Born to Hang

Recently I was surfing Etsy looking at all of the lovely art that people have to offer and I can across an amazing shop filled with hand made, polymer clay busts. These busts are absolutely amazing! Her name is Ashley Rose and her shop is Born to Hang. I talked to the shop owner and she was kind enough to be my newest featured shop interviewee. So sit back and check out this talented new artist!

My name is Ashley Rose Strobelt. I’m 26 years old from San Juan Capistrano California. I have a partner of 6 years and we have a dog together named Riley. He is our mute little child.

Before I found my interest in sculpting, I was working full time as a back office manager / registered dental assistant and going to school to pursue my passion for dentistry. At the time, I believe I was burning the candle at both ends and I had a complete physical collapse. It put me in the hospital. I have been taking a break to focus on myself including my health for a year and a half. 

The Artist

1. How did you get your start in making busts and other items with clay and how long have you been doing this? 

November of 2010 I joined my friends to a local art and craft fair called Patchwork. This was my first art fair and I was overwhelmed by the talented vendors and their work. One artist stood out to me, Shing Yin Khor created these beautiful, fun sculptures of monsters. She blew my mind and inspired me to try sculpting December 2010. I finished a rather large octopus. After a short break, I began to play around with wall mounted caricatures May 2011.

Nowhere Fast Crow Skull with Roses Keepsake Jewelry Box

Freddy Krueger

2. Is working with clay something that came naturally for you or did you have to work at it and learn different and new techniques for sculpting?

I was surprised how quickly I took to sculpting. Because of my physical ailments, I started sculpting laying in bed. It began to be a type of therapy. Teaching myself, I have learned certain things the hard way but I enjoy every aspect of the learning process. I hope to take some classes in the future.

Hold the World at Bay

3. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Anatomy art is my favorite. Perhaps my background in the health field contributes to that. I also find inspiration from movies, poetry and the relationships in my life.

Put a Bird on It

4. How would you describe your creative process?

When an idea enters my head, I look at similar images that might refine my initial idea. Once I start, I’m excited to see where my imagination takes me. 

Frida Kahlo

5. Do you have a favorite item in your shop that you are particularly proud of either because it was a challenge or because of how it turned out? What is it and why? if you could include a link to it, I will post a pic of it with this question.

Edward Scissorhands is a memorable piece for me. I was very intimidated to attempt his scars, hair and facial features. I was actually pleased with how he turned out

Edwards Scissorhands

6. Are you working on anything new that you like to share with us?

I am just starting my own original artwork. A step away from the  familiar caricatures. I am currently working on an anatomy series and larger busts that I am really excited about. 

Meet Ana, the newest creation!

 

7. Do you do custom orders like if someone were to want a John Waters or Beetle Juice bust for instance... hint hint. 

Most of my orders are from word of mouth, but for those in the internet world who are curious, all you have to do is email me your idea, or create an Etsy account and there is a link on my shop page entitled “custom order”. I welcome very specific details wanted in a custom order. It makes it more fun!

Eddie Izzard "Cake of Death"

 

8.Where would you like to be in 10 years?

With my new found passion for art, I am setting both short and long term goals. My first goal is to be a vendor at Patchwork Art and Craft Fair. Then I would love to showcase a piece at the Sea No Evil Art Show Benefit for Sea Shepard. And I hope to one day have an art show and someones gallery.

Octopus Necklace

9. What advice would you give a new seller on Etsy?

I am actually a new seller on Etsy! As far as advice goes, don’t be  intimidated! Give thought to your shop name. It’s a great way to show case your work and very easy for buyers to use! 

Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen

 

 

 

 

 

Born To Hang Facebook page is under construction. Keep an eye on Ashley Rose's  Etsy shop for details on a future Giveaway!

A Ghouls Rant

Usually I don't like to use the internet as my own personal soap box. I like to use social networking sites to promote my shop and friends and as a way to make people laugh. I like to introduce people to new ideas and events that they may not have heard about. However, today I am going to spend a few minutes just writing down some thoughts that I have and would like to share.

Recently, everyone has been outraged by the Casey Anthony Verdict. Yes, this does suck and people do have the right to get angry about the outcome and speak their minds about this. I personally think that is ridiculous that we live in a world where people who do such terrible things to children, whether it be murder, rape, or assault get off the hook so much easier than someone that sells drugs. I remember taking a family law class and hearing that 1 in 5 people convicted of child molestation actually serve time in jail and most are put on probation. Whereas, you can do jail time, have a suspended driver's license, and be on probation for just having weed. It's insane! Heck, there was even a case in Canada where a man (Guy Turcotte) was convicted of killing his two children by repeatedly stabbing them (46 times total) and he didn't serve any time! They said "vengeance is not the answer". Seriously?!?!?!?!?!!!! That is the reasoning!?!!!!!!

When it comes down to it, I like that people give a crap about the "bad" going on around them, but what I really want is for people to give a crap every day, not just when a major trial has an end like the Casey Anthony trial did. I think people should be pissed about gay rights! I think people should speak up more for harsher consequences for child molesters. I think people should voice their opinions on illegal immigrants and the education and "free money" they are given for health care.

In an effort to keep this rant short, I will just say this last bit: People need to fight for their rights and stay in the loop on current events, because if you're not on top of things you will get walked all over and maybe even stabbed with no guarantee that your killer will have a sentence to fit the crime.

King of the Bubble

I just heard about the craziest thing! There is a competition in Brussels called King of the Bubble. In this competition people are in a large, deep pool and blow ring shaped bubbles. Sounds kind of lame, but it isn't!

First off, the pool is 100 feet deep! Suck on that for a minute! Competitors get into the water and using their mouths, attempt to make ring shaped bubbles, one after the other that go all the way to the surface. Secondly, these bubble makin folk are only equipped with their goggles, bathing suits, and their own set of lungs. There is a person with an oxygen tank near by that gives them more air when needed or in case anything goes wrong.

The way you win this contest is to be the person with the best bubbles, duh! They are judged on their size, shape, how perfect the rings are, and how many bubbles they can do in one breath. The contestants do so using a technique that is similar to that of blowing smoke rings.

This year the competition had 35 entries, but it all came down to one winner, 31 year old Francine Kreiss from Hyeres, France. To hell with Lord of the Dance! It's all about King of the Bubbles in my book, or in this case, Queen of the Bubbles!

Dolly Dearest

Rudigo

I am sure many of you out there have been exposed to manga and anime at one point or another. I am personally not into it, though I must say, some of the images can be aesthetically pleasing, particularly the eyes.

Beau and Betty

A man named Gary Crozier from New Castle has began making a name for himself using inspiration from manga and anime art as well as Blythe toys, wide eyed dolls, and European horror films.

Adam

What this man does is he takes a portrait of a person and alters it so that the person looks like a doll. His main change is to the eyes so that they look large, bright, striking, and very doll like. When the portrait is done the figure looks like a photograph/painting of a doll.

Siren 9

For anyone interested this is his site and yes, he does do group photos as well!

The Marsdens

I Want to Swim with da Bears!

So I learned something new today that has me itching to go to Canada. There is a place called the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat that is located in Ontario that allows visitors to swim with the polar bears! Before you get your knickers in a knot, it's not dangerous. The pool is designed so that a thick wall of plexiglas separates the bears from the swimmers.

Even though the habitat is open year round, the option to swim with the bears is only available during the summer. Both kids and adults are welcome to partake in the fun! Unfortunately, the habitat is closed for the 2011 summer season, but will opened back up soon! Man, I really want to swim with the Bears!

Cosmik Souls

Okay Boils and Ghouls, I have another seller I would like you to meet. Her name is Joan and I met her through an Etsy Team I am in. She has some very unique items in her shop that deserve attention! Many of her items are accessories that are handmade with a vintage feel. Most of them look more like pieces of art than something you would wear on a special occasion. I recently began talking with Joan and I learned a bit about her. The following are some questions I asked her as well some pictures of items that are currently for sale in her shop, cosmiksouls.

Here is some basic info about the owner of cosmiksouls:

My name is Joan M Kelly and I live in Eastern Long Island NY. I grew up on LI and been there all my life and love it. I adore life by the beach and could not survive without a beach community ... at least I don't think ;) I have been married for 25 years to my soulmate and have a lovey daughter with a heart of gold who will be a college graduate in Entetainment and Event Management soon. She helps me with many administrative and event tasks for my biz as does the hubby as he is the business minded one and has been in the corporate world his entire professional career now owning his own biz in the financial field. I am all artist having a background in classical ballet, a degree in fashion, and a background in altered couture as well as teaching, exhibiting and selling at art leagues and venues in LI. I am returning to my fashion design roots after 21 years of being full time mom and corporate wife and am finding it all to come back so naturally as I began creating from the time I was very young and remained creative throughout the years bringing many art projects and programs to the local school district. Too boot, I also returned to dance 5 years ago. This time my genre is Ballroom and I have competed and showcased often. Guess this all leaves you wondering what my age ?;) I turned 50 this year, but don't look or behave it and often time I being mistaken for much younger because of my sense of style, fitness and zest for life including my new couture design biz.

Vintage Inspired Rococo Peacock Feather Choker With Vintage Brooches and Rhinestones

1.How long have you been jewelry and accessories?

I worked in Jewelry and Accessories as part of my fashion training in college; really on purpose because I have always had such a deep love of frilly adornments, creating many for myself since I was a child and wearing them about and people loving them. I think I always knew I would end up back here ... with my new brand. Cosmik Souls began the same way. I began creating to deal with the grief I felt upon my dad's passing a year and a half ago. As I wore it about town I got stopped everywhere and asked about who the designer was and how they could own a piece, hence a tribute line to my dad was born His name was Cosmos, hence Cosmik Souls.

Vintage Inspired Marylin Monroe Pendant With Glass Pearls and Tulle Bow

2. Apart from crafting, do you have another job?

This Cosmik venture has become a full time thing for me as I sell on consignment, FaceBook, Etsy and locally and have a couture one of a kind business model. I also work with talent agencies, photographers and models on collaborative assignments. I do all of my own design, crafting, photo, marketing and shipping as well. My studio is in my home so it allows for me to be home for my family and dogs, including a rescue puppy.

Rococo Lace Choker with Feathers and Vintage Jewels

3. Where do you get your inspiration from?

First of have to give kudos to my dad for a lifetime of creative and humanitarian inspiration. He was incredibly talented all though art was a hobby for him and very was generous to those in need. I feel as if my dad is working along side me on this as I feel his presence always. I also work with 6 charities with my brand, as he taught me well. My inspiration is so intrinsic to my being that things just come to me on recall as I design. My vintage inspiration comes from a love of history including family history back to my roots. Old family photos are priceless and I adore the family mix I am comprised of. Half homeland of Greece as I am second generation American on my dad's side ... and half heartland as my mom's family were original settlers in the Midwest. Can't beat that combo of inspiration ;)

Purple Hearts And Flower Romantic Charm Cuff

4. What is your most favorite item in your shop and why?

It is hard to pick a favorite item in my shop as I love it all but I am known for my lace and feathered chokers and cuffs. MY Baroque Bridal Choker has been a Cosmik Souls fave and I love it for it's soft, elegant yet sexy statement and it's versatility to be worn and treasured as a heirloom piece long after the nuptials. From engagement party to wedding day ... to a great honeymoon bu dour beauty to wow the new hubby ... also rocks with a great pair of jeans !!!

Vintage Inspired Baroque Lace Bridal Choker With Rosettes,Cameo,Ribbon and Bleached Peacock Feathers

5. How would you describe your creative process?

My creative process begins with an inspiration that begins to play out in my minds eye. Then I begin to lay it all out and add and subtract what looks and feels right. I feel as if my pieces sort of speak to me guiding me where to go. Nothing is complete until my heart and soul tell me so.

Red Resin Rose On Brass Filigree Charm Necklace

6. Where would you like to be in ten years?

In ten years I hope to have Cosmik Souls recognized as an established upscale haute couture brand and a go to brand for truly special pieces. The sky is the limit really and I believe it is heading where it belongs.

Pearl Choker With Fun Skull

7. What advice would you give to a new Etsy Seller?

For any new Etsy seller my advise would be to realize that we all started at the beginning and had so much to learn ... it's not just you ... I am still learning everyday. Also to join the Etsy Teams and community ... I have made the most awesome friends there and learned so much about how to use the Etsy site from them. We also all help validate each other as artisans. It's a great site ... be patient and your hard work will pay off.

Vintage Inspired Steampunk Skull Cameo Cocktail Ring

If you are interested in any of the items you saw or heard about, please check out Cosmik Souls. Also feel free to check out Joan's other sites, which include Facebook, Twitter, and Sense of Fashion.

Exciting news!

This Ghoul has some exciting news!I have kept this to myself for a few weeks, and only a few people were aware of what I am about to reveal!

Here it goes! A few weeks ago I had a rather large order for a lady in Australia. She ordered many of my skeleton hand accessories and a few necklaces as well, along with some hair clips. I didn't second guess why this lady was ordering so much, I just thought she might be buying these items to resell in a shop down under. However, curiosity got the best of me and I sent said lady an e-mail asking her why the large order. Apparently the lady has a clothing line that she is kicking off and wanted to have her models wear my accessories that she purchased and then give them to her models as payment.

I was in shock.

I have kept in contact with this fashionista and as soon as the show is said and done, I will be getting pictures of her models wearing my items. I am very excited about this and I can't wait until I see the pictures. Hopefully, I will also be able to chat with the designer and ask her some questions as I do in my featured shop posts. So keep an eye out for that post! I am not 100% sure when her show will be, but rest assured, I will let everyone know when I have pictures! Okay, I am done being giddy and bragging! At least for the time being.