BlackHand Marks You

Much like the mafia marks you for death, BlackHand marks you for rock 'n roll! This upcoming local band from Newark, DE is made of five rebels with attitudes that deliver a mixture of metal, evil & blues. Formed in early 2010 in a small backyard garage, original songs have birthed from the ground up with vocal delivery and epic doom gloom gut wrenching metal and fury. Get into a groove with originals like Army From the Void and Hell's Henchmen, which celebrate the madness of Armageddon, and their original Dance of the Undead tells the tale of a great escape from vampires. Their shows explode with intense energy and while there at it get kicked in the ass with some Misfits and Danzig covers too. They've shared the stage with some of my new fav east coast bands like Altar of Dagon, Von Kull, The Claw and Thy Will Be Done. Catch them around your town and keep posted on their facebook fanpage for their upcoming album, they hit the indie recording studio, Cephlopod Records in April.

Wicked Winter: Dead of Winter Group Art Show

Tonight is the opening of the WICKED WINTER: Dead of Winter Art Show come out tonight with friends for amazing artists and some sweet tunage by The Young Werewolves. I am revealing a new Skeleton Krew painting called, Witch Sabbath, which is inspired by myths of the occult and the Salem witch trials. She comes framed in a vintage metal enamel glass frame with hand-written letters from my grandmother's attic that rest behind her.

ARTISTS INCLUDE:

Yale Bender, Ric Frane, Pat Higgins

Kristen Margiotta, Leila Marvel, Wendy Mitchell

Ophelia Von Gray and Baron Von Reign

Opening reception, Feb 4th, 5~10 PM

Show is up through Feb 4th ~ 28th

Talleyville Frame Shoppe & Gallery

3625 Silverside Rd | Wilmington, DE

My Lobotomy: Howard Dully's Journey

My recent obsession has lead me to discover the man, Howard Dully, who as a child at age 12 received the transorbital or "ice pick" lobotomy. My friend Alison and I were more intriguiged than ever after watching the film Session 9, which takes place in an abandoned mental institution which we found out later has been demolished. I had heard of the term before but never really looked into it, I always remember Teenage Lobotomy too, by the Ramones. In 1946, a psychiatrist, Walter Freeman launched this radical new era of treatment of mental illness, Howard Dully was one of his youngest patients, which if you saw him today never knew he had a lobotomy done. In a few weeks I'm going to start Howard Dully's memoir, called My Lobotomy: A Memoir, I'm eager to learn about his childhood and the effects of his treatment. From what I've saw in a short interview segment, sounded like as a child he had a case of Attention Deficit Disorder and a crazy household to go along with it.

Freeman believed that mental illness was related to overactive emotions, and by cutting away the brain he cut away the feelings. It is really hard to fathom this treatment, the thought of removing a live piece of the brain in hopes it will change the person for better, I think it is impossible, I believe by removing a piece of the living you in turn are killing the brain and the machine that controls everything in the body. I think it would only kill what is alive. Many cases had reported some patients had a positive result but only after a few months even weeks they were back to their old selves. Death was even a result in botched surgeries and Freeman's last surgery ended in a brain hemorrhage.

I have mixed feelings about the whole procedure, I guess one, Freeman became obsessed with it and before his death had performed around 2,500 lobotomies on patients, during the time when the mentally ill were shipped to institutions and shunned from society. I found this great documentary on this subject called: The Lobotomist. More to come on my discoveries about Howard Dully, Alison and I are hoping to find more films on this treatment, biographies and even surviving lists of lobotomist patients, if you know of any send them my way.

Bibliography:

'My Lobotomy': Howard's Dully's Journey. NPR, November 16, 2005.

SEND US YOUR PHOTO

SAY CHEESE!!! We want to see your beautiful face, send in a photo of yourself wearing your Red Heart 13 jewelry or if you have a print or original painting, we want that too. Where do you have it hanging? What do you wear it with? We want to see!

Send over your photo to receive 20% OFF secret coupon code especially for you!

Please Email ME">, upload facebook fanpage or send via etsy convo.

NEW TUNAGE!!!

NEW ARRIVALS ~ Healing the Soul

I've been working alot lately with raw and semiprecious stones, something about having a piece of the earth near the heart is very soothing to me. Check out some of new arrivals from Red Heart 13.

~ 1) Natural Amethyst Umbrella Pendulums: helps to awaken the soul.

~ 2) Healing Companion Raw Amethyst, Pyrite and Blue Agate Trio Necklace: helps with balance, energy, courage and strength.

~ 3) Multi Pyrite Solar Stone Necklace: a necklace of power, defense, protection and good fortune.

~ 4) Crowned Prasiolite Green Quartz Necklace: bridges the gap between the physical and spiritual aspects of life.

Im looking forward to this weekend, I just got these beautiful Fluorite nuggets in the mail from Rain's Memory, I already have some ideas brewing.

What stones are you drawn to most?

Roaring Winter

Hello Everyone, happy new year, it's great to start off 2011, I have a feeling this will be a lucky year for me! Through the holidays I've been nestled up in layers as my skin gets burned by the cold, I sit making jewelry while my hands shrivel up. Preparing for more snow storms, I thought I'd share some beautiful wears of winter fashion from Japan. I truly wish the snow and ice would stay this peaceful.

Check out more from this collection at The New York Times.

Top photo: On the shore of Lake Tazawa. Dior by John Galliano silk gazar coat with silver fox hem.

Bottom photo: On a room at the onsen. John Galliano silk-and-fox ruffle coat, made to order.

And the WINNERS Are…

Thank you to everyone who entered the December Giveaway, I truly appreciate all the support, I'm really looking forward to 2011!

Two winners were chose randomly out of on old bell jar early in the a.m. Dec18th, I present the two winners:

1st Mariem Meirer

Winner receives a custom piece jewelry or a custom small original painting from my Skeleton Krew Collection.

2nd Leslie Austin

Winner received a $30 gift certificate to my shop, she already picked out a couple pairs of earrings :)

Congrats!

Dennis McNett Opening Dec 16th in NYC

One of my old professors from Pratt Institute, Dennis McNett is preparing for his show Reaping Waves, Vital Vessels, and the Passing of the Wolfbats opening Dec 16th at NYC's Joshua Liner Gallery. If you're in the area def check out his amazing carvings. The show will be part art parade and a procession to the gallery that includes an enormous carved Viking ship with shamans, wolfbats and battleaxes.

You can read more about the show HERE and view more of his work HERE.

Enter the RH13 December Giveaway CONTEST

It's that time of year again, a good bye to 2010 and a a time of FREE GIVEAWAYS and when I like to send out a big THANK YOU! Today is the start of the December Giveaway Contest, don't forget to enter, there will be two opportunities to win.

ENTER TO WIN!

Wednesday, December 8th ~ Friday, December 17th

The giveaway contest is simple, show some love by:

~ Tell us your favorite item in my shop and why you love it!

~ Leave your name and contact email address or etsy shop.

Drop a line via this blog or Facebook Fan Page.

THE PRIZES

Two winners will be chosen randomly and will be announced late in the evening December 17th. So what are the prizes you ask…

~ 1st Place Winner: we will work together to make a custom piece of jewelry OR custom Skeleton Krew original painting.

~ 2nd Place Winner: will receive a $30 gift certificate to Red Heart 13.

Skeleton Krew is BACK

~ Psychic Eyes, Skeleton Krew no.045

Lately I've been exploring the theme of the soul within. By using masks and covering the eyes we then rely on the inner being to guide us through life. When our hearts bleed I feel as if we build invisible armor protecting ourselves from the vultures of the world.

Beyond the physical world, I question where the barriers are to the spiritual world. I'm very fascinated by mediums and their ability to tune into dimensions unknown. However, recently I've personally been questioning whether I should know those answers or if it is something that is revealed when physical vessel dies. This secret is very sacred to me, I am often afraid to know the truth or if there is anything at all. Just as Peter Pan says "To die would be an awfully big adventure". Man kind will always want to know the unanswered and things of the unknown and curious. It is often those things that inspire us deeply.

~ Blind Love, Skeleton Krew no.043

~ Armor for the Broken Hearts, Skeleton Krew no.042

Just a few new Skeleton Krew paintings that are up this weekend for Wilmington Art Loop at Opera DE Studios. After this weekend, these paintings will be available at Red Heart 13.

TEA TIME for the collectors.

Photo by Acido celebrates my obsession with rabbits!

Visiting antique stores and flea markets I always see vintage plates, saucers and tea cups; many in which just get left on the shelf. I've always wanted to showcase my haunted Skeleton Krew paintings on such flowering designs I think it would be a lovely odd combination; something I'm adding to my to do list of experiments for 2011! I've been collecting vintage pieces for sometime now and have just added some new pieces to my radar! Check out these amazing pieces of art and jewelry for all who love tea parties!

~ The Seven Deadly Sins have looked this lovely in years! Check out Trixie Delicious for a whole plateful of art.

~ A new twist on your grandmother's teacups. These Bone China Teacup Bracelet's by Stay Gold Mary Rose are super sassy, you can even turn your favorite teacup into a custom bracelet.

~ For sweet cupcakes and scones how about this darling saucer featuring the most adorable shy bunny, check out all her friends from The Story Book Bunny.

The HeART of Paper Cutting

The other day I stumbled up on a wonderful blog dedicated to the magic art of paper cutting, you will find all you need to know with wonderful links, books and the wondorous art of Elsita. I'm truly amazed at the detailed technique each creation holds, in celebration I've collected some of my favorite talented artists, please check them out!

~ Original Art by Elsita

~ Original Art by Paper Cut Die Cut

~ Original Art by Dreeuws Papercuttings

~ Original art and paper dolls by Wool & Water

Spirit Hoods

Reminding me of Where the Wild Things Are, these fierce primitive hoods have just been added to my wish list! I heart the Wolf Half! I'm ready to become one with the beasts.

SpiritHoods by Product Blue is also pro-wildlife which makes me smile!

Daily Doom

Photo by Glori Marigo of Acido.

Drowning Beautiful

In the waters of South America, there is nothing like the seascapes of artist Jason de Caires Taylor, life size cement sculptures become an underworld of beauty and solitude. Frozen crowds line the ocean floor, some stand alone while others are deep in thought or lost amongst themselves. As time passes each sculpture grows as a reef for marine life making one with the earth.

Black Friday ~ Cyber Monday Sale

Tomorrow starts the Black Friday through Cyber Monday sale over at Red Heart 13. I will be offering 20% off on all items plus for all fans on facebook, twitter and my blog I will adding an additional 5% off with a secret code.

Secret Coupon code: BLACKHAND2

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DECEMBER GIVEAWAY starting next week! Details to come.

Photo: Good and Evil Knife Cross Necklace ii

Jewelry of the Month Secret Society

Starting in December I will be presenting a new jewelry package at Red Heart 13. A jewelry mystery extravaganza that I'm calling Jewelry of the Month Secret Society. Surprise a special friend or yourself with a 3, 6 or 12 month membership featuring a necklace or pair of earrings each month. I'm currently working on a couple themes, four including: dark fairytales, talismans, war ensembles and weapons. I will take full creative liberty with each creation and every month you will receive a wonderful creation waiting for you in the mail.

This holiday season give a friend or loved one a special mystery collection from Red Heart 13!

Meet Rupert ~ Skeleton Krew Update

MEET RUPERT!

Rupert, born with the werewolf syndrome, he was alone as a child and as a man. He traveled the countryside jumping trains all his life. He had a heart of gold and his long hairy beard was filled with tiny trinkets he'd collect from his travels, each one caressed with a memory of his life.

Rupert, was a recent commission for a client from Smith Mason Legacies in Louisiana, they loved Nigel so much I did a brother of his perhaps. Stayed tuned for prints of Rupert in my shop soon after the Thanksgiving holiday.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS ART SHOW

Dec 4th | Wilmington, DE | 9:00 pm

Been painting by the daylight more and more, I predict late nights in the near future. I'm gearing up for the "Nightmare Before Christmas" party that has been two years in the making at the Opera DE Studios, featuring dark and deary fun and some amazing local artists including one of my fav's Kristen Margiotta, she just created a custom painting of Danzig for my husband Bruce, pics soon!

My new muses are portrayed with strange masks covering their eyes and ladies painted with blackened hearts, a couple are wearing medieval armor matched with the elegance of Victorian masquerade costumes and splashes of pink rouge. And of course I always am attracted to the supernatural, in the works is a painted boy as a ghost, think more along the lines of Victorian halloween cards. I'm hoping soon to have pics to share with you all. Hope you all can come out and make it!