Newest HexCat Jasper

My newest

HexCat Jasper went to his new home last week and was well received. I'm working on a large monkey that will be used as a model in yoga classes for kids. His head and hands need to be finished and he will be on his way in just a few days.

It's been interesting doing custom work. I hope to do more.

Doing custom Art dolls and Animals

I am in the process of creating several different new designs, but wanted to make sure that the pieces like my Minkeys and my Runes cats were still available regularly.

I still intend to make and list them of course, but I want to make sure that getting a customized piece is always available.

After creating the Cthulhu inspired Whateley Rooster, I found that I enjoyed creating the tentacled versions so much that you have several new animals to look forward to in the coming weeks.

So if you have a favorite beast that you think deserves a tentacled makeover, feel free to suggest it. I like getting input because it helps me expand my ideas.

One new Cthulhu based series I'm starting are what I'm calling my Brides of Cthulhu. Except for Frankenstein's Bride or Mothra...okay maybe Drac's women, there aren't that many female monsters. I'm hoping to create a few new monstrous women.

So keep your eyes open and check out my new pieces as I add them and if you want one of my older designs it will be possible for you to do so by special order.

 

 

Friday the 13th...eh

Since I'm not Gilgamesh hunting through the underworld for my dead friend Enkidu, scary numbers aren't a phobia of mine. Me, I'm scared of artificial humans like mannequins or ventriloquist dummies. A few TV shows and films that cemented my phobia? Oh yes, I want to share them with you.  I'll post all the links I can find so you can watch at least clips if not the entire show or film.

Kolchak was a favorite of mine and the episode with the moving mannequins really got me.  I know the effects weren't perfect, but the episode scared me.

Oh, and yes the effects are cheesy, but you've got to love a character like Kolchak... Who else would crawl into the resting place of a zombie only armed with a needle and thread, some candles, matches, and a container of Morton's salt. He was the best monster hunter.



Ventriloquist dummies are another creepy thing. Who the heck ever thought these things were cute needs to be smacked.  The Devil Doll just scared me to death. Let's see evil magician who can stuff his victim's consciousness into his little friend and force the animated dummy to do all kinds of nasty things.

Wouldn't you just love to see this little creep by your bed in the middle of the night?

Oh I do have to admit that there is one ventriloquist dummy I like. If you have never seen the Canadian comedy Puppets Who Kill, you should. A rehab or halfway house for killer puppets may seem an odd idea for a comedy. but it's quite funny. The dummy Bob is as evil as I think ventriloquist dummies are so he doesn't scare me.. go figure.

So if you want to watch something scary on this oh so frightening Friday, check out one of these.

Okay, the Devil Doll as a complete movie is here but the MST3000 version has the cleanest images.
MST3000 Devil Doll

The Kolchak The Trevi Collection episode...
Kolchak-The Trevi Collection

oh and as a bonus... The Zombie episode
The Zombie

Puppets Who Kill
Puppets Who Kill Episode 1

So, let me know what you think!

Unusual Holiday Traditions - Holland

Now, some traditions can seem odd to those who have never experienced them before. Probably why I always believed  that it's important to travel and read as much history as possible.

From what I've read Sinterklaas' black helpers are either just guys covered in soot, the chimney thing, slaves or servants. I guess Americans aren't the only ones who try to revise embarrassing history.

 

From the recent images I found when writing this, free Black Peter signs show up on Dec 5th with Sinterklaas now. So I guess it's nice to know we all have holiday traditions we'd like to avoid.

One of the funniest essays on strange customs  like Sinterklaas and black Peter was written and read by David Sedaris.

Click on the link below and enjoy.

6 to 8 black men-David Sedaris

Obscure Holiday Movies- The Hebrew Hammer

 

One of my favorite holiday movies is The Hebrew Hammer.  Yeah, I know it isn't your usual Santa movie .... I mean  Damian Claus is the villain, and it's horrible that he murders his Dad and wants to destroy Chanukah and Kwanzaa but hey it's funny.

 My favorite scene is when the Hammer and his sidekick go undercover to a meet Santa Extravaganza to stop Damian. 

So.... If you want a laugh, click on the link and enjoy the whole movie.

 ...The Hebrew Hammer

Obscure Holiday Movies- The Great Rupert

I love the holidays and the entertainment pertaining to them. I found this little gem in the dollar dvd bin at the Dollar Tree. Now this Jimmy Durante film is a fave of mine.The Great Rupert

This sweet little dancing squirrel is the guardian angel for an impoverished family.  The stop motion squirrel is nicely done. He looks adorable in his tiny kilt and accessories. Also he is quite the dancer. So click on the link and watch Rupert spin and help make things better.

The Rules of Pie

 

Well, actually there's probably only 2 or three rules per say.  The first is homemade crust may be better, but those crusts from the refrigerated section are so much easier.

2. Fresh fruit fillings aren't that difficult so avoid

canned. Also, what's up with weird fillings like crackers to make mock apple pie.... No .  It's a cracker pie.  But if you're not in California like me and can't find anything decent fruit wise at a reasonable price..... Ya know what ?  I've had it .... Cracker pie isn't that bad. Just call it what it is.  Raisin or funeral pie is pretty good too, but I think the brandy helps. Add a good quarter cup....so the recipe just says use vanilla... Do it....you'll thank me.

There is only one BAD pie as far as I know. My Dad was in the Navy during WW2 and on his ship there was a pie made from canned fruit cocktail that was so bad you hurried through the line with your tray so you didn't get stuck with 2 pieces. Back then you got in trouble if you didn't eat everything on your tray.

3. One pie is good but 2 are better. Obviously.
Okay, there seems to be more than 3 rules.
4. Pies are not dessert only. The prime directive of pie is that it be served at all meals until it's all gone. So, Breakfast pie and coffee is perfectly reasonable.
5. Eating pie directly out of the pan when it's the last piece is okay. When there's still more than one piece? Make sure no one's looking or home. Don't leave any stray whipped cream.

Here's a basic recipe for Funeral pie http://allrecipes.com/recipe/funeral-pie/
And one for mock apple/ cracker pie http://allrecipes.com/recipe/mock-apple-pie/

Enjoy your pie.