was featured in our local paper on the front page for my Halloween display. That was my 15 minutes of fame I guess. I still do my display each year and it becomes more elaborate in design and execution each year. I have hanging ghosts, hundreds of yard lights, animated witch, fog machine, piped scary music, and I usually carve 5-6 jack-o-lanterns for display outside. I start putting stuff out towards the end of September. It takes me a full month to get everything in place and organized. I also do a yearly Halloween tree with a different theme as well.

Where do you find your inspiration?

Most of my inspirations come from things I like in life, music, art, movies, literature, and antiques. I think the idea of a piece is what makes it special. I keep a sketch book around at all times to jot down ideas as they flash before me. I have designs from 2006 that are still waiting for their debut. I try to stay away from watching much television as I believe it saps creativity.

"Open the Vault" tell us a secret that not many people know about you:

"Open the Vault" ~ Hmmm...I used to be painfully shy to the point where others saw me as a loner in school. I've since worked out of being shy but I'm still a very private and reserved person.

Give us a peak of your work space: Come on down to the lab...and see what's on the slab.

Christopher Klingler ~

Designs By CKWebsite: http://www.designsbyck.com/

Visit the CK Blog: http://www.designsbyck.blogspot.com/

Email Chris at : chris@designsbyck.com

Shop Etsy for more art by Chris : http://www.designsbyck.etsy.com

Visit Chris and all of our talented EHAG artists by using EHAG in your EBay searches

Even more EHAG artists in Print

2009-08-21T03:39:00.005-04:00

Our talented EHAG Artists are at it again...

...EHAG artist Melissa Valeriote, has a lovely spread in the fall issue of

Somerset Studio magazine!

Congratulations Melissa!
And another cheer goes out to Kristen Beason, her art is featured in the latest edition of

cloth paper scissors magazine.

Iva Wilcox has designed this years HallowVine wine label for the

Madonna Estate winery.

Prost to you Iva!

Extra, extra, read all about them

2009-08-13T12:07:00.017-04:00

Coming to a store near you. ~ Please make sure you check out the EHAG artists featured in these superb publications!

EHAG artist Scott Smith of Rucus Studio and Joyce Stahl of Enchanted Production s are featured artists in the current Fall issue of Art Doll Quarterly!

Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Design and Pam Gracia of Soft in the Head are featured in the current issue of Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Crafts edition!

An Interview with Jennifer Macneill-Traylor

2009-07-25T01:30:00.019-04:00

Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor

Gypsy Mare Studios

Ever since she was a small child, Ehag artist Jennifer MacNeill-Traylor has had

two passions...horses and art.

As an Ehag artist, Jennifer has created a unique body of Halloween art which successfully incorporates horses into traditional Halloween scenes. Jennifer hails from Lancaster County, PA.

Her work can be found on Ebay under the Ebay seller id: Gypsymarestudios or by using EHAG in your Ebay searches.

An Interview with Jennifer

How long have you been creating Halloween Themed Art?

I started selling my horse art on Ebay in 2000. My Halloween artwork came soon after in 2001.

How would you describe your work?

I like to think of my work as fun and a little unexpected. I like to combine my love for horses and Halloween. You wouldn't think they would go together but they do. Who doesn't love the Headless Horseman?I also enjoy painting black cats. We have two cats that we just love to death.

What do you consider your greatest challenge creatively?

If I take a week or more off from painting it's very hard to get back on the horse (pun intended). I also have a three year old daughter who demands a lot of my time.

What are your artistic plans for the future (new projects, new mediums,etc)?

I would love to work with paperclay more. I have created a few pieces and really enjoyed sculpting. I also have several large unpainted wooden pieces just dying to come to life!

What do you like best about being a member of EHAG?

EHAG is a group of some of the most talented Halloween artists out there. Everyone is extremely supportive and truly loves what they do. I feel like I've made some great friends.

What was your favorite childhood Halloween costume and why?

My mom is very creative and a wonderful seamstress. When I was a child she made most of my costumes. One year she made a cow costume but I was too embarrassed to wear the udder and everyone thought I was a bunny! Looking back at old photos I liked being a witch the most. I still dress up as a witch every Halloween.

Do you have any Favorite Halloween traditions?

Since 2004, my mom and I compete in the Great Pumpkin Carve in Chaddsford, PA. Most years we've won a prize. In 2004 and 2008 our pumpkin won best overall. Now we each have a great handmade wooden rocking chair they give as the top prize!

Since I have a young child, I get to relive that Halloween excitement through her. My father in- law spends all month elaborately decorating his home and yard. We go trick or treating in his neighborhood early and end the night sitting in his front yard with all the ghosts, ghouls and skeletons!

Where do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere from old Halloween books, EHAG artists, EHAG creative challenges, trips to museums and spooky movies like Sleepy Hollow and Nightmare Before Christmas.

"Open the vault" - tell us a secret that not many people know about you:

I was a scaredy cat as a child perhaps because I watched too many horror movies. Many nights I had trouble falling asleep because I was terrified of being abducted my aliens, demons under my bed and evil children hiding in the corn outside my window.

Contact Jennifer by email: jmacneill@hotmail.com

Or Visit these sites to see more of her work

blog: http://www.gypsymare.blogspot.com/

http://www.gypsymare.com/Halloween_Art.html

etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5520733

cafepress: http://www.cafepress.com/gypsymarestudio/

Cover Girl Kristen Beason

2009-07-02T14:07:00.027-04:00

We are very proud to announce that one of our EHAG members has made it into print!

Kristen Beason of Kristen Beason Designs has certainly made a splash with her artwork featured on the July/August cover of Cloth Paper Scissors.

Kristen also has a lovely feature inside the issue which showcases more of her whimsical Summer themed artwork.

Congratulations Kristen, you make us all so very proud!

To get a copy of the current issue, please visit Cloth Paper Scissors.

Edward Gorey Tribute piece on eBay

2009-06-24T11:11:00.008-04:00

Brenda O. of Little Dollings has a created an enchanting piece. It's complimented by a short, but rather dark poem that may make you giggle!

More Gorey and Tombstone goodies on eBay

2009-06-23T14:59:00.017-04:00

Feast your eyes on a few new listings by our talented EHAG artists.

First up is Chris Klingler's stunning "Needful Things" Postcard,

followed by Sherry Kristoff's delightfully entertaining Primitive Needlepunch Tombstone

and lastly Joyce Stahl's wickedly wonderful Halloween Goth Doll.

Edward Gorey Tribute piece on Etsy

2009-06-22T10:55:00.003-04:00

Cat Mallard has this lovely piece entitled "Miss Muffet's Weaving Lesson" available in her Etsy store.

Edward Gorey and Tombstone Challenge pieces on eBay this week

2009-06-20T13:58:00.016-04:00

A small sampling of artwork created by some of our very talented artists.

These pieces are currently listed on eBay.

To take a peek please click on this link.

An interview with Iva Wilcox

2009-06-15T00:30:00.004-04:00

Meet Iva Wilcox of Iva's Creations
My work has appeared in several issues of Somerset Studio, including a featured article in the '08 Halloween issue, and Marie magazine. I teach workshops and will be leading a Halloween project during an all-day Halloween art event in early October. You'll find me and my art at the annual Tinsel and Treasures art show Sept. 12, 2009, in Alamo, CA, in addition to other local shops and venues. I work from my spare-bedroom turned studio in our home. My husband John works in San Francisco and our son is in 11th grade. Our beautiful and talented daughter Brianna was just 17 when she passed away in 2007. I feel her spirit when I am creating.

Iva's Ebay id is: ivas_creations
Her Halloween themed work may be found by using EHAG in your Ebay searches.

How long have you been creating Halloween Themed Art?
I've been creating Halloween themed art for sale for close to 10 years. I've been painting watercolors much longer. I say "for sale" because I have always created some type of yearly Halloween project ever since I can remember.

How would you describe your work?

I'm one of those artists who likes to move from one medium to the next, one project to the next. As one piece dries, I work on something else. I might be collaging with beeswax as I paint canvas board. My watercolors however, are the exception. Once I start mixing colors and adding them to paper, I like to finish. I get excited and want to see the final painting. I do let it rest for an hour or two or maybe overnight if it's a large painting and then fine tune it until I'm happy. It took a while, but I've finally learned to not overwork a piece.

What do you consider to be your greatest challenge creatively?
My greatest challenge creatively is working large scale. I tend to like working small and feel intimidated by large projects. I know there has been a large art piece forming in my mind for some time and will be in the works soon. But small is more comfortable. What I'm learning to do now is bring several small pieces together to form one large artwork.

What are your artistic plans for the future?
In the future, I plan on continuing with my watercolors and collage. In moving last summer, I rediscovered my paper mache materials and will revisit that too. (Part of that bouncing from one medium to another thing.) I used to create witches and JOLs of mache and fabric, and now will add some vintage elements to them. But when it comes to Halloween, I'm always coming up with new projects. I look at an everyday piece like my recent Victorian-style hot air balloon and say, "Hmmm....I bet I can make a Halloween theme one."

What do you like best about being a member of EHAG?
Being an EHAG member has inspired me. I love sharing my passion for the holiday and seeing what others have created. Our challenges get the wheels turning in my mind about themes I wouldn't necessarily have thought of. The feature article and artwork in the 2008 Halloween issue of Somerset Studio was part of an EHAG challenge. Also, EHAG is a very friendly environment, in which I can meet all sorts of other Halloween artists. I love the fact that we're growing and meeting artists who sell on etsy, as well as those who sell on eBay.

What was your favorite childhood Halloween costume and why?
My favorite childhood costume was always being witch for several reasons. My dad came from Serbia (thus the spelling of my name "Iva", but pronounced "Ee-va"). We were told the European story of Baba Yaga, an ugly, mean old witch who lived in the dark Balkan forest. Dark, spooky things both fascinated and frightened me.
I have always had a wild imagination, and so it was natural that I would think about this character a lot. So much so, that when we had a speech contest in elementary school, I entered as if I were Baba Yaga! I captured first place in the school and went on to the district where I won a beautiful wood carved trophy, sponsored by one of the big banks. I still have the paper I wrote the speech on!

Secondly, I played the wicked witch of the west in the school play, the Wizard of Oz. I would always ham up the part - my sister was king of the winged monkeys. So the witch costume has always been a natural. Do you have any favorite Halloween Traditions?
Favorite Halloween traditions always include decorating the outside of the house to the hilt! I use all sorts of orange and purple lights, with a few green ones thrown in. I like to use dead branches and plants covered in cobwebs on my mailbox and around the entry. Of course I set out faux and real pumpkins everywhere, large spiders. While we were living in Memphis, we had an annual Halloween party. It was costume required and we had friends who you couldn't recognize they were so made up! One year we even celebrated my birthday due to the way Halloween fell midweek. The party was on All Soul's Day and my birthday is just a few days off on Nov. 7. I also like to cook all kinds of Halloween goodies, including Martha Stewart's witch's fingers and man toes pretzels and a homemade JOL meat and cheese pie recipe.

Where do you find your inspiration?
There is one place locally that is just so magical and inspiring to me. It is the studio of Wendy Addison, a truly humble and gifted soul. I have been many times and am always awe-struck by the ambiance she has created. Antique bottles filled with baubles, old-time chests brimming with trims and papers, statuary that seeps of age and of course, her amazing art. I come away inspired and uplifted. True magic lives there.

On an everyday basis, I don't have to look far to be inspired. I see it everywhere I go and in all things! Nature, thrift stores, books, magazines, eBay, trendy shops, Flickr, toy stores and all things vintage get me inspired. This is a good thing and a bad thing. I see a cast off item and think, "Hey, that would make a good this or that." So you can imagine the heap of items I've collected waiting to be turned into something! Halloween is so vibrant and I am attracted to vibrant colors. I guess Halloween just runs in my blood!

Open the Vault! Tell us a secret that not many people know about you!
Open the vault - well, as you may have guessed from a previous question, performing was a childhood dream. I was born in Hollywood after all! In fact, my first major in college was theater. Ha! I later changed to the more practical journalism, and went into public relations. So with that performance gene, I sang a duet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel for a fundraising dinner with Glen Campbell (before his decline), had the lead role in Oklahoma and singing my heart out as Laura and more recently performed professional in a belly dance troupe. I'm getting the acting bug again and who knows what's next?!

(the view from Iva's Studio)

To learn more about Iva visit her website and blogs

http://www.ivascreations.com/ (my website)
http://halloweenalchemy.blogspot.com/ (my Halloween blog)
http://www.ivascreations.typepad.com/ (my mixed media blog)

Where to find Iva's Work

On eBay using EHAG as a search word and

http://www.ivascreations.etsy.com/
http://www.pfattmarketplace.com/
http://www.spookytimejingles.com/

Email Iva: iva@ivascreations.com

Our new "LOOK"

2009-06-11T17:40:00.015-04:00

Please look above and you'll find a very tasty bit of Halloween eye candy!
Notice something different? Yes, indeed! That's our beautiful new logo and banner design. Look over to the right and you'll see a couple more.
Johanna Parker of Johanna Parker Design lovingly designed the new banners.
If you'd like to see the evolution of our new logo please visit Johanna by clicking here.

From all of us in EHAG we'd like to say Thank you Johanna, not only for a beautiful design but for the countless hours you've spent giving us a "look" we can be proud of!!!

EHAG CHALLENGES FOR JUNE

2009-06-05T15:52:00.019-04:00

Join our Talented Artists this month as we tackle two new challenges.

Our month long challenge is a tribute to the artist Edward Gorey

Edward Gorey published over one hundred of his own works. He also illustrated the works of Samuel Beckett, T.S. Eliot, John Updike, Charles Dickens, Edward Lear, Lewis Carroll, Hilaire Belloc, John Ciardi, Muriel Spark, Edmund Wilson, Peter Newmeyer, H.G. Wells, Florence Parry Heide, Bram Stoker, and many others.

(photo by Stephen Rose)
Edward St. John Gorey, Born 1925 - Died 2000

Perhaps one of his most well known works is

The Gashleycrumb Tinies

(artwork © Edward Gorey 1963. THE GASHLYCRUMB TINIES: OR, AFTER THE OUTING First edition: New York: Simon and Schuster, 1963. White boards with greenish-gray, mustard, and black pictorial stamping; issued without a dust wrapper. Note: This book was issued as part of a three-volume set in a pictorial slipcase with the overall title THE VINEGAR WORKS / THREE VOLUMES OF MORAL INSTRUCTION.

Edward Gorey combined his uniquely eclectic and Gothic style illustrations with macabre, humorous and often non-sensical texts.

Although many Gorey books can be found in the "children's" sections of libraries and bookstores his works have become a favorite of adults and serious collectors alike. (artwork © Edward Gorey 1972. First edition: New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons [1972]. White composition boards with yellow-beige, brown, red, and black pictorial stamping)
If you have never read an Edward Gorey book, Amphigorey is a good place to start!

(artwork © of Edward Gorey 1957. Garden City: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1957. White boards with yellow and black pictorial stamping; pictorial dust wrapper)

For a full list of Edward Gorey's works Click Here

Click here to see the famous Edward Gorey PBS MYSTERY intro

Use the keyword EHAG for your searches this month on Ebay and you may find some Gorey inspired pieces from our Artists

Our Second EHAG challenge begins June 14th!

Look for Tombstone inspired Art from our EHAG artists!