tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79175187155014160172024-03-04T23:32:03.410-08:00The NavigatrixTheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-7059910803106999242015-02-06T04:43:00.001-08:002015-02-06T04:43:44.522-08:00The Navigatrix Blog has moved!Find the latest posts on <a href="http://www.thenavigatrixonetsy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://www.thenavigatrixonetsy.wordpress.com</a><br />
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I hope to see you there!<br />
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<br />TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-32928895192322727072014-11-07T06:03:00.000-08:002014-11-07T06:03:34.715-08:00Interview - Amy of Bakenekoya<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Sculpted Steam and Japanese Cats</b><br /><br />The perk of being an avid Etsian is that you frequently stumble across some amazing creations. I would like to introduce you to my newest discovery. The Japanese shop title peaked my curiousity, as did this gorgeous mask, found for the first time in an Etsy Treasury: </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bakenekoya?section_id=14337498&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3" target="_blank">Click here to find an array of Masks</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</i><br /><br />I started sculpting a few years ago just as a hobby. I was making sculptures for myself or as gifts for friends and family at first, everyone seemed to really like my work and I was really enjoying sculpting so one day I thought why not start trying to sell some pieces. I taught myself how to make moulds and cast in resin from videos on YouTube and articles online, bought a load of materials and just took it from there.<br /><br /><br />The name Bakenekoya is a Japanese word, it roughly translates as the monster cat store. Bakeneko - monster cat, the Ya added to the end makes it a store.<br />A Bakeneko is a spiritual being from Japanese folklore, it has similar powers to the kitsune or tanuki. <br />An ordinary cat can transform into a Bakeneko by either living over ten years of age, reaching one kan (3.75 kg or 8.25 lbs) in weight, or growing its tail too long.<br /><br />I am a massive cat lover, I have two very big cats that may be on the verge of transforming into Bakeneko ;) and have a love of Japanese art and culture, also the first items I wanted to sell were cat figurines, so when I decided to open my shop I was searching for a name that could somehow incorporate these things. I couldn't find anything that felt right until I stumbled upon a site of Japanese folklore and read the tale of the Bakeneko. The name Bakenekoya was just a perfect fit for the name of my shop.<br /><br /><i>The reason I was drawn in to explore your creations was the gorgeous Steampunk mask, the Japanese name (I'm very slowly learning Japanese) and the cats. Being a cat person runs in my family!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnENVg2efndiMxBd5CgLlBhe4cekUCG97E5766sopgPPezzwijqHwK7zr7aqlABHZGy2LY9DCRS8TTxb5AIt4FF4EX0ttfhJ0PW48mfgcqUaI0c8ecPm2xI2TpBK4PkYAmOggIwIiSv3M/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnENVg2efndiMxBd5CgLlBhe4cekUCG97E5766sopgPPezzwijqHwK7zr7aqlABHZGy2LY9DCRS8TTxb5AIt4FF4EX0ttfhJ0PW48mfgcqUaI0c8ecPm2xI2TpBK4PkYAmOggIwIiSv3M/s1600/image.jpeg" height="538" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/197511277/super-lucky-fat-tabby?ref=shop_home_active_17" target="_blank">Find this lucky tabby here!</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>2. What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?</i><br /><br />I create a range of sculptures and masks in a number of styles, cute, fantasy, horror, steampunk, and I'm always looking to try something new. <br /><br />I think my signature product would have to be my Super lucky fat cats. They were one of the first sculptures I made, and I don't think I'll ever stop making them. They came about as I love Maneki Neko and thought a great big fat one would be adorable, who doesn't love a big fat fluffy cat? And of course they combine two of my favourite things, cats and Japan.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/97040150/limited-edition-gentleman-cat-sculpture?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">A Fine Gentlecat, Bartleby Von Fishersnoot</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>3. Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</i><br />A lot of my inspiration comes from anime, cartoons and illustration. The work of Studio Ghibli in particular. But really anything that I'm currently mad about, geckos, cats, Dragon skulls.... I've always got about 20 things I'm itching to make.<br /><br />Also other artists are a massive inspiration, I have some good friends who have helped me in the past with design, and there are a lot of amazing people out there that I look up to, they really help drive me to keep improving my skills.<br /><br /><br />I think that I have a good range of products, I like to experiment and play around with different styles, materials and types of items, and I intend to continually expand my range. Hopefully it makes an interesting shop and will grow more so over time.<br /><br /><i>4.What do you enjoy most about your craft?</i><br />Most of all I just find the whole process of making stuff incredibly enjoyable, and so satisfying, I love seeing it all come together, especially when I don't really know what I'm doing at the beginning and just jump in at the deep end.<br />Also selling your work is fantastic, not just because of earning money (of course it's really nice to buy food and pay the rent and everything) but to know that someone out there really loves something you have made in an amazing feeling, it makes all the horrible hard parts so worthwhile.<br /><br /><i>I can't agree more. When your creative passion is reflected in a buyer's face or message, it's a real motivator!</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/184013166/super-snooty-cat-silver-tabby?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">A Steampunk Maneki Neko!</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>5. What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?</i><br /><br />I've been selling my work for a few years now but I still feel like a newbie, I don't think I've really figured it out yet. But I think the best way to start is to get your work out there any way you can, social networking, art sites... It's great if you can afford to pay for advertising but most of us can't, so any free way to get your work in front of people is invaluable. There are a lot of sellers on Etsy and I think it's easy to get a bit lost amongst them.<br /><br />Also I think having more than just a couple of items in your store and a bigger variety of products will always attract more customers. I only had a few cat sculptures in my shop at first and didn't get very many views at all, but as soon as I started adding more products I could really see the difference in traffic.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-txLw3mecTRbStgcI6YLAwPmTQibPoeiHF0rXPIlJHeU2GtdFHm-d3Va8TqjqEwizoibnvT_F3j1xYZeyb__hCsjNZWnCRzBwNO6PQwhujOZoxPUaghRPv9j3LnsmozoTrfH9FVyvNQQ/s1600/image+copy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-txLw3mecTRbStgcI6YLAwPmTQibPoeiHF0rXPIlJHeU2GtdFHm-d3Va8TqjqEwizoibnvT_F3j1xYZeyb__hCsjNZWnCRzBwNO6PQwhujOZoxPUaghRPv9j3LnsmozoTrfH9FVyvNQQ/s1600/image+copy.jpeg" height="516" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/190228194/the-leopard-gecko-totem-special-edition?ref=related-0" target="_blank">The Leopard Gecko Totem, Special Edition</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>6.What are your top 3 favourite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</i><br /><br />It's so very difficult to only choose 3!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">These people are amazing artists so I'm going to plug their Deviantart pages too so you can look at much more of their art work.<br />***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creaturesfromel" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/uk/shop/creaturesfromel</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This artist is incredible, her sculpture work is so very beautiful. I'd gladly have every single piece of hers in my house if I could. I am super jealous of her skills.... but in a good, she inspires me kind of way of course ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://creaturesfromel.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">http://creaturesfromel.deviantart.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StudioSwitchum" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/uk/shop/StudioSwitchum</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A fellow cat lover and such a talented sculptor. He makes amazing cat sculptures and prints, he has a great style and sense of humour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://switchum.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">http://switchum.deviantart.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/naniiebim" target="_blank">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/naniiebim</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a big fan of her series Mephistos and have a lot of her art prints up on my walls, her work is fantastic. She (and her pet Geckos) also provided the inspiration for my Gecko totem sculpt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://naniiebim.deviantart.com/" target="_blank">http://naniiebim.deviantart.com</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>7. Where can you be found online? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bakenekoya.com/" target="_blank">www.bakenekoya.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bakenekoya/240462629359857?ref=hl" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/pages/Bakenekoya/240462629359857?ref=hl</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://amys-bakenekoya.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">amys-bakenekoya.tumblr.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://twitter.com/Amys_Bakenekoya" target="_blank">twitter.com/Amys_Bakenekoya</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And of course <a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bakenekoya" target="_blank">www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bakenekoya</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</i><br /><br />Not
at the moment but I will have a Christmas sale coming up at the start
of December, I'll post details on Facebook, Tumblr etc.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/170923727/reginald-t-pompington-the-gentleman-slug?ref=related-3" target="_blank">A gentleman Slug, fighting for equality among the Snail upper classes</a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>9. What is it about Steampunk that you love and how did you become involved in it?</i><br /><br />I love the whole fantasy of Steampunk and how anything goes, I think it brings out the best of artists' imaginations. I have a lot of respect for steampunk cosplayers, there's so much love, hard work and skill that goes into making those amazing costumes and modding everyday items into marvellous steampunk contraptions.<br /><br /><br />My steampunk work began with the idea for the first sculpture I put up for sale, Bartleby von Fishersnoot the gentleman cat. I just love a gentleman creature with a ridiculous name! After making him I really wanted to make a range of gentleman creatures with their own little world. They live in the charming coastal town of Flappington-on-sea and all have their own stories. So far I have him and Reginald T Pompigton the gentleman slug (and I suppose my super snooty gentleman Maneki Neko could live there too), but there will be more to come in this range.<br /><br />After I started selling these I got invited to exhibit at the Leeds Steampunk market. I really wanted to make a steampunk mask for the event which is what led to the creation of my Steampunk respirator mask, this was a very difficult project, but also very fun, and was a great experience as I had to learn a few new techniques like metal etching and cold casting.<br /><br /><i>Thankyou so much, Amy. Your work is fascinating and as a trained modelmaker myself, I can really appreciate your self-taught skill! Here's hoping that we might see you trading at next year's Asylum in Lincoln, perhaps?</i></span><i><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">If you love Amy's work, do Favourite her shop, <span style="color: yellow;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Bakenekoya?ref=shopinfo_shophome_leftnav" target="_blank">Bakenekoya</a></span> on Etsy.com.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Thankyou kindly,<br /> ~The Navigatrix</i><br /> </span></div>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-19782465112903297092014-10-06T06:10:00.001-07:002014-10-06T06:10:37.062-07:00NEW! Notes from The Navigatrix ~ A Newsletter<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Introducing the new monthly newsletter</span></span></i>,</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;">~ ~ ~ Notes from The Navigatrix ~ ~ ~</span></h2>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">When</span> I began my little handmade business, I had absolutely no concept of what it would involve. Over the past three years my learning curve has been steep and crazier than a zeppelin steeplechase. I still have much to learn, but now it is more a case of refining what I know.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've made some really wonderful friends, both in real life, as Skype apparitions and virtual beings that express themselves through text and images...no, I know you're all real people, really! (So am I. Not like The Professor's 'Sally'</span>...<span style="font-size: large;">)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiudSoWzp3c1TBiUvpyJJb-ENkQ_6uu_pSfGvFggLF792RpNeailkO-qfrwh6g5FltDqYa5554YvPEBJTKsS7q2U_ns9ULAxZOcMuZiCq-ZC3Pt7NVAFm9lZV4o3_wmbRmWxyyzgGj58s/s1600/1411314089710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiudSoWzp3c1TBiUvpyJJb-ENkQ_6uu_pSfGvFggLF792RpNeailkO-qfrwh6g5FltDqYa5554YvPEBJTKsS7q2U_ns9ULAxZOcMuZiCq-ZC3Pt7NVAFm9lZV4o3_wmbRmWxyyzgGj58s/s1600/1411314089710.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Matt and I had a lovely time at Asylum again this year. I was so happy to see three of my dear customers wearing items that they had purchased from me over the previous year. Thankyou, I was flattered, encouraged and motivated by that! As much as I love trading in person (because I get to dress up and chat!) it is not practical for me for various reasons. Ah well. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope to bring you more photos of Asylum and a brief account soon.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">The main learning curve has been about social networking. I'm loving it but it is very time consuming. Striking a balance between making items and advertising them, cultivating customer relations and physically running the shop, has proven to be quite an artform in itself. Plus, I've added to my duties by creating <span style="color: orange;">The Aether Nomads Project</span> , with which I am eagerly and ably aided by Heyk Al Khemeti (aka Kymaris) in France and Catherine Moon in The Netherlands.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">So much going on! It was high time, I decided, to start that newsletter I've been thinking about for well over a year. Without further ado, I present to you: Notes from The Navigatrix!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd like to receive it regularly, please <span style="color: orange;">SIGN UP HERE, Thankyou!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do let me know what you think!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you well,</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Sally-Ann</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-91854191304660548842014-05-31T04:14:00.001-07:002014-05-31T04:14:42.147-07:00Reblog:My Crazy Corner: Finding The Navigatrix by Sally-Ann Livingston<a href="http://mycrazzycorner.blogspot.com/2014/05/finding-navigatrix-by-sally-ann.html?spref=bl">A reblog from Apryl Bakers's My Crazy Corner: Finding The Navigatrix by Sally-Ann Livingston</a>: "So, what is Steampunk?" the bemused member of public asks, with wide eyes and the hint of a childish smile as they survey ...TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-27811901626622123012014-02-25T03:56:00.000-08:002014-02-25T03:56:44.574-08:00Steampunk Hands around the World - Interview with Michelle of Steelhip Design<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">In this last interview for the Steampunk Hands event, I'm reaching over from the UK to shake hands with Michelle in Australia.</span></span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">The founder of Steelhip Designs, this talented lady produces the most incredible, wearable, faux machine adornments and sculptures! </span></i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffbxyHfS-wBHsEn5GbtHCi3ODvCK8YOTU4yyDe5qt8vaAW4_10Ih-mmfJ4khyV8OumHRf77L9wMCPDkOm8EilNee6laFJjuMOrEw1FzplmEYQVTyFeeIjxxpChP1NrCItkYJiLXxCaRs/s1600/newromancer91.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhffbxyHfS-wBHsEn5GbtHCi3ODvCK8YOTU4yyDe5qt8vaAW4_10Ih-mmfJ4khyV8OumHRf77L9wMCPDkOm8EilNee6laFJjuMOrEw1FzplmEYQVTyFeeIjxxpChP1NrCItkYJiLXxCaRs/s1600/newromancer91.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The NewRomancer</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">1. How did your shop get its name and what was
the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I've had Psoriatic
Arthritis since I was 12 years old.
Due to that condition I've had both my hips replaced, both my knees
replaced and my right wrist plated and fused. It's made having any kind of career difficult. In 2001 I went back to school and
studied web design and named my business Steelhip Design. I loved designing websites but started
making jewellery as a way to relax after coding all day. When making jewellery and art took over
from web design, I didn't feel the need to change my business name.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHET0RwvlROWE2Y9WRKZltzpLjhiyT3OT1AL1tBFr2qaQcXRNSvnDJJNBEtvxGlcec5Or_S0_1gIOUMZ79nywHwUGYTpc1krHIEN-4_MA6MO48qh70tJfEzhpqjlcDeMxDDJcDHJA4ni8/s1600/clockworkalchemist1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHET0RwvlROWE2Y9WRKZltzpLjhiyT3OT1AL1tBFr2qaQcXRNSvnDJJNBEtvxGlcec5Or_S0_1gIOUMZ79nywHwUGYTpc1krHIEN-4_MA6MO48qh70tJfEzhpqjlcDeMxDDJcDHJA4ni8/s1600/clockworkalchemist1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/159918806/antique-clock-part-necklace-victorian?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank">The Clockwork Alchemist - on Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">2. What do you create and do you have a
signature product? If so how did it come to be?</span></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I mostly create jewellery
pieces – that's what I financially survive on but I also make small
sculptural/assemblage pieces. My
signature piece is the mechanical flying heart – I've made many, all unique,
but I still love making them. They
have evolved over time from simple embellishments to now, very complex little
faux machines. The gear teeth are
locked together, the gauges have tiny watch hands and in some cases, printed
read outs. I think it's the
increasing degree of complexity that is keeping me engaged artistically.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment--><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dd0sHMaWMOhiJ02eTue5zy_p_o96cikeDE0lUQPfQbsS0BKeJ_7_UqXKBoNI1xWUSx9jE3sdZxL1EUd3ufFrEQAEjaYhBqNYcoSglYWakhI9jB-GC79omKi4S5Gl670zfLtK9SdtfKM/s1600/controlpanel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dd0sHMaWMOhiJ02eTue5zy_p_o96cikeDE0lUQPfQbsS0BKeJ_7_UqXKBoNI1xWUSx9jE3sdZxL1EUd3ufFrEQAEjaYhBqNYcoSglYWakhI9jB-GC79omKi4S5Gl670zfLtK9SdtfKM/s1600/controlpanel1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/168847628/necklace-steampunk-style-steampunk?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Control Panel - on Etsy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I don't
fabricate or cast so I'm using existing items in new ways. In a weird kind of way having a
disability taught me to adapt to the world around me. Adaptation is a huge part of my design process.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTu16cJaVShYA3Y_zigzNk79VFOFOMTXvV3n5b-jYjT4AtBGa2tFvKc7TQ6AYvttNXd7kyR2bk0O8Sg55Lgu2Q9EtAIjFSdaCgLCWzcEaAug6wrEHbUn0NtTUqNMxFoF2ZX-ru58zpP0/s1600/etherealessenceextractor1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdTu16cJaVShYA3Y_zigzNk79VFOFOMTXvV3n5b-jYjT4AtBGa2tFvKc7TQ6AYvttNXd7kyR2bk0O8Sg55Lgu2Q9EtAIjFSdaCgLCWzcEaAug6wrEHbUn0NtTUqNMxFoF2ZX-ru58zpP0/s1600/etherealessenceextractor1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ethereal Essence Extractor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">3. Where do you find your inspiration and what
makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Having lots of metal in me. So it's no wonder biomechanical themes
feature heavily in my work. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">It's a cliché but I really do see
inspiration everywhere. That is
why steampunk is so dynamic. We
see movement, physics and engineering everywhere. I love driving around a heavy industrial areas – seeing the
pipes, huge machinery and massive electrical terminals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I work in what is kindly called
“creative chaos” but could also be termed a total mess. My desk is covered in bits and
pieces. It's amazing how many
pieces have just come together in this confusion and randomness of
proximity. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I like to make pieces that look like
they actually work. Gears for
gear's sake isn't my thing – they have to look like they are part of a
mechanical process. Recently I've
delved into the “mad scientist” realm with brass tubing, miniature control
panels and glass vials. I want
these pieces to look like they are “plugged in” to the wearer's body. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I'm often told my pieces are very
original - that is the best compliment any artist can get. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVq5Q-VaidZXlNhmjjAWO9JE4s98DTaTNAiIDcHtVK6QAbT55UEof3nGsfLYyCDoxdaFqOEvSpIjZ_qwYj8jk4acyXogf2TS7zR2s1XNtddyujKNznwJiq3g1LHHk2wRJBugqKyVGxUc/s1600/miniorrery3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVq5Q-VaidZXlNhmjjAWO9JE4s98DTaTNAiIDcHtVK6QAbT55UEof3nGsfLYyCDoxdaFqOEvSpIjZ_qwYj8jk4acyXogf2TS7zR2s1XNtddyujKNznwJiq3g1LHHk2wRJBugqKyVGxUc/s1600/miniorrery3.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Orrery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">4.What do you enjoy most about your craft?</span></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">When everything just comes together – the
piece is virtually making itself – great feeling. I can't draw so it's impossible for me to plan out a
piece. I have to pick up the parts
to see if they will fit together.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Seeing people's faces seeing my work –
just Wow! That is the downside to
online selling – not seeing those immediate reactions but I get a lot of lovely
messages from all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I do love the hunt too. Sourcing my supplies has become very
difficult with the popularity of steampunk and the fact I live in Perth,
Australia – the most isolated capital city in the world. Down here we have neither the
population nor history for vintage surplus/charity shop finds. Virtually everything I use I have to
source online. Totally jealous of
the steampunk artists in the US and Europe and the access they have to amazing
raw materials! So, when I find
fantastic supplies at a reasonable price and shipping costs aren't exorbitant
it is a very good day. </span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5wE0NB2l6uaEDD8MMZxTKY8FlVtSxoW0JDw3r3r0vpofDwWdCVWrscFCI_2-nHJnqocbbc3CC-GWASoLY_8P7BbZr43XvamZTNdHJNsMLs4RvHEE5OPjmhtIdFa6pEgJ5rKuSGjsaRw/s1600/orbitring1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5wE0NB2l6uaEDD8MMZxTKY8FlVtSxoW0JDw3r3r0vpofDwWdCVWrscFCI_2-nHJnqocbbc3CC-GWASoLY_8P7BbZr43XvamZTNdHJNsMLs4RvHEE5OPjmhtIdFa6pEgJ5rKuSGjsaRw/s1600/orbitring1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orbit Ring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">5. What is your best advice to newbie Etsians
just opening their shops?</span></i></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Mainly talking to jewellery artists
here. Be original and find a
niche. It took me six years to
find my niche. And be prepared for
the cruel reality of capitalism.
When I look online, walk through a shopping mall and go to a craft
market – jewellery is EVERYWHERE! I'm astounded I sell anything. It can be crushing to your ego when you've poured your heart
and soul into a piece of art or jewellery and it doesn't sell. Make things you want to make but if
it's the 47,756</span></span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">th</span></span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"> red beaded bracelet listed on etsy realise you
have some stiff competition. I know it's difficult but try not to take a lack
of commercial success personally.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Remember people are selling on etsy for
different reasons: for some it's their primary profession, some are hoping they
can quit their day job, others just want to cover the cost of supplies and
there are hobbyists who are just having a bit of fun. Each group values their
time and skills differently. This
dynamic can make it a challenging platform to sell on. Think about your own ambitions and what
you want out of the experience.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Before Etsy I sold on ebay for over 10
years. I only listed on Etsy to
have some kind of presence there.
I put high prices on the pieces I listed thinking “this is just a
portfolio – no one is going to buy them” but to my amazement they sold. I'm so glad I gave myself that
inadvertent pay rise and now I put a realistic price on my experience, skill
and creativity. Women do tend to
under value their time and effort.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Great photos are crucial to selling
online. I spend many hours taking
and editing photos. I look back at
my first attempts and cringe.
You don't have to spend a lot of money to take great photos it's just
finding the technique that works for your products.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Finally, if you need help
go to the main forum and ask experienced sellers.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq0IJbhqQGQClelKHRJ3YidCsNLlmU07OSN7S8FTgrm56V56LhVHOmzdcclFX_Nu9rBFZVD7A_4mQDhhFqqPjPQ1Idg-lCzskqUQBtXNGjMnyQRVyvvF8TU_Htv2Q4rxt-_GsZSaKKLo/s1600/parkedheart5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq0IJbhqQGQClelKHRJ3YidCsNLlmU07OSN7S8FTgrm56V56LhVHOmzdcclFX_Nu9rBFZVD7A_4mQDhhFqqPjPQ1Idg-lCzskqUQBtXNGjMnyQRVyvvF8TU_Htv2Q4rxt-_GsZSaKKLo/s1600/parkedheart5.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Parked Heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">6.What are your top 3 favourite shops on Etsy
and what do you like about them?</span></i></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I'm going to be really
boring (and diplomatic) here and say I have too many favourite shops on Etsy to
list just three. Most of my them
are supply shops. When I have time
I do a steampunk search. I'm
always blown away by the talent and skill of my fellow steampunk artists on Etsy.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroWAGUSUp8q9aYd2iDwiJHt9y_t-RiX2AZVLVv7RbfAo1tYrE7Czk875CpP5Ft6M9dmY8BIaibyHZ-nlzGg052xTDCIhlY17TDWknFnV8kf6R24rbcb5d9D54_B9HQe2pmgHSz5cJ0V4/s1600/refiningsteam1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroWAGUSUp8q9aYd2iDwiJHt9y_t-RiX2AZVLVv7RbfAo1tYrE7Czk875CpP5Ft6M9dmY8BIaibyHZ-nlzGg052xTDCIhlY17TDWknFnV8kf6R24rbcb5d9D54_B9HQe2pmgHSz5cJ0V4/s1600/refiningsteam1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refining Steam<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">7. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Where can you be found
online?</span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.steelhipdesign.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">http://www.steelhipdesign.com/</span></a></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Please don't judge my web design skills
on my site. I cheated with a
gallery generator to just get something up quick and haven't had the time to
get a “real” site up. Next
hospital visit (right shoulder replacement) I'll design a proper website.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/steelhipdesign" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/steelhipdesign</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">and</span> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steelhip-Design/206804466042864" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">on Facebook.</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">8.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Do you have any coupon codes / special
sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</span></i></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">
</span></span></span><!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Nope, sorry – don't really do the coupon
thing. Maybe in the future –
probably through my facebook page.
So remember to like me.</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyQVkzaupA9AFpOcbQXcRot7ifLRkI6Dsozk1vHOpJo_xls33Bg_JBhOR3MDOOO1jWNBopuULyXrYeqdasTEnK2FnorCOahSbSC8pYCPC6BTidZVzJ4YcY8UCeYe3zdUnpNHdvzxBTz0/s1600/steamdriven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyQVkzaupA9AFpOcbQXcRot7ifLRkI6Dsozk1vHOpJo_xls33Bg_JBhOR3MDOOO1jWNBopuULyXrYeqdasTEnK2FnorCOahSbSC8pYCPC6BTidZVzJ4YcY8UCeYe3zdUnpNHdvzxBTz0/s1600/steamdriven1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steamdriven<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">9. What is it about Steampunk that you love and how did you become involved in it?</span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I hear this often from steampunk artists
– “I was making steampunk before I knew it had a name!” I think that's what excites people when
they find the community - I thought I was the only one that preferred copper,
brass, wood and glass over mass produced plastic!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">When I was five or six I saw an antique
automata singing bird. The bird
was beautiful but it was the mechanics inside that really captured me – it was
magical. I love the
philosophy of making something for the sake of beauty and skill over profit and
designed obsolescence. It's reminiscent of the Arts and Crafts movement at the
turn of the last century. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I was making a miniature Orrery and
needed some unique parts. I
started seeing “steampunk” in listing titles. Needless to say, I googled it. The rest is history.
The community, especially the Tactile forum on Brass Goggles, made me
very welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Steampunk has been very good to me. I've won a few awards in art shows and
have contributed pieces for a national touring exhibition – The Antipodean
Steampunk Show. More recently, one
of my pieces is on the cover of the new book “Steampunk Jewelry”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">I'd love to exhibit (or even just
attend) some of the big steampunk events in the US and Europe. Perth has a tiny band of steampunk
devotees but I mostly get blank stares when I mention what I do. At the end of this year I'm aiming on
having a solo exhibition and try to raise the profile of steampunk art in my
home town. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgbihrnoa8-MZGlCznRe3zvYzWI2Npjnk-jkmV13JmFcaggKHtqw7TKa2pNEsDmnRATvnVvxjePIUEPi4QZTbt-KRORiP_lMwK6f4aqSnrxcLcq5ZbWsSSj9PgLMtgWi3LuvTt3jCpQU/s1600/steampowered1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgbihrnoa8-MZGlCznRe3zvYzWI2Npjnk-jkmV13JmFcaggKHtqw7TKa2pNEsDmnRATvnVvxjePIUEPi4QZTbt-KRORiP_lMwK6f4aqSnrxcLcq5ZbWsSSj9PgLMtgWi3LuvTt3jCpQU/s1600/steampowered1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampowered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Thankyou so much, Michelle! You really are an inspiration. </span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Personally, what you've said about your </span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">mess</span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"> design process really resonates with me. Out of the chaotic potential of a random pile of materials, the designer acts like a filter to create unique works. I must say, you seem to have distilled the very essence of Steampunk in these magnificent faux machines!</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"><br /></span></span></i>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">If you, too, admire Michelle's work, do follow the links and support her fine endeavours.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </span></i></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">If you would like to be interviewed or, indeed, interview The Navigatrix, you can email me at thenavigatrix@yahoo.co.uk</span></b>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-79769452490210673152014-02-22T03:52:00.000-08:002014-02-22T03:52:46.390-08:00Steampunk Hands around the World - Interview with Abigail of Wiserabbit<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">One of the highlights of my work are the creative friends that surround me. This time it is my very great pleasure to introduce you to </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Abigail of Wiserabbit.</span></span></i></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">We met years ago in a tent, on a scout site, whilst enjoying our favourite pastime of Live Roleplaying. In fact, it was a good friend who introduced us. I'm happy to say that I was there at their wedding and the pair are now honourary aunt and uncle to 'the Scamp'. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">It isn't at all unusual to find larpers who make their own costume, but in this case, the seamstress is well-trained and highly skilled!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">1.</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">How did your shop get its name and what was the
main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I’m not actually sure I can remember where
the name came from! I’ve always had an affinity with rabbits (I share my
workspace with my two house rabbits, Juno and Verity) and “wiserabbit” has been
an internet handle for quite some time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span></span><!--StartFragment--><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">In terms of my reason for
opening the shop, I started sewing full time when I found myself unexpectedly
out of work. About a month later I became pregnant with my son, so it was a
time of huge upheaval. I went from working in change management and being
fiercely independent, to being a pregnant housewife within the space of a
month! Starting my own business was a way to reclaim some of my identity. It
also helps fund my expensive dressmaking habit! Most of my work is bespoke, but
the Etsy shop gives me a financial excuse to make speculative items.</span></span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZbAhtXdAxIG8opgQ47vZzqT0_6gODaOdT3JlwP8EAQw2fJ3z97c5DvVhl9AUc7wQ7GKvPwme5Ywsl9j_ITyS9Vy9d1tHAWLYroB8ZzVhtLaXkwl2ozaf5tUtvNEVYxAnhRLL3iQfpUQ/s1600/DSC_0185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMZbAhtXdAxIG8opgQ47vZzqT0_6gODaOdT3JlwP8EAQw2fJ3z97c5DvVhl9AUc7wQ7GKvPwme5Ywsl9j_ITyS9Vy9d1tHAWLYroB8ZzVhtLaXkwl2ozaf5tUtvNEVYxAnhRLL3iQfpUQ/s1600/DSC_0185.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A mutual friend models for Wiserabbit</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">2. </span></span></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">What do you create and do you have a signature
product? If so how did it come to be?</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I
would say it’s probably my forage caps; I made some for a pulp adventure LARP
game and they proved very popular. I enjoy the huge variety that you can get
from a single pattern. After a while, I started selling the patterns themselves
and through various channels have now sold about 80 of them. I’m hoping the new
fingerless glove patterns I’m working on will be as successful!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg_WfyiFlvCJULGemCqVwlcgHiUm_QQvFghUoV8A5lbptKQGApVAdouUwBZ_qpsFXoAO9Oi97b-YfSCkDyjOT4dPFpWtBSX7JhONbBAnI6y6htcdoO6zW6pteZ_zed8NivwmON0-4zZc/s1600/DSC_0193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg_WfyiFlvCJULGemCqVwlcgHiUm_QQvFghUoV8A5lbptKQGApVAdouUwBZ_qpsFXoAO9Oi97b-YfSCkDyjOT4dPFpWtBSX7JhONbBAnI6y6htcdoO6zW6pteZ_zed8NivwmON0-4zZc/s1600/DSC_0193.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/175524553/steampunk-or-retro-futuristic-forage-cap?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Forage Cap is available on Etsy</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">3. </span></span></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Where do you find your inspiration and what makes
you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">My
inspiration is nearly always based in historical fashion. I love the quality of
construction in older garments; something you just don’t get now. Sometimes
though, I will create a piece based around a piece of literature, a character
or even around something I’m angry about! I initially trained in theatre and was
particularly keen on allegorical pieces, mask work and puppet work. On stage a
garment has to encapsulate the character at that point (or deliberately
juxtapose a different set of ideas). I love the idea of a garment starting a “conversation”
before a character speaks. It’s the difference between costume and fashion;
fashion expresses what someone else wants you to be, costume can express
whatever you want it to.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEefOIPVM0EybJI54X_bZAZoO2aBNz_0CMIWwaqgUh3Wx0sn4_U5beNQC1YzuimZe1IUcV7PRcKcbpm2YrJDcQ6SHIj8AqeT46UXOgRBItbRtnC_qku_MotLxQC5QU8MtxBzqf7XUVcMQ/s1600/DSC_0180_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEefOIPVM0EybJI54X_bZAZoO2aBNz_0CMIWwaqgUh3Wx0sn4_U5beNQC1YzuimZe1IUcV7PRcKcbpm2YrJDcQ6SHIj8AqeT46UXOgRBItbRtnC_qku_MotLxQC5QU8MtxBzqf7XUVcMQ/s1600/DSC_0180_1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/175403779/the-governess-gown-victorian-dress-with?ref=shop_home_feat_1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Governess Gown is available on Etsy</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e8QMeJTl6bH4EVWukVvGMu2WFNZXQf4BT-JUN0BdgHYUlrfPXyXzaDgDybxQq1wI1m6f6J1WZV7_ByQ7ML3T2qhgBXmEPM5_fxYIjuo6XPXx45Pgf1lON7_MLxOzXQZP5QepqP9HjQE/s1600/DSC_0211_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1e8QMeJTl6bH4EVWukVvGMu2WFNZXQf4BT-JUN0BdgHYUlrfPXyXzaDgDybxQq1wI1m6f6J1WZV7_ByQ7ML3T2qhgBXmEPM5_fxYIjuo6XPXx45Pgf1lON7_MLxOzXQZP5QepqP9HjQE/s1600/DSC_0211_1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">4. </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">What do you enjoy most about your craft?</span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I
enjoy the self-sufficiency of sewing. Its a skill that everyone needs to
utilise during their lives and being able to do it myself is satisfying.</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohh8YibeA-4_TtS3eyypZvJ8ZY6Z7hnUC_rj7dd7dr__tfFTJmVAqqxsiNMnYNAYEL5QUZoMeDC07IrDkJPu0N167rd-mnALgz1B-JAX2gtNsknKTfr3gph1JCKTBJD60a85FOql1nQ8/s1600/DSC_0061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohh8YibeA-4_TtS3eyypZvJ8ZY6Z7hnUC_rj7dd7dr__tfFTJmVAqqxsiNMnYNAYEL5QUZoMeDC07IrDkJPu0N167rd-mnALgz1B-JAX2gtNsknKTfr3gph1JCKTBJD60a85FOql1nQ8/s1600/DSC_0061.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Steamcaptain America Ensemble...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IPFsaHVGw3HmplfxHH-uNKAt6YZWDEC7GlCFht-iY9tiKkxJK0paPucAyZBtn-Oo9ApP-XKE_1eSkevnCVC4Ed68iWNLaRY6bNNkxCRvup2vDDsPD0vIY27TLgDNjkqYHsG67RDEyug/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IPFsaHVGw3HmplfxHH-uNKAt6YZWDEC7GlCFht-iY9tiKkxJK0paPucAyZBtn-Oo9ApP-XKE_1eSkevnCVC4Ed68iWNLaRY6bNNkxCRvup2vDDsPD0vIY27TLgDNjkqYHsG67RDEyug/s1600/DSC_0071.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">..with a hidden in-joke!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">5. </span></span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">What is your best advice
to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?</span></span></span></i><br />
<!--StartFragment-->
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<br /></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span></span><!--StartFragment--><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Etsy
actually only makes up a small amount of my sales; most of the things I sell
are bespoke requests so I’m probably not best placed to answer this. What I
would say though, is pay very close attention to trending items and be
realistic in your expectations. If you are looking to make your living as a
crafter, then you will need other outlets as well unless you really are able to
nail a target market.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
</span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span><!--EndFragment-->
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqZ6e2Eml1RSce0BrBiH15nszZDDU3dGMvKcsdBedY4Qle5wKThD6Qh_6KgSlI7RUv91cw5UVwYA2NIxLvKUp587qeOGog8pUcgXi_SfYcckQfhUgAX10KPt-Po4i7WIO6NoGNT-OsEk/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqZ6e2Eml1RSce0BrBiH15nszZDDU3dGMvKcsdBedY4Qle5wKThD6Qh_6KgSlI7RUv91cw5UVwYA2NIxLvKUp587qeOGog8pUcgXi_SfYcckQfhUgAX10KPt-Po4i7WIO6NoGNT-OsEk/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Navigatrix and Weldon Rivett esq. sporting a <br />Wiserabbit forage cap and Regency Steam coat </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ88rajHc3jPUe3lNp28hF2-WnM-ES4TqdmbG7d6QxbCp1TVsx4yjChcOPYW1lASy9dAEPjr7eJ4W7IECGDZTDWGc1tcf_gzF53EXS-noyHRhgSvH6j9HlRAA8CBt8xzNMmNx9XMsFNAw/s1600/MAtt+waistcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ88rajHc3jPUe3lNp28hF2-WnM-ES4TqdmbG7d6QxbCp1TVsx4yjChcOPYW1lASy9dAEPjr7eJ4W7IECGDZTDWGc1tcf_gzF53EXS-noyHRhgSvH6j9HlRAA8CBt8xzNMmNx9XMsFNAw/s1600/MAtt+waistcoat.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Looking rather fine in his waistcoat, don't you agree?<br />Wiserabbit uses veggie friendly 'pleather' and works <br />on it to make it closer to animal leather. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">6.</span></span></i></span><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">What are your top 3
favourite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</span></span></i></span><br />
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">With
the exception of the Navigatrix and Arcane Armoury of course?!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> Actually none of them are Steampunk related! The shops that
have caught my eye are:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TendaiDesigns" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Tendai Designs</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/inaeent" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">inaeent</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/UralNature" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Ural Nature</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">It’s
all for the same reason – the uniqueness of design concepts, the design
integrity and the display of skill.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">7. Where can you be found
online?</span></i></span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.wise-rabbit.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">http://www.wise-rabbit.co.uk/</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">and on my Facebook page,
which is updated the most often (I am terrible at updating things – I need a
secretary!)</span></span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiserabbit/252980204734603" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wiserabbit/252980204734603</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">
<!--StartFragment--><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">and of course, my Etsy
shop:</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheWiseRabbit" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheWiseRabbit</span></a> </span></span><!--EndFragment--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 36.0pt; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-font-family: Garamond; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<o:p><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Just for you! Use the coupon </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">STARLING01</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
until the end of April 2014 for 10% off. Share this one wherever you like :)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">9. What
is it about Steampunk that you love and how did you become involved in it?</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Would you think me a mercenary
wench if I said it was because I saw a business opportunity? That was certainly
why I first got involved but over the past year, I’ve come to love both the
aesthetic and the wonderful people involved. I have never met such a creative,
humorous, inclusive and welcoming group of people and I love their company. I
love a group where individuality of style is prized over anything else. I’ve
done LARP and re-enactment fairs as well, and the Steampunk fairs are by far
the most fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I’ve also just started reading the Boneshaker
trilogy by Cherie Priest, and that is really bringing the world to life for me
in a convincing fashion.</span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">
</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Thankyou, Abigail! It really is lovely to introduce our wonderful friends to everyone.</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Speaking of authors....here's another mutual friend and fellow LRPer, sporting his bespoke, Wiserabbit apparel. A jolly nice chap, too!</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptZthwQcrzYJh7Z8ay6LnWXZZiGsccLyaz4uwtVh44u_1KkKfsR7ysYH9YThXZ6KHRS3AS4DDGb2HTmuJaEp2qayYblWfngPL-xoGzthzFIk0h4bKGqQpfYC7bvNmX46-gdV3Y9xuP-o/s1600/_MG_9875_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptZthwQcrzYJh7Z8ay6LnWXZZiGsccLyaz4uwtVh44u_1KkKfsR7ysYH9YThXZ6KHRS3AS4DDGb2HTmuJaEp2qayYblWfngPL-xoGzthzFIk0h4bKGqQpfYC7bvNmX46-gdV3Y9xuP-o/s1600/_MG_9875_sm.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The author of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Oblivion-Storm-Grenshall-Manor-Chronicles/dp/0989303586/ref=sr_1_1/275-5925973-7166356?ie=UTF8&qid=1393062651&sr=8-1&keywords=oblivion+storm" target="_blank">Oblivion Storm-Grenshall Manor Chronicles Book 1</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Russell A. Smith </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">We would love to read your comments, share a bit of 'LRP froth' (enthusiastic live roleplay talk) or find out what sort of Steampunk costume you would commission if you could!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Remember to use the #SteampunkHands on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr to find other related blogs, reviews and other multimedia events this February!</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">~ The Navigatrix.</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Who has a sudden desire for more clothes. Quick! Send customer reinforcements! ;)</span></span><br />
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-39295304295727082722014-02-13T00:00:00.000-08:002014-02-14T00:00:49.688-08:00Celebrations, Building Steam and Joining Hands across the World<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_cy0wC-vC4UG17fLbteMyIY660gjhkBaf1Ov9FWz4_psMxdx1G4iRh1tqpWm9vUQJAHjgHS_HeGhd-s6JTf5-HdykytlMYoKRHiiIjuiA6NzUVf4JmgchMMWgDIemNc31Pt4xgnDGA/s1600/SteampunkHandsbyAraceli+Rodriguez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM_cy0wC-vC4UG17fLbteMyIY660gjhkBaf1Ov9FWz4_psMxdx1G4iRh1tqpWm9vUQJAHjgHS_HeGhd-s6JTf5-HdykytlMYoKRHiiIjuiA6NzUVf4JmgchMMWgDIemNc31Pt4xgnDGA/s1600/SteampunkHandsbyAraceli+Rodriguez.jpg" height="238" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">image by Araceli Rodriguez</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f6b26b;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">This February sees the first month long, active celebration of Steampunk community across the globe. The 14th also happens to be The Navigatrix's 2nd anniversary! </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I must admit, writing this blog entry is a bit like trying to use a chocolate teapot...you see, Steampunk Hands is really not about selling things at all. It is about celebrating community, so my focus isn't really about inviting you to consider buying anything. However, the whole reason I got involved in Steampunk was because of a practical need to increase my income. This is one mother who got inventive! I amalgamated my skills as a professional modelmaker with my hobby of Live Roleplaying and created an Etsy shop. You can read all </span></span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheNavigatrix/about?ref=shopinfo_about_leftnav" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">about how The Navigatrix began, on Etsy.</span></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">My learning curve in the first year was near vertical. I'd never actively created a network for business before, but I soon found it fun as it wasn't unlike meeting people at a LRP. You come across their characters in play and before you know it, you're sitting round the campfire at 3am getting to know the person behind the persona. This is how I have met, both virtually and face to face, many wonderful people who are on a similar wavelength. Through the common love of dressing up and pretending (an admirable trait in grown-ups) we can get to know ourselves and each other much better. Isn't it nourishing to be understood?</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I was contacted by my friend Suna Dasi of </span></span></span><a href="http://www.steampunkindia.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Steampunk India</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> (a Facebook friend) in January and invited to join in with Steampunk Hands. This was just the boost I needed to take off in a new direction and so I dived right in, enthusiastically!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> Kevin Steil, also known as the Airship Ambassador, is the bright spark whose idea has grown so rapidly that some are already calling it 'International Steampunk Month'. The Universe often conspires </span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">towards</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> us, I feel...</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> Kevin states: </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> "Our community is an energetic force of creativity, education, and aspiration, which deserves to be expressed, shared, and valued by each and every one of us, every day.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Our friends and compatriots, known and not-yet-met, create the stories we read, make the fashions and accessories we wear, perform the music we hear, and construct the art we see....This grand collaboration makes our steam-nation possible, not just to exist but to thrive. Steampunk and our community is our playground. It is our classroom. It is our workshop."</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">To find out the range of people's efforts in celebration of our shared love of the genre, visit:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://airshipambassador.wordpress.com/2014/02/01/steampunk-hands-links/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Steampunk Hands around the World List of Links at AirshipAmbassador.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcUvh64kdvZe5G9oc0-FCiCs91yI7mKAq_5tXd5q4qw3NPnnhHnja8HHp53H-Hd1-_BcLJXNxzbMNRS91O4ZTzHZlsTftYeNYZa1acadzsHp-jEHO7-tAOO3ZJwskY1CBaM7uf-PcgEs/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcUvh64kdvZe5G9oc0-FCiCs91yI7mKAq_5tXd5q4qw3NPnnhHnja8HHp53H-Hd1-_BcLJXNxzbMNRS91O4ZTzHZlsTftYeNYZa1acadzsHp-jEHO7-tAOO3ZJwskY1CBaM7uf-PcgEs/s1600/DSC_0154.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Navigatrix has been spending time among the Aether Nomads</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Serendipity is a fine thing. It just so happens that I had already planned to make something of my Aether Nomad idea, to have The Navigatrix spend time among a different culture, learning from them and emulating their style. OOC (that's Out of Character for non-LRPers) my intention was to pursue a more tribal style in my Steampunk jewellery, allowing me more freedom for creativity and to perhaps find a unique little niche. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">The little snippets of story that often pop into my head whilst making things had begun to grow into the idea of a fantastic, fictional culture. That was informed by my most recent Live Roleplay character (the orange tagelmust is actually part of my LRP costume too). So finding out about Steampunk Hands fit right in and has allowed me to get to know this sub-culture better. I've even tried dredging up the French I learned at school to at least have a token go at speaking to Heyk Al Khemeti, with whom I'm co-writing some of the 'Tales of the Navigatrix'. It is very rusty. A-levels were a long time ago (well, I will be turning 40 this year!).</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I had been researching images for the character, using</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thenavigatrix/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Pinterest</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">, and had fallen in love with Moroccan design. Occasionally I'll find elements from other cultures too - it is so fascinating to learn about the world through a visual design journey.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE_yBIh7zM5mTGFkUy46XgsxQC2BPxkT2u5kuD98HYM2yvKDefacuitYgSwZfJQovhWIqTw1edu2dVdAG7HF5Yf0wJurN1k5aeUI19_vgn3jz1THR-zmKqzrmgvqoVK6aGXJ1UBrhvQw/s1600/il_570xN.459680641_33eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE_yBIh7zM5mTGFkUy46XgsxQC2BPxkT2u5kuD98HYM2yvKDefacuitYgSwZfJQovhWIqTw1edu2dVdAG7HF5Yf0wJurN1k5aeUI19_vgn3jz1THR-zmKqzrmgvqoVK6aGXJ1UBrhvQw/s1600/il_570xN.459680641_33eb.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgina modelling the Vintage Lace Heart Choker from my Steampunk Catwalk collection</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">When I first joined Etsy, I discovered that you could be part of a team in order to get motivated, learn new skills and meet likeminded makers. I loved the idea of being part of such a community, so that even though I work for myself, I wasn't by myself. The first team I joined was then run by Georgina, a highly creative woman who, at the time, had two shops. She now runs </span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AtomicGirlShop" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Atomic Girl</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">,</span> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CuriousDoors" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Curious Doors</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"> and</span> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nevermore-Art-Dolls/181181051969954" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Nevermore Art Dolls</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">By sheer coincidence she lived close enough for us to meet up once in a while. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZKuUugvAYRdJBXx-_jDhyphenhyphen495_GWhJoimZYEsDyCHFqtxxQ7vZnzGRMci467BdZ5PTaup5BvqQx-whdwtlcPu_SYcg6qz00TskminGQ5pHTqQvDslHAava6nfKUu143nlO_75YGouuH4/s1600/for+Sarah+Trickler+Photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZKuUugvAYRdJBXx-_jDhyphenhyphen495_GWhJoimZYEsDyCHFqtxxQ7vZnzGRMci467BdZ5PTaup5BvqQx-whdwtlcPu_SYcg6qz00TskminGQ5pHTqQvDslHAava6nfKUu143nlO_75YGouuH4/s1600/for+Sarah+Trickler+Photography.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steampunk Fairy made for Sarah Trickler Photography by Nevermore Art Dolls</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD9pQSqqfb1iJaDPoZVbsOwRgx09eDirj01CwM45bZgh3zPE5osvv1VrKbkOe-3dlVUzMzXk_GJRDh1VOV9I_XeFYJ07b67639WzP27pf8fiIVYp1yfh3FaYADB6dpvJ1Zf0BpNgOBbo/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTD9pQSqqfb1iJaDPoZVbsOwRgx09eDirj01CwM45bZgh3zPE5osvv1VrKbkOe-3dlVUzMzXk_GJRDh1VOV9I_XeFYJ07b67639WzP27pf8fiIVYp1yfh3FaYADB6dpvJ1Zf0BpNgOBbo/s1600/DSC_0164.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">So Georgina inspired me, guided me and has become the main model for my shop. She has since retired as Team Captain and that position has been filled by our lovely pyrographer friend in the U.S. Emily Joy of </span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/eminationartistry?ref=ss_profile" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">EmiNation Artistry</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Together with my brother Matt of </span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArcaneArmoury" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">ArcaneArmoury</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">and a few other friends, we are the Crew of 'The Unpronounceable'. Georgina is The Captain, Emily Joy is Nova Pyrelis the Combustion overseer and Matt is Weldon Rivett esq., our Mechaneer. These characters came about through Georgina's initiative of starting the </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steampunk-Share-Page/165519823610919" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Steampunk Share Page</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">and I shall be exploring them a little as I write more story entries.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3d1RjXJyk50B5c_68Fp6jjlCEVRD_VARXR-7r6Ezw3amH845oukGA-B0QO3TQ3aHAonRxLlyrpVKdTOhY4K0dXm4am_sXNdtubpU9QyCsipGM4TIMZVtskHfPNCyLVod03NRpuqHlQw/s1600/isa_760xN.4792430718_ckl4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3d1RjXJyk50B5c_68Fp6jjlCEVRD_VARXR-7r6Ezw3amH845oukGA-B0QO3TQ3aHAonRxLlyrpVKdTOhY4K0dXm4am_sXNdtubpU9QyCsipGM4TIMZVtskHfPNCyLVod03NRpuqHlQw/s1600/isa_760xN.4792430718_ckl4.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By EmiNation Artistry</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">When likeminded people connect, no matter the distance, a process of co-creation begins. You inspire one-another and gain courage to try a different route, to explore new ideas and broaden your horizons.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ksYXCdunAM-xDw5Mo9j7nvA6YEmV_CcAU1ZlhyMQ0jerxRwMPzjfbDheWLO8avnRICf1xVmDR6Rg-Im1bzWtxnhpQeKSBwtusToW_NOTMR0YZJDpN8MkOfW7-876E8RN-3BDX6o6DDg/s1600/20130914_120727_20130927101304217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ksYXCdunAM-xDw5Mo9j7nvA6YEmV_CcAU1ZlhyMQ0jerxRwMPzjfbDheWLO8avnRICf1xVmDR6Rg-Im1bzWtxnhpQeKSBwtusToW_NOTMR0YZJDpN8MkOfW7-876E8RN-3BDX6o6DDg/s1600/20130914_120727_20130927101304217.jpg" height="640" width="502" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt and Abigail of The Wiserabbit (aka Weldon Rivett esq and Steamcaptain America) dropping character for a moment at Weekend at the Asylum 2013</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Matt and I are very happy that a few </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">good larper friends have also joined us in our creative, tea-powered quest! Abigail of The Wiserabbit is one such dear friend, met in a tent in a field somewhere in England, years ago. I'll be interviewing this fine seamstress soon!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX88OnIDtYdmgEl5d47dWsDXzfIstwlL7BMA0W1VqErF5o0OiKzHvLt5nZs6_LdUGdo4yq5qAoPwjMHq1V6oiFQDw1V3353T2RyJPpDzbQzNc-cHDG3Dmyla-rE1hj56-6Gs4XdLo9Ms/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidX88OnIDtYdmgEl5d47dWsDXzfIstwlL7BMA0W1VqErF5o0OiKzHvLt5nZs6_LdUGdo4yq5qAoPwjMHq1V6oiFQDw1V3353T2RyJPpDzbQzNc-cHDG3Dmyla-rE1hj56-6Gs4XdLo9Ms/s1600/DSC_0187.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a fine adventure!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">I would like to express my gratitude to the many splendid folk that have contributed in some way to my journey. I've come such a long way in two years and it has been purely because of the positive and encouraging support from friends in the Etsy and Steampunk communities; many of those folk can be found in both places!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Here's a list of Steampunk Etsy Teams for those interested in finding friendship, inspiration and support from various creative types across the world:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEm5AbiKlUtTEBkK1fQJIoSGxpqucVnjuzmch_ZveIiB7B-cs4iqyTkqNhTusbo7oNfR2B813Lo7jtWcr41F-dyCcio0dpaJmEG5xQcoBNkyv2k4evu90EZOoy0j4MWekkL7vhStZJNI/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEm5AbiKlUtTEBkK1fQJIoSGxpqucVnjuzmch_ZveIiB7B-cs4iqyTkqNhTusbo7oNfR2B813Lo7jtWcr41F-dyCcio0dpaJmEG5xQcoBNkyv2k4evu90EZOoy0j4MWekkL7vhStZJNI/s1600/DSC_0237.JPG" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">In Here Life Is Beautiful</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">- Steampunk, Goth, Rockabilly, Bellydance, Cyberpunk, Burlesque...a spicy alternative mix!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/13265/steam-trunk" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Steam Trunk</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">- a fairly new team seeking die-hard Steampunkers</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/10891/home-for-displaced-victorians" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Home for Displaced Victorians</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">- for those who feel themselves somewhat anachronistic</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/6185/steamteam" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">SteamTeam</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">- a large team full of enthusiasts</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">There are plenty more out there and you can join without having to have a shop. It's another great place to meet likeminded people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;">Thanks to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><a href="http://el-investigador-magazine.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/n35-steampunk-hands-around-world.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">El Investigador magazine</span></a> </span>and <a href="http://beyondvictoriana.com/2014/02/03/steampunk-hands-around-the-world-good-gears-and-good-works/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Beyond Victoriana</span></a> for the features! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-zYaL3IfPf5yURWlHNr-gVaWkcmMJbhIUPwY8BMateE5UtvsYM1R0h24n69mOI8d9vYlDANUY2k8dsqViDMR4ygiEjlntqhBK9kdSzefXO_G6X0vyFgMsr9FleOZe7d-BkugGRy9hyphenhyphenY/s1600/Portfolio-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-zYaL3IfPf5yURWlHNr-gVaWkcmMJbhIUPwY8BMateE5UtvsYM1R0h24n69mOI8d9vYlDANUY2k8dsqViDMR4ygiEjlntqhBK9kdSzefXO_G6X0vyFgMsr9FleOZe7d-BkugGRy9hyphenhyphenY/s1600/Portfolio-Cover.jpg" height="640" width="452" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So..anyone for chocolate tea? In all seriousness though, I am grateful to be part of a community who appreciate the value of handmade items, usually because they've had a go at doing it themselves and know the time and effort it takes. They also know the glow of showing off their latest thingumajig, complete with brass gubbins, to a global audience that they can engage with either online or through travelling to conventions.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">'The Navigatrix' looks forward to making many more wonderful acquaintances. Teach me a bit about your language! I'll have a go. My French may be rusty and my Japanese coming along 'totemo yukkuri' but I would like to at least make the effort. If you've read this and English is not your first language, thankyou! If you've used an online translation service, I hope it managed my rather verbose, enthusiastic celebration of Steampunk Hands around the World.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fff2cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday, Navigatrix :) </span></span><br />
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-49496812486164869192014-02-11T06:11:00.000-08:002014-02-11T06:11:39.287-08:00Steampunk Hands around the World - Interview with Jennie Gyllblad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>These days, coincidence and serendipity seem to be often nudging me onto a new and exciting course, crossing paths with some very interesting individuals...</i></span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When a Live Roleplay friend introduced me to her friend, with a view to maybe guiding and larping alongside her in a large fest event, I hadn't quite realised what sort of creative adventure would begin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The lovely lady in question turned out to be none other than Jennie Gyllblad, artist and designer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2qNelkwYq9d0CqcK28VRVSv_0UJuURvr6Ral3_33GL_x3uIRjQ-PXqUb7ZBGXgnkoMsnfn3Gzybndb6NktI5L49nQmc1cJ367PowW4D06LPDYKeDQzJsPHHpNeJFhlJS7UQ8Id3zJpM/s1600/absinthe_fairy_jennie_gyllblad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2qNelkwYq9d0CqcK28VRVSv_0UJuURvr6Ral3_33GL_x3uIRjQ-PXqUb7ZBGXgnkoMsnfn3Gzybndb6NktI5L49nQmc1cJ367PowW4D06LPDYKeDQzJsPHHpNeJFhlJS7UQ8Id3zJpM/s1600/absinthe_fairy_jennie_gyllblad.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11188"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I’ve always wanted to do something that involved me drawing and painting, but it wasn’t until I went to university and did a degree in Illustration that I properly realised that I quite possibly COULD do it for a living. It would be hard (our tutors drilled that into us), but if you were willing to lose sleep, lose your weekends and generally lose your social life, you could maybe scrape by. Spending 3 years alongside likeminded people on an illustration course was crazily inspiring.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11211"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As someone who’s been drawing and writing stories ever since she was a kid, it just felt natural to keep on doing it, and if I could actually earn a living from it, then bonus points to Jen!"</span></span></span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip_KQQkgn42_kQp3jKjSTX8JRtRoXnekWnANnSTFGrn-uK2R3waRVDxjhl9aWLLgMCVCF75p4VSf1WXUOFWlzcz6xHlRCezPk8slPHY4JDcbO4xfpuSP6IIujjtY5LbDY8GkFDyfZ1iQ/s1600/Arrival_Page3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip_KQQkgn42_kQp3jKjSTX8JRtRoXnekWnANnSTFGrn-uK2R3waRVDxjhl9aWLLgMCVCF75p4VSf1WXUOFWlzcz6xHlRCezPk8slPHY4JDcbO4xfpuSP6IIujjtY5LbDY8GkFDyfZ1iQ/s1600/Arrival_Page3.jpg" height="640" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arrival</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT7VTcsKlKx-trucyG0Hw6vYO0vrSThUwp6hOUjDW9IkjWS344-kT35_AdBceOtY7U3_8CreRr0Ht8rj-wZWsAxFGXeCdVqicWtsBjz4DIf1ZILhjhLzih_66pX5TGsw6Hr05wcwSCd0/s1600/Arrival_Page28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT7VTcsKlKx-trucyG0Hw6vYO0vrSThUwp6hOUjDW9IkjWS344-kT35_AdBceOtY7U3_8CreRr0Ht8rj-wZWsAxFGXeCdVqicWtsBjz4DIf1ZILhjhLzih_66pX5TGsw6Hr05wcwSCd0/s1600/Arrival_Page28.jpg" height="640" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Arrival</td></tr>
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</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11678"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11677" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">2.<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11683" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11685"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11684" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">What projects are you currently working on?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11686" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11214" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11687"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Many many at the same time! I am the great project juggler! Right now I am doing a few stories alongside many painting and design commissions.</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11179" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11178"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am the illustrator and designer for Clockwork Watch, a steampunk transmedia project which has 3 graphic novels and a few short stories attached to it. So far ‘The Arrival’, ‘Breakaway’ and ‘Tick Tock IPA 1’ have been completed! More to come! In short, Clockwork Watch is a more multicultural Steampunk world where the main focus is on a Sikh family that is called over from India to London, due to the father Chan Ranbir’s exceptional skills as a scientist.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have just begun a book project with Jared Shurin where I will do both the cover and the interior illustrations of the story ‘The Problems Of Violet Strange’ set in 1915. It follows Violet, a rich debutante who doubles up as a secret detective! Almost a bit like a female Sherlock Holmes.</span></span></div>
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<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_10715" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_10714"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then there’s obviously my poor neglected personal project ‘Skal’, which I only pick up when there’s spare time. It is an online graphic novel set in an Arabian-inspired desert world. The story centres around a woman on the run after having been broken out of a Monastery jail. Won’t say much more for now, but it isn’t an all-ages story, that’s for sure."</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_10714" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1attRkUcTQPNA7fVOin1fmKD362vHjznjIFQfmvGgRDC2fTIgVlCaIhZYRlUmhQHs2IR5fhXo-edVgAMNEamwZBD9l1mwBHD-a9wZnBOnTo6dqR8aeCdSxjNdTqjFzfVsWr4Ce51ULw/s1600/Break_Page18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx1attRkUcTQPNA7fVOin1fmKD362vHjznjIFQfmvGgRDC2fTIgVlCaIhZYRlUmhQHs2IR5fhXo-edVgAMNEamwZBD9l1mwBHD-a9wZnBOnTo6dqR8aeCdSxjNdTqjFzfVsWr4Ce51ULw/s1600/Break_Page18.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakaway</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8p_vRYh_K6es7bwLyRLRzy8AcgyKVm1XGxP0-BNda59PBqE1TKlnB_xXe_3sC2t7QYRdX83DphXpmmfUuFdIn6baJf3NUJIkLoZjCegIRt48jhA4TXZIJMnoKLz0VQ2roJnohfYb39M/s1600/Break_Page20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8p_vRYh_K6es7bwLyRLRzy8AcgyKVm1XGxP0-BNda59PBqE1TKlnB_xXe_3sC2t7QYRdX83DphXpmmfUuFdIn6baJf3NUJIkLoZjCegIRt48jhA4TXZIJMnoKLz0VQ2roJnohfYb39M/s1600/Break_Page20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakaway</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOioUbs0vLNZ-5fJqXKXuSeHe2vgq1-BJurfTBUDnqAcukBM6zyt3lbHtx6EXTKUTBZuH3dTt1GvP-jrr2Lxa0Jd_aQbkId_6yBv-2CgNY4O4hcNJS1ttc1QxAUag3bDbHgBmACH9B1k8/s1600/ticktock_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOioUbs0vLNZ-5fJqXKXuSeHe2vgq1-BJurfTBUDnqAcukBM6zyt3lbHtx6EXTKUTBZuH3dTt1GvP-jrr2Lxa0Jd_aQbkId_6yBv-2CgNY4O4hcNJS1ttc1QxAUag3bDbHgBmACH9B1k8/s1600/ticktock_12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tick Tock IPA1</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbXItwNm0rr8wFjmmhZ70sjkshUZmoQIWdNjIrepGr3QROcICB_VthrjdncuSs0zM9XEsq5jawzxMrVOm4aldkZQV7H1C0NP0P4ZX1iIrRNnMPYKXc8I4w_sD5gZmF8SayhMfvfl101k/s1600/chapter1_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbXItwNm0rr8wFjmmhZ70sjkshUZmoQIWdNjIrepGr3QROcICB_VthrjdncuSs0zM9XEsq5jawzxMrVOm4aldkZQV7H1C0NP0P4ZX1iIrRNnMPYKXc8I4w_sD5gZmF8SayhMfvfl101k/s1600/chapter1_4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></div>
<div class="yiv5818356843" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12155" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12159"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12158" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">3.<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12165" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12154"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12153" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></i></div>
<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11690" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
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<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11216" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_11215"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I follow many people who inspire me, mainly on twitter and facebook, where I am supplied with daily inspiration pictures! Twitter is really the one thing that keeps me sane and functioning. I work in my own studio, so I don’t see people all day unless I go out. Twitter is like my virtual studio where I can talk to other artists from all over the world!</span></span></span></div>
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<div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12167" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12166"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As for what makes me different… I don’t like to view things that way. I think </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">everyone’s</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> craft is slightly different. We’re all essentially borrowing and stealing from everything around us, and then twisting it into what we find pleasing. But I guess the fact that I work traditionally with watercolour and gouache in an industry (comics) where you’d either be doing things digitally or separating the jobs (penciller, inker, colourist), could be considered slightly different? However, if you look at European comics, especially French graphic novels, you’ll notice that I’m positively mainstream and bland in comparison ;)"</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2GnynEMEmMjYachO5nNtQA14h3JvQv6ruJF5022KlHg7K4LyD5ydkSL5EXOo82AFQOJyQOpSD3aKHNjDvF0xVNzfDbdWR2OblZ3PwPIGrfGt6YFB4umoJHgTW5TzIdhrLqokEWL32n4/s1600/jenspiration130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2GnynEMEmMjYachO5nNtQA14h3JvQv6ruJF5022KlHg7K4LyD5ydkSL5EXOo82AFQOJyQOpSD3aKHNjDvF0xVNzfDbdWR2OblZ3PwPIGrfGt6YFB4umoJHgTW5TzIdhrLqokEWL32n4/s1600/jenspiration130.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenspiration</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12181"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12180" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">4.<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12179" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12185"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12184" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">What do you enjoy most about your craft?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12188" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<i><span> "</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Zone. The Flow. You know when you enter it and when you become wrapped up in it. It’s better than sex. … Okay it’s as good as sex."</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUOzVx0j5cGkRbv6SZ2t_zwdy3snxMqGyxUzwMCkjSUBtcBvlbgKIsvjbuzHvknUPrC0AJFplE01yaMM5it_ZiC8daUOA3pu5BICO2OULETNq85t2FEUyK1bterzwOHvr6lzMt85oJco/s1600/jenspiration138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUOzVx0j5cGkRbv6SZ2t_zwdy3snxMqGyxUzwMCkjSUBtcBvlbgKIsvjbuzHvknUPrC0AJFplE01yaMM5it_ZiC8daUOA3pu5BICO2OULETNq85t2FEUyK1bterzwOHvr6lzMt85oJco/s1600/jenspiration138.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenspiration!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div class="yiv5818356843MsoNormal" id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12200" style="display: block; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12199"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12198" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 18pt;">5.</span></i><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12205"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12204" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">What is your best advice to newbie artists just beginning their businesses?</span></i></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12175"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Keep in mind that this is coming from first hand experiences of me freelancing as an illustrator and comic book artist, so my advice may not carry over well to other industries! I am also really wary of giving general advice without knowing the personal circumstances of other artists. But with that said, here we go!</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12194"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Set yourself an hourly rate, or a day rate (Do a few pieces while timing yourself so that you get a rough idea how long it takes you to work). It’s so easy to sell yourself short when you really need the commission! But keep in mind that you are doing a skilled job, so you should be paid accordingly. Please don’t work for free (unless it’s for charity or something). If someone says it’ll give you ‘great exposure’, alarm-bells should start ringing.</span></span></span></div>
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Be nice to others as well as yourself. This is my main advice, for many reasons. First up, as a freelancer, you are on your own, and your reputation is key. If you treat others badly it won’t do you any favours when finding work. On the flipside, if you get the reputation of actually being quite pleasant to work with, you’ll soon have more clients come knocking. Second: Going at it alone can be rough. We work very hard for sometimes very little, so never forget to be kind to yourself and to keep enjoying what you do. Treat yourself! Because you are awesome. And if you need a chat, hop onto twitter. There are loads of us out there, trying out this own business thing."</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_ysXQtZ53ESk6QRKNMtQGTUD2jKBaHBS9hjepdwTaasBI0QynlSFFLt-Y5NDDV7Dn_XIESbynKSq9At13NOUZOWx7aHGcrNwY0pd_k00zMMzVUEZMF1Qh7xYZ3Grf3Fgb_QVeYsD6U/s1600/amelia_portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9_ysXQtZ53ESk6QRKNMtQGTUD2jKBaHBS9hjepdwTaasBI0QynlSFFLt-Y5NDDV7Dn_XIESbynKSq9At13NOUZOWx7aHGcrNwY0pd_k00zMMzVUEZMF1Qh7xYZ3Grf3Fgb_QVeYsD6U/s1600/amelia_portrait.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portraits</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12688"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12687" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">6.<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12709" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12696"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12695" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</span></i></span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12686"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"So hard to just pick one! But here goes. Also, keep in mind that my choices are very centred around my love for costume designing and general dressing up!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SanskritDream" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Sanskrit Dream</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> : I’ve already bought earrings from here they quickly became my favourite pair. I have about 10(!) other earrings that I am planning to purchase in the near future. It’s perfect if you want to achieve that chunky I’ve-had-my-earlobe-widened-because-I’m-hardcore look, while not being quite so dedicated.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LydiaWallMillinery" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Lydia Wall Millinery</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> : Now this is the shop that, if I had the money, I would be buying LOTS from. I even have some custom order ideas for my future viking inspired costume that I want to put through to the lady. Lasercut leather both looks and feels fantastic. It makes the accessories look strong AND feminine at the same time. The perfect combo!</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MagicTribalHair" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f9cb9c;">Magic Tribal Hair</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> : Fantastic hair accessories can be bought from here! The shop owner both focuses on the tribal belly dance look and the steampunk aesthetic. If you want to combine the two, this is a very nice place to get some accessories."</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12719"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_12718" style="font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">7. Where can you be found online?</span></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"My site: <a href="http://www.jenniegyllblad.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">http://www.jenniegyllblad.com/</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My webcomic (contains bad language and naughty themes at times!): <a href="http://www.jenspiration.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">http://www.jenspiration.co.uk/</span></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My twitter (this is where I pretty much live on a day-to-day basis): @JennieGyllblad</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennie-Gyllblad-Artist-and-Designer/224794667533925" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jennie-Gyllblad-Artist-and-Designer/224794667533925</span></a> "</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHVgfInwvHJtSbG_G5Apw45Ma3xJ4UeFZMmERVkCQq24ylOStkC3soiPPMfk5tliYX_PW5HZbZE-VpGCI3lATBMB1giBFccQMwWzfFuV077Bf0P3a0O3YNcEaxq-Sgb4AyzfRecBbnws/s1600/prof_elemental_comic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHVgfInwvHJtSbG_G5Apw45Ma3xJ4UeFZMmERVkCQq24ylOStkC3soiPPMfk5tliYX_PW5HZbZE-VpGCI3lATBMB1giBFccQMwWzfFuV077Bf0P3a0O3YNcEaxq-Sgb4AyzfRecBbnws/s1600/prof_elemental_comic1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Professor Elemental comic</td></tr>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14173"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14181"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14180" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">7.<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14182" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_13672"><span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_13671" style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 13.5pt;">What do you love about the Steampunk Genre and how did you become involved in it?</span></i></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14173"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"I’ve been asked how it all started before, and… I honestly can’t remember when I first encountered Steampunk! I know I was doing basic costumes and characters of that style for a few years (simply out of love for the aesthetic), but never as a job. It was only when I was approached by Yomi Ayeni (the creator of Clockwork Watch), that I properly dived into the genre head first! But dare I say that I also entered the genre from a slightly different angle? The first story I did was a more multicultural one, and Yomi has been actively trying to promote a more open look for Steampunk, which looks outside of the colonial time and more into other cultures.</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_13669"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This brings me to what I love about the genre. It borrows positive things from the Victorian era, like dressing up and being a gentleman/lady, while also adding a large dollop of female empowerment (something which of course was not very prevalent in the Victorian era).</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jennie Gyllblad</td></tr>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14187"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dare I say that Steampunk actually makes it ‘cool’ to be polite and drink tea! The genre is about experimentation, about creativity and about adventure. Steampunk is such an open genre, that there are several sub-genres residing within it. Can you have magic in a steampunk world? What types of technology are plausible? What about the look and cultures of other countries during the Victorian era? Asian Steampunk? African Steampunk? Scandinavian Steampunk! What craziness were they up to? Mix and match like crazy, it’s allowed, heck, it’s </span></span><i id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14189"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">encouraged. </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This genre is ever evolving and ever-changing. Mainstream media are just beginning to wake up to it in the UK."</span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14187"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14187"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Thankyou so much for that illustrative and very entertaining interview, Jennie! I'm sure that there are many artists out there who can relate to the creative experiences that you so pictorially- eloquently describe. </i></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_13_0_ym1_1_1392121206156_14187"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>To see Jennie's Work In Progress snaps (#WIP) hop onto Twitter. It was so much fun watching my Navigatrix portrait develop - thanks again! (P.S. Hopefully, one day,we'll get to that LRP...)</i></span></span></span></div>
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-24342562476646561772014-02-03T05:01:00.000-08:002014-09-28T02:48:07.025-07:00Tales of The Navigatrix - Part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">How The Navigatrix met the Aether Nomads and began the quest for</span></span></i></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> 'The Unpronounceable'</span></span></i></span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Navigatrix' by Jennie Gyllblad</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">"Where shall I begin my story? My childhood was spent in a small English town, gazing at stars and dreaming of adventure. I studied the art and craft of creating things to enhance one's outward beauty whilst also studying the mysteries of inner beauty. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">I became a Navigatrix and first sailed the skies in The Starbreeze under the Lady Oona... I am a fellow at the School of Metaphysic and a Jeweller. I travel far, wide and deep searching for treasures, both of a physical and metaphysical nature.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Let me tell you about my first meeting with the Aether Nomads. Quite apt, as I have recently spent three months living among them, learning voraciously!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">After I left The Starbreeze, I wished to know more of the mysteries of the Aether and sought a guide who could handle both technology and the complex fluctuations of the energetic matrix that binds the multiverse together. In my studies, I came across mention of a tribe of plane-wanderers who combined an impressive understanding of science with a profound spirituality. After some months of searching, I finally managed to locate a branch of this tribe, currently residing in northern Africa. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">The Aether Nomads spoke of a very particular (or peculiar - they were a little unclear on this) man called Al Khemeti, a loner, who seemed to have a great deal of inner strength, never apparently needing outside help to fight (fight what, I wondered?). The nomads gave me a route to go and search for him in the desert and told me that I would never survive alone, so I took their advice and paid some young nomads as guides.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The young men of the Aether Nomads enjoy jewellery as much as the women, I am pleased to say!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">After just over two weeks of travelling, I realised that I was just losing money looking for this purportedly old and lazy nomad although, at the same time, I began to feel nervous about finding him. Still I searched on, but there was still no sign of him. I became rather disheartened and was about to give up. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">As I rested in camp one evening, one of the young men began to laugh out loud and came toward me. Initially, I took offense, assuming that he was laughing at me and my fruitless search. I recognised him as one of the first nomads that had mentioned this 'Al Khemeti'. I looked the young chap straight in the eye (the one uncovered by a monocular device) and expressed my deep disappointment about not finding him, as I had heard tales of a Gargantuan-class airship stuck in the Aether. It was my intention to claim this ship, gather a crew and to explore the deep truths of life through the study of the Aether. Oh, and to carry out my trade of crafting fine adornments, of beauty and meaning.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">The act of surrender and the speaking of truth often opens doors that were previously unseen, not to mention locked.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">He smiled and said, " As you have spoken with truth and sincerity, know this: I am Al Khemeti, one of the last Guardians of the Aether." </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The young nomad laughed and said 'I am Al Khemeti!' I suspect he read me like a book...</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">So it was that I made a firm new friend. The Aether Nomads are master Metaphysicians, Aethermaticians and Symbologists. They value artistic accomplishment highly; in fact, it is through their arts that they express their sciences. Even the beaded waist-chain of a dancing girl contains coded mathematical formulae and meaningful symbols.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">The Aether Nomads map their lives carefully. They are anchored in one reality, yet they travel the multiplanary realms of the Aether. They do have those that travel, not simply through dimensions but also through time, though these individuals are rare. Al Khemeti is one such.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">He is also known as 'Al Khemet-Our' which means 'Light of the Black Earth. 'Khemet' is an ancient place, known to the Nomads as the origin of humankind. It is also a very dangerous place...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Al Khemeti is a 'Betweener', one stuck between light and shadow. He is a natural ambassador, knowing how to talk and trade with foreigners. He nurtures peaceful relations with all people and teaches others about the nature of the Aether and the ways of the Nomads. I am proud to be his student. "</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">An Out of Character aside:</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">I come from a Live Roleplay background and creating characters within the framework of a rulebook, where one can choose between fictitious cultures, is second nature to me. In discovering Steampunk, I also discovered that there is no rulebook and The Navigatrix emerged whilst chatting to a friend and to my brother Matt who, at the time, was just setting up ArcaneArmoury.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">The Aether Nomads are a product of the stories that pop into my head whilst creating jewellery. However, my intention is to open this story up to any who wish to choose to be inspired by it. I have invited several talented artistic friends to create items in their own style, be it art dolls, costuming, pyrography, leatherwork...so hopefully, you may see the Aether Nomad style appear in other places than my own shop.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Because the nomads travel through dimensions and time, there is plenty of scope for people to create their own Aether Nomad characters - Metaphysicians, Aethermaticians, Symbologists, Aethernauts, CloudDancers etc. Take what I write as a starting place. A little cohesion would be nice, but you have the freedom to be individual!</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Many thanks go to Heyk Al Khemeti of France (merci beaucoup, mon ami!) for co-writing this story with me and being the first Aether Nomad Steampunk character!</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">If you have been inspired and would like to join the Nomads, keep reading my blog, read the item descriptions in the Aether Nomad section of my shop and drop me a line at: thenavigatrix@yahoo.co.uk </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Happy 'International Steampunk month!'</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;">Sally-Ann aka The Navigatrix</span></i></span></div>
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-85925273424583902452014-02-02T01:00:00.000-08:002014-02-02T01:00:00.963-08:00Steampunk Hands Around the World - Interview with Izabela of Prior Attire<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkVEGe5td_tvEuoxObP0qyUKLFoGCrHnto0itgaTy8cOreMGzukJLDv0RWw6KXypXFCdVfBDsvpKZXRE5HRP2ijF3rTX_2xt-7LI2gzYunj5-hV-IUFWY-D25KYUlzJoWfpe2OBDsA8g/s1600/431720_475389255839053_1959059704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkVEGe5td_tvEuoxObP0qyUKLFoGCrHnto0itgaTy8cOreMGzukJLDv0RWw6KXypXFCdVfBDsvpKZXRE5HRP2ijF3rTX_2xt-7LI2gzYunj5-hV-IUFWY-D25KYUlzJoWfpe2OBDsA8g/s1600/431720_475389255839053_1959059704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">This month sees the inaugural event of Steampunk Hands Around the World, a bright spark of an idea by Kevin Steil aka the </span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.airshipambassador.com/" target="_blank">Airship Ambassador</a>. The focus is on celebrating the new friendships that have been ignited within the subcultural boiler of Steampunk and to share our love of this multifaceted genre, across cultural and geographical boundaries.</span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I would like to share a few of the friendships that I have made along the way, friendships that have led to collaboration, inspiration and the ongoing development of The Navigatrix.<br /><br />The first of these interviews is with Izabela of Prior Attire. I first became aware of this noteable bespoke costuming and bridal seamstress through Izabela's partner, who followed me on Facebook. My brother Matt and I met these two wonderful people at Steampunk Stamford, a small convivial in the historic stone Lincolnshire town. This meeting led to a collaborative photoshoot as I discovered that Izabela's 'Steampunk Amazones' range included the 'Neo Bedouin' - remarkably compatible with my own 'Aether Nomad' concept. I have to admit, I got a bit excited!<br /><br />We met again later last year at Asylum in Lincoln, both Izabela and Lucas dressed in fine Steampunk Bedouin styles. So, on to the interview!<br /><br />1. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />It is the name of my main business – so it was easy. The etsy store opened for one simple reason – ease. We do most of our trading at markets, but after having received lots of emails and enquiries about things available in between, we simply chucked any surplus stock here. Not a lot, as the majority sell first hand, but sufficient.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />What we specialize in is historically accurate garments – from late Roman to Early Edwardian. Bridal dresses, especially historically inspired bridal gowns are another speciality – and some discounted samples are advertised in the shop. The majority of etsy items however come from our Steampunk Branch -mostly because fittings etc are not always necessary with steampunk items. Signature item – I think we have too big a range to single one thing out – though I suppose for Steampunk it will be the flouncy skirt with the hitching up option, based on late Victorian petticoats.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">History, obviously , plus music and nature. Huge majority of our work is bespoke and I think that creating one of a kind , unique outfits is our most noticeable trend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What do you enjoy most about your craft?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For Historical items – research and getting the outfit right. For Bridals and Steampunks – letting my imagination run wild with ideas - so the design aspect.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?</span></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not sure am the right person to answer that question – out Etsy store is a backup, an auxiliary measure, not a full time shop, so I haven’t been taking a lot of time to promote it, organize it etc. but generally – make sure you get proper photographs of your items, professional if you can – and be honest about the items in descriptions.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. What are your top 3 favourite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?<br /><br />Am afraid I don’t really follow other shops. I do mark some items, but I don’t spend enough time here to decide on favourite sellers.<br /><br />7. Where can you be found online?</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Facebook ( Prior Attire, Prior Engagement and Off the Rails) ; websites</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><a href="http://priorengagement.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prior Engagement</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> , </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.priorattire.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Prior Attire</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> , </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PriorAttire1" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Off The Rails: Prior Attire Steampunk Bazaar</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, Twitter too...</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS5BtRIeU8hJecUTDAgltUldv-SczSRT6RH6LXO-EYkP-u-Q6AfdEPQxIEHihWp7bwl8YIih2Ksn-TsY1Z0S3crNzXhsvf7Q7rhoO-qCxclF6gHpH_QihjVLnm_fQTJWPXjIZg5npD_8/s1600/LJP_7657+copy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglS5BtRIeU8hJecUTDAgltUldv-SczSRT6RH6LXO-EYkP-u-Q6AfdEPQxIEHihWp7bwl8YIih2Ksn-TsY1Z0S3crNzXhsvf7Q7rhoO-qCxclF6gHpH_QihjVLnm_fQTJWPXjIZg5npD_8/s1600/LJP_7657+copy2.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">8. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Not at the moment, but there may be some items incoming soon– we suffered a fire recently, and the majority of the stock has been damaged. All the items that survived and are in wearable condition are already on sale on Facebook, but will be adding a few steampunk ones here too – so keep your eyes open. At the moment the newest item is our desktop calendar with some arresting images from the after fire Photoshoot.<br /><br /><br />9. </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is it about Steampunk that you love and how did you become involved in it?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />Creativity and the DIY aspect, it was easy to embark into Steampunk from the Historical side of the business and I love creating new items that are practical, original, and don’t have to adhere to the rules.</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thankyou so much Izabela. I wish you luck in recovering your stock and I have to say how admirable it is to turn such a disaster into a photo opportunity! Matt and I both look forward to bumping into you both again at some splendid Steampunk gathering.</span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Remember, for Twitter and Tumblr information on the Steampunk Hands event, use #SteampunkHands and to find out more about The Navigatrix's fellow crewmembers and dear acquaintances, use #friendsofTN </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><br />May you find new friends, nurture existing friendships and treasure old ones,<br /><br />~ The Navigatrix</span></span></i>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-43401996233348899602014-01-09T02:22:00.000-08:002014-01-09T02:22:08.203-08:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Welcome, 2014!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This year has got off to a promising start already. No sooner was my daughter back at school than I received an interesting invitation from the lovely Suna of Steampunk India.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In February this year, Steampunks around the globe are being invited to join in a celebratory event entitled Steampunk Hands Around the World.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This event will raise awareness of, in my opinion, the most important component in the genre: that of friendship, collaboration and mutual benefit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It is being organised by Kevin Steil aka the Airship Ambassador.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">To find out more and to join in, in your own way (small or large), get in touch here: Kevin@AirshipAmbassador.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You can also visit his blog here: <a href="http://airshipambassador.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Airship Ambassador Blog</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm currently plotting my course...serendipitously, The Navigatrix will also be celebrating its Second Anniversary in mid February!</span></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Free Gifts!</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With every purchase, while stocks last, I shall be sending out one of these individually cut felt moustache brooches. You do know how I like to make everything differently, well these are no exception.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dYxOa3C_gT4Yz790RrQ6IcKHmCuSvNL3rEiSTvNDoJtEDNFa96QkOFsBlTB8WGSs9A-zkpqx-CC69vLxJM2d2VDlMUqjOm78RLJqY_NQGmZlspAkG3QaT3igmS2iewA1c3GqmfAzFJU/s1600/20140106_105259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dYxOa3C_gT4Yz790RrQ6IcKHmCuSvNL3rEiSTvNDoJtEDNFa96QkOFsBlTB8WGSs9A-zkpqx-CC69vLxJM2d2VDlMUqjOm78RLJqY_NQGmZlspAkG3QaT3igmS2iewA1c3GqmfAzFJU/s1600/20140106_105259.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Shop News</h4>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I have set up a Newsletter service through Mailchimp. Just before Christmas, our once dependable old Mac decided that it had had enough and went 'bang', so I've been working through my phone (and occassionally nipping over to ArcaneArmoury to borrow my dear brother's Aetherweb Interface Device. (which rather charmingly spells 'aid' - yes, they are a great help, are they not?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like to register your interest in signing up for the Newsletter, you can send your details to: thenavigatrix@yahoo.co.uk</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I plan on monthly newsletters, when we acquire a new 'aid'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One last request: I am a one woman business and quite frankly, depend largely on word of mouth for my advertising. So if you would be kind enough to pass on my shop details (www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix), Share my Facebook posts, retweet my messages and reblog my articles and pictures both here and on Tumblr, I would be most grateful. If there's anything I can do for you in return, do let me know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing you all a Happy, Healthy and Wealthy 2014,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sally-Ann ♡</span></div>
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-78343074935481565282013-12-08T01:56:00.003-08:002013-12-08T01:56:38.100-08:00UK Crafters on Etsy Christmas Prize DrawEnter this Prize Draw for a chance to win handmade goods and generous discounts from a selection of UK Etsy shops, including The Navigatrix!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ukcraftersonetsy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/the-navigatrix-christmas-prize-draw.html?m=1" target="_blank">Click here for details!</a><br />
<br />
Draw ends 16th December 2013. Good luck!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNa9c7AUfE8LhzxCAWsKVCLGktlxJpLsppcC-W8hyphenhyphen56rP3ft0Y0rFupwvfBn6V5FXilhqhU4hhlTw8x_EaO27UurqTLp7fBE2Z9LPazfIXHd03xpV6dKO2gstIzRt-0HKvf11W8kLYL8/s1600/collage_20131203101513294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNa9c7AUfE8LhzxCAWsKVCLGktlxJpLsppcC-W8hyphenhyphen56rP3ft0Y0rFupwvfBn6V5FXilhqhU4hhlTw8x_EaO27UurqTLp7fBE2Z9LPazfIXHd03xpV6dKO2gstIzRt-0HKvf11W8kLYL8/s640/collage_20131203101513294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-31116658054892195702013-10-02T04:53:00.002-07:002013-10-02T04:53:34.325-07:00Giveaway Time!The Time~Keeper<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eugs2Kci9Mw68RHNBNsUgnxxPnljPjtTQ7qdEtLP_VORMvwnWrd4pgapaVxfURk4ws8J1Z2Rugd-tPM2e3rRtT4mFEKyJBAYe4ElYTw-zowlCb-s7d99dj2yqBBF0-M_ej-Bf3DJohE/s1600/1382387_524670200952906_720282208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7eugs2Kci9Mw68RHNBNsUgnxxPnljPjtTQ7qdEtLP_VORMvwnWrd4pgapaVxfURk4ws8J1Z2Rugd-tPM2e3rRtT4mFEKyJBAYe4ElYTw-zowlCb-s7d99dj2yqBBF0-M_ej-Bf3DJohE/s640/1382387_524670200952906_720282208_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Time~Keeper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">To celebrate getting 3,000 Likes on my Facebook page (and feeling rather positive about the direction in which I'm headed at the moment) I'm running a Giveaway through Rafflecopter > <a href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OWExYTM3ZmZmODcxZmM2M2Y2OGExODgzYjliYTU1OjI=/">Enter Here</a> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Cope and paste this link to your blog or page if you'd like to help me spread the love! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/OWExYTM3ZmZmODcxZmM2M2Y2OGExODgzYjliYTU1OjI=/</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Giveaway closes at midday (GMT) on 10th October. Open to over 18's only. I am prepared to ship this worldwide using a standard airmail service. Please read the full Terms and Conditions on my Rafflecopter page.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Lastly, a big Thankyou to everyone who likes, shares, re-blogs, re-tweets and otherwise supports my small (growing!) business. I appreciate every encouraging word and action. I'm now looking forward to being able to mark 3000 Etsy sales! Onward and ever upward!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Sincerely,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138;">Sally-Ann</span></span>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-81677841741550229762013-09-26T02:40:00.000-07:002013-09-26T02:40:23.233-07:00A Sale of Rather Large Proportions is Now Occurring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre4EyttfF129c2w0nTL5zanodGxQuDP3vbqopKzBEkPFrHQM4W1XYQ4-WzFEKIPfy3UgQPMg5hTJI-YPgAeJRPpgIEwOfAu3rQECD9Zvn-JbXQZcTZBpJca9OlOU7_mMJlVsNPTeZUf4/s1600/IMG_20130922_111341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgre4EyttfF129c2w0nTL5zanodGxQuDP3vbqopKzBEkPFrHQM4W1XYQ4-WzFEKIPfy3UgQPMg5hTJI-YPgAeJRPpgIEwOfAu3rQECD9Zvn-JbXQZcTZBpJca9OlOU7_mMJlVsNPTeZUf4/s320/IMG_20130922_111341.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Not only have I selected over a page of items to reduce, but in October you will also be able to skim off a further 10% off <i>everything </i>by using this coupon code at Checkout:<br />
<br />
UKCE201310OFF<br />
<br />
"Why such a large sale?", you may enquire.<br />
It comes down mainly to practicality. I have far too small a stock room for the amount of things I have already created (many of which are waiting to be photographed and listed), as well as the flood of inspiration begging me to make yet more. There will be gloves and tatty bustles, more Aether Nomad and Steampunk Catwalk pieces.<br />
<br />
So, do give me a hand up the airship ladder so that my shop can really take off!<br />
<br />
Thankyou most kindly,<br />
<br />
~The NavigatrixTheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-5300194183133046752013-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:002013-07-01T13:26:04.396-07:00July Special Promotion!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1RFFYlMmVebzo0Haga23E-VPB_hyphenhyphen-ELq5hXKsgu0LZ45DpMMPmtDdzi0UPoog9hPpyzFhfO7tUcDcMPI2NuHInO-Sgvqj-lLd9xu5ox4ACyAXM-zoAKwqwpWgbqL3CcAHgtoA5y2zE/s1600/CIJ2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E1RFFYlMmVebzo0Haga23E-VPB_hyphenhyphen-ELq5hXKsgu0LZ45DpMMPmtDdzi0UPoog9hPpyzFhfO7tUcDcMPI2NuHInO-Sgvqj-lLd9xu5ox4ACyAXM-zoAKwqwpWgbqL3CcAHgtoA5y2zE/s640/CIJ2013.jpg" width="532" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Discount applies to all listings including Sale items!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>What is this? Christmas in July?</i></span></span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">I'm usually the one who cringes when they hear Jingle Bells sung anywhere outside of December. I put my little one's seasonal toys away high up out of reach until just before it rolls around again.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">However...I </span>am<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> running a business here, so when I heard about EtsyUK's promotion, I jumped right on to that bandwagon (and why not?) </span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">The promotion is running all month and our international friends will be taking part, too. Here's what it is all about: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_July">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_July</a></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>• <u><b>Navigation Tip</b></u>: If you would like to find items in shops that are running the promotional codes, type the code (e.g. CIJUK10 ) into the search bar followed by whatever it is you'd like to buy. Try it! See what comes up. There will be other codes promoted in international shops. You might try CIJ or CHRISTMASINJULY too. </i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>If you'd like to take advantage of this offer to buy that thing you've had in your Favourites for ages (before I whisk my stock away to craft fairs!) then please use the code CIJUK10 on your order over £10 (before P&P) to get a 10% discount.</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Your custom is much appreciated, always.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>~The Navigatrix</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></span><br /></div>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-62336384182247854792013-06-28T02:48:00.000-07:002013-06-28T02:48:58.340-07:00Beadpunk and Other Fun Adventures<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">An Interview with Chris Maj of 'Beadn4fun'</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Being one of the crew of 'The Unpronounceable' whose home dock is the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steampunk-Share-Page/165519823610919?ref=hl"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Steampunk Share Page</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> on Facebook, I get to see lots of wonderful Steampunk Creations. Recently, something was posted there that quite took my breath away and I was introduced to a new term: 'Beadpunk'. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Now, I cannot claim to be a massive fan of seed-beaded items. However, this item shows an incredible level of skill and patience. I love the assymetrical design and the colour choices. It moved me to go and explore her Etsy shop and I'm very glad I did!</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn0rHbnasmb7rHqFCyWwCm78EanckK4W7T-QHXYB0gQOKldG0mw9JQI5bZIj0Iu6F8KTQvloUvzXLn_UK0USrh6GCZlsL8gml887n4bP3tB6rWIULRexH2FNr5Vc94waxQGgYTYk-tEI/s1500/il_fullxfull.473135096_oo5k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjn0rHbnasmb7rHqFCyWwCm78EanckK4W7T-QHXYB0gQOKldG0mw9JQI5bZIj0Iu6F8KTQvloUvzXLn_UK0USrh6GCZlsL8gml887n4bP3tB6rWIULRexH2FNr5Vc94waxQGgYTYk-tEI/s640/il_fullxfull.473135096_oo5k.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/154988238/steampunk-collar-clockwork-bead?ref=ss_listing"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Locked In Time</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYWW5fk5e37mYKo7P4cV24kE29Bs2kI-i82Vewmc9wiWr8fgj-Wn5tB3hd09ZoA8CgTAdEZqc9IWRMzgzl9sddT2SiJDB0TnzFzzi_Fw0xemYy37PgT1X5sWJpJTzZVrvZJBoJAfUsr0/s1500/il_fullxfull.383853772_mk6q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkYWW5fk5e37mYKo7P4cV24kE29Bs2kI-i82Vewmc9wiWr8fgj-Wn5tB3hd09ZoA8CgTAdEZqc9IWRMzgzl9sddT2SiJDB0TnzFzzi_Fw0xemYy37PgT1X5sWJpJTzZVrvZJBoJAfUsr0/s640/il_fullxfull.383853772_mk6q.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/111868874/keyhole-steampunk-bead-embroidered?ref=shop_home_active"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Keyhole Steampunk Bead Embroidered Brooch</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">The name Beadn4Fun came about because I wanted to portray my crazy-stupid love for beading and how happy those tiny little seed beads make me! I was a bit concerned it would sound like I don't take my craft seriously, but instead I think it says how lucky I am to do something that allows me to explore my creativity on a daily basis.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutvW4quT-8RzPN70ITwiV5rZMo-YdvV0E-rG6p1HwSg2yzvU8Hvm-WJsxPKygrjDCead6QHmqD187l9YK_qpvu2Zg7XymQoe5gWfS2sdHmR3NzSgNj3muWwc7EXB9JroA13uhHLA9j-g/s1600/berry2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutvW4quT-8RzPN70ITwiV5rZMo-YdvV0E-rG6p1HwSg2yzvU8Hvm-WJsxPKygrjDCead6QHmqD187l9YK_qpvu2Zg7XymQoe5gWfS2sdHmR3NzSgNj3muWwc7EXB9JroA13uhHLA9j-g/s640/berry2a.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">a Cellini Spiral necklace </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/100817471/berry-parfait-cellini-spiral-necklace?ref=shop_home_active"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Visit the Shop Listing!</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">2. What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">I work primarily with Japanese and Czech glass seed beads using bead embroidery and bead weaving techniques. One of my signature techniques is to use a focal piece (clay, metal, glass, semi-precious gemstones), surround it with bead embroidery (rows of beads sewn to a backing) and hang it as a pendant from a beaded rope. Another of my favorite techniques is creating a Cellini spiral necklace. It's a beadweaving technique called Peyote stitch done with 3-4 sizes of seed beads that creates a corkscrew effect.</span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqKw_RPLcHQFuW2zIHG4bJzWwVkDg3yU6LbEOQd9pVWVAjD2nDHHn5sMVUGs6-Cr6aCOwmk_G-E_51FCtehT9mFHccVmkZuHqRNyi-hjb49WmsNHbtS1-Ymm3kx7yNzuVloIC8EZZ67c/s1600/bluecopper9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqKw_RPLcHQFuW2zIHG4bJzWwVkDg3yU6LbEOQd9pVWVAjD2nDHHn5sMVUGs6-Cr6aCOwmk_G-E_51FCtehT9mFHccVmkZuHqRNyi-hjb49WmsNHbtS1-Ymm3kx7yNzuVloIC8EZZ67c/s640/bluecopper9.jpg" width="582" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/107502679/blue-and-copper-pietersite-pendant?ref=shop_home_active"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Bluecopper</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;"> is an example of my work with semi-precious gemstones...this one is a Pietersite.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">3. Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">There are a LOT of beaders out there so it's tough to stand out. I'm very inspired by colors, nature, and art. I almost always name my work, big or small, and have a backstory of how it came to be.</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">(I love that too, stories seem to grow with the work, don't they?)</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdP_9DeDFv0iEw702GgaDUnXKRRYz_nsqdQMm0PwwmqoILn3oclJRF4BXkiwWPeQnAIyRLsRNa6Pt4DNBn9ATCXLB-jdcXyw1_5HEbl062Y9arvwhPPJuYOgjMIEvOP1eTLSOwWU1ecc/s1600/Directions9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdP_9DeDFv0iEw702GgaDUnXKRRYz_nsqdQMm0PwwmqoILn3oclJRF4BXkiwWPeQnAIyRLsRNa6Pt4DNBn9ATCXLB-jdcXyw1_5HEbl062Y9arvwhPPJuYOgjMIEvOP1eTLSOwWU1ecc/s640/Directions9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Greenraku and Directions both use Olivia Dowdy Brown Raku pieces (This piece is 'Directions')</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">4. What do you enjoy most about your craft?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">I love the ability to capture the beauty I see all around me and interpret it through beaded color and design into a piece of wearable art. And I love the friends I've made, customers and fellow beaders all over the world.</span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgGQCGM5Vswe2n5jiBeXywxPOdSOxk8tAwC4PWdSmfv4Y6Bi9Lp1cpZmLLHGCd4aPyr6VEFZTrFXwhsDOb4yBah5-R5xFKtHL1I4FzvTPhGxTLTkKLEeEpomtuPufg5bq8DK-NP9LsCU/s1600/greenraku9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgGQCGM5Vswe2n5jiBeXywxPOdSOxk8tAwC4PWdSmfv4Y6Bi9Lp1cpZmLLHGCd4aPyr6VEFZTrFXwhsDOb4yBah5-R5xFKtHL1I4FzvTPhGxTLTkKLEeEpomtuPufg5bq8DK-NP9LsCU/s640/greenraku9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Greenraku</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> 5.</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">My advice to an aspiring Etsy-ist is the advice that was given to me...Open up a shop, stick something in it, and get on social media to find like minded craftspeople either on Facebook or in an Etsy group. You will learn as you go along...and keep learning!</span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvykBG-EHZfacJgQItYWs5jjVZMZKdp6vSvj3BMtjw4SEJxN0XPvCO6IZc7lnPr2Rz-wI5xRIICuAerdWKlVmj58GcPU_vD7g7vExz2C-S6LeFYzbdHpBfSBe5OtePVX3G0p2HLxWFmFk/s1600/paisleypurse8withlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvykBG-EHZfacJgQItYWs5jjVZMZKdp6vSvj3BMtjw4SEJxN0XPvCO6IZc7lnPr2Rz-wI5xRIICuAerdWKlVmj58GcPU_vD7g7vExz2C-S6LeFYzbdHpBfSBe5OtePVX3G0p2HLxWFmFk/s640/paisleypurse8withlogo.jpg" width="534" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Paisley Garden Boho Bag is the piece I made for last year's Battle of the Beadsmith </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/104335346/paisley-garden-boho-beaded-bag?ref=shop_home_feat"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">(still available in my shop)</span></a></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">6. What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> Besides shopping for new beads, my absolute most favorite thing about what I do is using art from other crafters and in my beadwork. I literally have a drawer full of pottery and raku items from Olivia Dowdy Brown </span></span></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Odddesignsnc" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372409248842_2476" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">www.etsy.com/shop/Odddesignsnc</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">. I get lots of my Czech seed beads from </span></span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesParts" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesParts</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">. And for sheer "OMG how did she do that with beads" moments, I go to </span></span></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/crimsonfrog" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372409248842_2477" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">www.etsy.com/shop/crimsonfrog</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenedFRg5yUmGFGuvTMNIGwmE065ReQ78PLpYB6hBLQ9JHXd7lFA0L6fscoQ6Y7bfg9GVdjB50LX4ffL4j8t3yyezbmb_C02IO0ANY1njxPQTB2POGJKaO7N-XK40uhh8Qqaj_NqcZc8Y/s1600/samira6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenedFRg5yUmGFGuvTMNIGwmE065ReQ78PLpYB6hBLQ9JHXd7lFA0L6fscoQ6Y7bfg9GVdjB50LX4ffL4j8t3yyezbmb_C02IO0ANY1njxPQTB2POGJKaO7N-XK40uhh8Qqaj_NqcZc8Y/s640/samira6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04;">Samira is a collar I made in March for a "Scheherazade" challenge in our Etsy Beadweavers Team. It sold immediately and I won the challenge!!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">7. Where else (other than Etsy) can you be found online?</span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">You can most often find me on facebook</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span><a class="yiv2995781165external-link-overlay-trigger yiv2995781165overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/cbmaj" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372409248842_2486" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">www.facebook.com/cbmaj</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">or</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span><a class="yiv2995781165external-link-overlay-trigger yiv2995781165overlay-trigger" href="https://www.facebook.com/beadn4fun" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372409248842_2485" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">www.facebook.com/beadn4fun</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">, and on my blog</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"> </span></span></span><a class="yiv2995781165external-link-overlay-trigger yiv2995781165overlay-trigger" href="http://chrismajbeadn4fun.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1372409248842_2484" rel="nofollow" style="outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">chrismajbeadn4fun.blogspot.com/</span></span></span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtKzwtG2KynowqzOPGOL24kioJ_bFBkYcFIp4gkbANDuuY0jzXe1VL9E41BaCZ8ijOO2JKip0BA50cTsMykleq7laNTVEmLxONwkCV8T38lYxUg4-PvOU8mjUthVLKBs-K2b-GynDjqQ/s1600/chris5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtKzwtG2KynowqzOPGOL24kioJ_bFBkYcFIp4gkbANDuuY0jzXe1VL9E41BaCZ8ijOO2JKip0BA50cTsMykleq7laNTVEmLxONwkCV8T38lYxUg4-PvOU8mjUthVLKBs-K2b-GynDjqQ/s320/chris5.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></i></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">I don't currently have any specials running, but I do offer discounts a couple times a year. I also love to create custom work. </span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Thankyou Chris! I wish you much success with your shop and many happy customers. Do let Cap'n G. and the crew know of any more Steampunk creations you come up with over at the Steampunk Share page. Keep on beading for fun!</span></span></span></span></i></span>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-27124690130014336792013-06-12T15:00:00.001-07:002013-06-12T15:00:03.871-07:00Photoshoot in May - Part 3<h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adventures of The Navigatrix</span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">As my business develops, so does the character of The Navigatrix herself. I may have mentioned before that one of my most cherished hobbies is Live Roleplay. I see it as a form of art therapy, in a way. It has certainly cured me of shyness, boosted my confidence and brought me many wonderful, supportive friends.</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceaf16Y34JKoTz4IIO9KczOtwBuIYdALKJ2Hw9Nbg2wc0wmA3oC_COLxFwvQqvHR92LhUR9m4HrKBG2zQ4LwXop0X3CMiCg_26LfFo32coaXJ6bPuBQMnAA_MviEXjYW92RD-ahfu65w/s1600/PIM3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceaf16Y34JKoTz4IIO9KczOtwBuIYdALKJ2Hw9Nbg2wc0wmA3oC_COLxFwvQqvHR92LhUR9m4HrKBG2zQ4LwXop0X3CMiCg_26LfFo32coaXJ6bPuBQMnAA_MviEXjYW92RD-ahfu65w/s640/PIM3-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/98021205/steampunk-clockhands-necklace-past?ref=shop_home_active">Past, Present and Future Necklace - visit my shop here</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As part of the crew of 'The Unpronounceable', a miraculously gigantic airship that traverses not only the aether, but also the dimensions, The Navigatrix has clear duties. The first and most obvious is the practical yet complex task of guiding the behemoth dirigible to its next destination. She also has a more subtle duty; as a member of the not so secret but not openly spoken about either School of Metaphysic, she guides her crewmates along their life journeys - but only when guidance is sought for. Her travelling experiences have brought her certain unique perspectives on life and it brings her joy to be able to have an intelligent discourse with those of an open mind and a kind heart.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ2p6h5VMmtB5WSEwz3uEQwCYUfVC_1d6-4tsUF6PexgK2TgTRZBtKFjgVkGjOWu6fuKrsTocETj5QJ_SZ3Hs_omCPuzoh0y5MQASxT07jccBXU8k2nayIIzd15O7HuRqJGOk4Iu-RMM/s1600/PIM3-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ2p6h5VMmtB5WSEwz3uEQwCYUfVC_1d6-4tsUF6PexgK2TgTRZBtKFjgVkGjOWu6fuKrsTocETj5QJ_SZ3Hs_omCPuzoh0y5MQASxT07jccBXU8k2nayIIzd15O7HuRqJGOk4Iu-RMM/s640/PIM3-4.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/93282124/steampunk-volly-gun-six-barrel-rifle-gun?ref=shop_home_active">Find the volley gun at Arcane Armoury</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"When finding oneself in unfamiliar extra-planar territory, one must be prepared for the unusual and potentially dangerous."</i> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkrUJLixMYecQTv0pnAqW0kwMh-L4fXi3UQ8IGVACRTK2IdH72qBLMxLUqerVXkJO_ou7_8t8w88iVKOm23jEJ-_gPuNek02qpzKQyoxXdTFJois6Sbi5dWHlnMDJwf3tdtZyFzmLpGo/s1600/PIM3-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkrUJLixMYecQTv0pnAqW0kwMh-L4fXi3UQ8IGVACRTK2IdH72qBLMxLUqerVXkJO_ou7_8t8w88iVKOm23jEJ-_gPuNek02qpzKQyoxXdTFJois6Sbi5dWHlnMDJwf3tdtZyFzmLpGo/s640/PIM3-5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See an accessory you like? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix">Do pop in and browse!</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Navigatrix enjoys finding unwanted or broken treasures and creating new trinkets and adornments from them. You should see the state of her cabin aboard ship when she comes back from a successful haul! She sits surrounded by a multitude of beads, lace and brass gubbins. </span></span><div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"<i>Of course everything gets squared away once in a while. Cap'n G enjoys seeing the creative explosion though (and is frequently the instigator of her own creative explosions). I wonder, do they leave 'cr(e)aters'? Oh dear. My poor punning has made Weldon Rivett wince again. He's our Mechaneer. I should introduce you to the crew some day, when they are willing... I digress.</i></span></span><br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vx5DRHNDoxVIXAJPXBw8SXezFKDbswK2p253qEJnW2641Uyp-TFMQaw4gbo99J6GjiuXHG1XUi47OKqTv1YKTT-AsLcZgVeAYK08fy5yMmnXyCE0lgFNVxhu6xkunOhPD4znH-0FmKI/s1600/PIM3-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vx5DRHNDoxVIXAJPXBw8SXezFKDbswK2p253qEJnW2641Uyp-TFMQaw4gbo99J6GjiuXHG1XUi47OKqTv1YKTT-AsLcZgVeAYK08fy5yMmnXyCE0lgFNVxhu6xkunOhPD4znH-0FmKI/s640/PIM3-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"Corsets and bustles are all very well in polite society but when out adventuring, more practical garb must be worn. Do not gasp out loud when I let on that I wear trousers! A good pair of fashionable yet sturdy boots, an underbust harness for shapeliness and a head covering. Oh, no frilly hats with distasteful decoration; a tagelmust is the most practical garb. It protects one from the sun and wind, also from breathing the dust of barren landscapes. Plus I do believe they are rather fetching, in a mysterious sort of way. Goggles are of great use even though they do look utterly ridiculous when worn for use. No, I shall not show you that image. A certain 'Mr. Toad' may have been mentioned by W. Rivett esq...."</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So, you see, various aspects of my personality have combined to be expressed through this medium of owning an Etsy shop. I do love to tell stories. The Navigatrix is the first character that I've created without following a roleplaying rulebook! Does The Navigatrix have a name, you may wonder? Of course she does but few know it...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Have a look through the ever changing treasure chest that is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix">The Navigatrix shop</a>. I value every sale and am sincerely grateful for all the help I receive in sharing and promoting my work.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnA8IsLy2s8x1gkILFWGOgMauf5yvtJE98IUMu9ek5n-ertGXfQ7N4FlqJP4GNMU5atTLjXr19FMWHDWn9lzl85Lnnwgv4BYevsqwEfKjNKuNjkHEpvCEL36silH8DL-XIKBSJvwWJNw/s1600/PIM3-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnA8IsLy2s8x1gkILFWGOgMauf5yvtJE98IUMu9ek5n-ertGXfQ7N4FlqJP4GNMU5atTLjXr19FMWHDWn9lzl85Lnnwgv4BYevsqwEfKjNKuNjkHEpvCEL36silH8DL-XIKBSJvwWJNw/s640/PIM3-2.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Elsewhere, in Another Universe...</span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The orange tagelmust is actually part of a costume that I have created for my new character for Empire, a game by the professional Live Roleplay company <a href="http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk/home;jsessionid=95d27ziv8470?0">Profound Decisions</a>. The fantasy culture that I have chosen is inspired by medieval Spain, Tunisia and Morocco.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrDRseYW-YiLMoNuUJglrITLOaoZ9Lyv5XMkE25KucND3kAa_jRoqqPV_u1gYNtSjWbIvWSpGr-_sDVAKo2j6_V_sNyw3RYZ8veRTpH5QL5Y1sZNH7f-B45fHMCtsthV_Jq48tOwXboE/s1600/EEE1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrDRseYW-YiLMoNuUJglrITLOaoZ9Lyv5XMkE25KucND3kAa_jRoqqPV_u1gYNtSjWbIvWSpGr-_sDVAKo2j6_V_sNyw3RYZ8veRTpH5QL5Y1sZNH7f-B45fHMCtsthV_Jq48tOwXboE/s640/EEE1.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The armour has had a previous life (originally in plain black) when I played a Samurai Badger - rubber mask, paint stripe in my hair, a rubber katana and a lrp (live roleplay) safe bow. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo9Wv04TBolwkeRp1xJmHWedKYmdAQjT-kx7YXAYu2Fsj8gGObwGas2WFZui-D2G2gAygQYEAjv6JgODKJKQkrjWljdrkB3gJbpg-i9u1u5caqSbngs2CGiBOIWC_Q3lseVo_mkNHlDo/s1600/EEE2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOo9Wv04TBolwkeRp1xJmHWedKYmdAQjT-kx7YXAYu2Fsj8gGObwGas2WFZui-D2G2gAygQYEAjv6JgODKJKQkrjWljdrkB3gJbpg-i9u1u5caqSbngs2CGiBOIWC_Q3lseVo_mkNHlDo/s640/EEE2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nQ8DC8luCNR1-KjLBrR_eZlja3_MQAGjn9hT258e64UKqZ7WxPnrAP88pa-DtHKkFMn4t9VFDa0IMOeWdL1x44MtAoj0lDVydvzLGcXBUKGdX6cqN6rJVmzjDHHznbLkTiTRKpH3vj8/s1600/EEE3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2nQ8DC8luCNR1-KjLBrR_eZlja3_MQAGjn9hT258e64UKqZ7WxPnrAP88pa-DtHKkFMn4t9VFDa0IMOeWdL1x44MtAoj0lDVydvzLGcXBUKGdX6cqN6rJVmzjDHHznbLkTiTRKpH3vj8/s1600/EEE3.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I made the polearm too, quite some time ago. Those amazing trousers came from Etsy and the sandals I bought when I visited Japan in 2007. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLggKfoPNekApPPOsiz_a21Jt0cH1_aBMSZ6xPagbTlfpZ5291T9zmCLdb_AWhPj6LLmN6IlnuU1STjJOAOZV1pg-PkeTE__RHgt0CBCs_Nd-IYu1qKMX74xuHzYppKb2wRF64wJuBXmQ/s1600/EEE4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLggKfoPNekApPPOsiz_a21Jt0cH1_aBMSZ6xPagbTlfpZ5291T9zmCLdb_AWhPj6LLmN6IlnuU1STjJOAOZV1pg-PkeTE__RHgt0CBCs_Nd-IYu1qKMX74xuHzYppKb2wRF64wJuBXmQ/s640/EEE4.jpg" width="425" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm really looking forward to this game as I have not been to one in quite some time. Take a look at my <a href="http://pinterest.com/thenavigatrix/empire-lrp-brass-coast-inspiration/">Pinterest Boards</a> to see some of the images I used for inspiration. I have not yet played this character - the event I'll be at is at the end of July. If you're there, do say hello!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's just one more link to leave you with: my new Tumblr blog!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tumblr.com/blog/thenavigatrix">Adventures of The Navigatrix</a></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Follow me on my journey around the aetherweb. You may discover that I have made a treasure in my shop just for you!</span></span></div>
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TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-19652743416082699672013-06-07T03:25:00.000-07:002013-06-07T03:47:14.172-07:00Photoshoot in May - Part 2<h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Cap'n G and Me!</span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">A tale of what happened not exactly next...</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">I'm not laying this out in chronological order. To be honest, there's been so much going on in between that my brain seems to have scrambled the sequence of events. I put this down to 'Mumnesia' ;)</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">We had a very full day together with Matt behind the camera to take some new product shots and some set pieces for promotion. Here are a couple of the new product shots - if you browse <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix">The Navigatrix</a> you will see that each listing has up to five accompanying photographs. I don't always use a modelled shot for the main listing picture but it is nice to see how an item can be worn. You get a better idea of scale, too.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAwh_apRptaLhAf5wMTnRJM5jfhYuFeO7EQ9V0-N5rkV5Ri4tWZ84JbJwcE_4UoFSA-2jnUXpEqoJgzauQLow6x5vlwSlOq4AqFbYNNIQvcBXBIg36Zbbw7N32P04Pe4h9bfzzHU16HI/s1600/38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAwh_apRptaLhAf5wMTnRJM5jfhYuFeO7EQ9V0-N5rkV5Ri4tWZ84JbJwcE_4UoFSA-2jnUXpEqoJgzauQLow6x5vlwSlOq4AqFbYNNIQvcBXBIg36Zbbw7N32P04Pe4h9bfzzHU16HI/s640/38.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/124875029/black-rose-choker-necklace-with-faceted?ref=shop_home_active">Black Rose Choker</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4liJIXt5ZkOzDKVSFIruTvUCxQsaoi9rYvT2gFlp8M6rgCeukobrLSWDAIopjnl3eSJdxaZq2PE47xh75iD1P95YXQv_duVvU13hRHOLIL42hOH8Rh3B5PfRbxuE_eUJH9uaBa6puaLo/s1600/49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4liJIXt5ZkOzDKVSFIruTvUCxQsaoi9rYvT2gFlp8M6rgCeukobrLSWDAIopjnl3eSJdxaZq2PE47xh75iD1P95YXQv_duVvU13hRHOLIL42hOH8Rh3B5PfRbxuE_eUJH9uaBa6puaLo/s640/49.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/151346989/vintage-lace-choker-with-heart-steampunk?ref=shop_home_active">'Wear Me, Alice'</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">One can only hold a serious demeanour for so long...especially around friends who enjoy each other's company! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyjUE3Z-udNUGdVVT4UsY3ZIiCNLf3Mt386sbmG0Fy6nx1wGgAvdPG5_aOtNW9vQ5b9Nd-Ghifl7zJsPrs9YR_4MZCrvHOpPzN9hcwGzsfAU2f1QNhu9-ib0RKvIOxw0U_r4hf0Y2gHM/s1600/34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyjUE3Z-udNUGdVVT4UsY3ZIiCNLf3Mt386sbmG0Fy6nx1wGgAvdPG5_aOtNW9vQ5b9Nd-Ghifl7zJsPrs9YR_4MZCrvHOpPzN9hcwGzsfAU2f1QNhu9-ib0RKvIOxw0U_r4hf0Y2gHM/s640/34.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh...we broke our model!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_x8yMxmXWRQC0sRCiNVKPzFY1WhgXpClGMMObTZQ0viMBcRBWIBZn4nDqsLa_4LfshaqGW42Zs7-FzJdkbkSGsLpF8s00zN7sxZld_51rI3bBb1w60N1Z8XaXTOof_Dn2yHYZgjNpYQ/s1600/35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_x8yMxmXWRQC0sRCiNVKPzFY1WhgXpClGMMObTZQ0viMBcRBWIBZn4nDqsLa_4LfshaqGW42Zs7-FzJdkbkSGsLpF8s00zN7sxZld_51rI3bBb1w60N1Z8XaXTOof_Dn2yHYZgjNpYQ/s640/35.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Does the 'G' in Cap'n G. stand for 'Giggly'?!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Getting the model ready between shots. Yes, I was in my Navigatrix getup the whole time! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02BwWWKkcDPYfDxlfo3cS3TpDrSvLapy-C8CBQy7fysjtudKwrG6no0r-jwGn_OLhkXUSwCzCVpjNmE3p3SW74jf25Tq3mCR59X-HOcuL4B5WiwsqAzEE1pyW8nUujq6ulrJIUT8T6DQ/s1600/51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02BwWWKkcDPYfDxlfo3cS3TpDrSvLapy-C8CBQy7fysjtudKwrG6no0r-jwGn_OLhkXUSwCzCVpjNmE3p3SW74jf25Tq3mCR59X-HOcuL4B5WiwsqAzEE1pyW8nUujq6ulrJIUT8T6DQ/s640/51.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like the Fleur de Lys? Various colours available: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/122759047/antique-brass-finish-fleur-de-lis-brooch?ref=shop_home_active">Buy it here!</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLMuhgo4K3Vy2e0vQOeedkvUiwjbXWgkFDU2VqG_BhP5LpwV_nfjOpHtzF1g-2gz0yzAddaPEBZD30bY4pJu-FpDu9oLYhJC7L_5_HYp39uDabA5hFg4U9d_NTYjKCqwAfQe59Mp1kbk/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLMuhgo4K3Vy2e0vQOeedkvUiwjbXWgkFDU2VqG_BhP5LpwV_nfjOpHtzF1g-2gz0yzAddaPEBZD30bY4pJu-FpDu9oLYhJC7L_5_HYp39uDabA5hFg4U9d_NTYjKCqwAfQe59Mp1kbk/s640/22.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We just can't help it!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When we'd got the music blasting out loud and were feeling comfortable in our Steampunk personas as the Captain and the Navigatrix of an airship named 'The Unpronounceable', we got serious!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWOk50akGzwqj9kSoycsCiUIUTt8FCXCYZQ6KFj7Y2sb7YhzycEiHjiiThdQdxh34Bhk0bmu2EwtI1Jv1_rejh5kOao7F71wf2F7j-Gu42JtG-T3Z8mPz_UwljdErLvj06g3WukUG1AE/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWOk50akGzwqj9kSoycsCiUIUTt8FCXCYZQ6KFj7Y2sb7YhzycEiHjiiThdQdxh34Bhk0bmu2EwtI1Jv1_rejh5kOao7F71wf2F7j-Gu42JtG-T3Z8mPz_UwljdErLvj06g3WukUG1AE/s640/5.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Aside from the Lionhead, Zeppelin Union and Fleur de Lys badges (by ArcaneArmoury), all jewellery you see in these shots was made by The Navigatrix. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGxHi9mo5hck_CdrT30E7T0i4-YFjpfZ9ZShQifzeEn_2FiPCYsIR3pEBwgo0D01Ft3OJ96Z2edbREVkfbI1KcnzNLfNSzao0gJ0Rv8365VpjnseG-BMkAtw1QBYqrrqBvAEBR7eGI6g/s1600/G+and+N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGxHi9mo5hck_CdrT30E7T0i4-YFjpfZ9ZShQifzeEn_2FiPCYsIR3pEBwgo0D01Ft3OJ96Z2edbREVkfbI1KcnzNLfNSzao0gJ0Rv8365VpjnseG-BMkAtw1QBYqrrqBvAEBR7eGI6g/s640/G+and+N.jpg" width="488" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The airship approaches...</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The beautifully made large prop weapons are by Arcane Armoury, the small ones are what Matt buys in to convert to more Steampunkish designs. Ask him about custom orders!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE9ddxCBd32W0DaW-VJhVs8bmzafAKJeHwOhmiuYa0-EPReoixuxwghwxNO-gxlKGJ4Wl9Xal0FLIosXRuwDP7FW5P19DSBnDFXYXLdBlbe8nu3ZEIUiJFCLA5OrIk9JrKH_9VdQ46LE/s1600/Ever+Prepared.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE9ddxCBd32W0DaW-VJhVs8bmzafAKJeHwOhmiuYa0-EPReoixuxwghwxNO-gxlKGJ4Wl9Xal0FLIosXRuwDP7FW5P19DSBnDFXYXLdBlbe8nu3ZEIUiJFCLA5OrIk9JrKH_9VdQ46LE/s640/Ever+Prepared.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When you need to deal with a Kraken, do it in style!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A little while earlier...</span></span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dZgO9AJ1ursZWIUATWgNnU35dvwjM7sKZtIn2WJXjjoMyrPgmQHhRvX_wxYXg6kk45wt_72CQ_ue2hPCm0hE0Xt2Od6lQrNWw5U4ILPC_OGWvl603IoVfxLogxEbtHTn86fLe07B3II/s1600/67.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-dZgO9AJ1ursZWIUATWgNnU35dvwjM7sKZtIn2WJXjjoMyrPgmQHhRvX_wxYXg6kk45wt_72CQ_ue2hPCm0hE0Xt2Od6lQrNWw5U4ILPC_OGWvl603IoVfxLogxEbtHTn86fLe07B3II/s640/67.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The two ladies took a picnic at the lovely Great Western Gardens</span></span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We were lucky enough to have a sunny morning in which to take advantage of the kind offer to use a beautiful English country garden. It's amazing where you can find props from if you look. This wasn't planned very carefully but it turned out beautifully!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4hczFH1CGyKA91LsyDF30mMBWYEmo5gfvUyLCbqg4cRVX5ReqWhmkqsLwaET9C4pdh_t6ranorgz2EZlHQXL3mNvUG3InTy9VA30PLFwszWvam1HV35MNVwp0PSp6Yqju87X8Oqa2LM/s1600/70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4hczFH1CGyKA91LsyDF30mMBWYEmo5gfvUyLCbqg4cRVX5ReqWhmkqsLwaET9C4pdh_t6ranorgz2EZlHQXL3mNvUG3InTy9VA30PLFwszWvam1HV35MNVwp0PSp6Yqju87X8Oqa2LM/s640/70.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're at it again! Found a nest of giggles somewhere...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEY7Q8cIO3sT5l62oTMzfj37nzRC8cjxwCuZ0LDSvv6P_2YsdASsPv5a6f0YMTxCKMvA4sRBObUOXtcXTqXCI4KzA7SY6rbim0vm-ZXkEGIFfhE3XI9J9L1xJ7HMx3QLnQmLeFyKKfjA/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEY7Q8cIO3sT5l62oTMzfj37nzRC8cjxwCuZ0LDSvv6P_2YsdASsPv5a6f0YMTxCKMvA4sRBObUOXtcXTqXCI4KzA7SY6rbim0vm-ZXkEGIFfhE3XI9J9L1xJ7HMx3QLnQmLeFyKKfjA/s640/59.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Navigatrix shows off her latest treasures.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Navigatrix, (who does have a name by the way, known only by a few) travels widely to foreign lands collecting treasures and trinkets to re-work into beautiful adornments for modern Ladies of Quality. Here, she shows her Captain the latest creations over a good cup of oriental tea.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7speqNF-11bAKtwtVmmkTTkDVknLTKa3asZEvMrx1e2FqNnlFHIDTVzbmGpuRlNViKr13DsbGrdJv92w7NfDDKzj5XqAu3ZlX8oS4WJpzK9RTB04L1BVpaiYtLyUXuQT3MjQMXhRK0c/s1600/63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7speqNF-11bAKtwtVmmkTTkDVknLTKa3asZEvMrx1e2FqNnlFHIDTVzbmGpuRlNViKr13DsbGrdJv92w7NfDDKzj5XqAu3ZlX8oS4WJpzK9RTB04L1BVpaiYtLyUXuQT3MjQMXhRK0c/s640/63.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good Captain always knows how to do several things at once. Even whilst relaxing!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">We packed up just in time as the rain started to pour a short while later! </span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">If you see any item that you like and has not been linked (we were wearing half the shop!) please leave a comment below! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Items featured are available from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix">my Etsy shop</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury">my brother's Etsy shop</a>. Do also make sure to visit our lovely model Georgina's shops <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CuriousDoors?ref=ss_profile">Curious Doors</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nevermoredolls">Nevermore Dolls</a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Find us together on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steampunk-Share-Page/165519823610919">The Steampunk Share Page</a> where we are constantly looking for other Steampunk businesses to help. Join us!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>We all greatly appreciate your support and your custom!</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Next time: The Adventures of The Navigatrix!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h3>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-74780518385481957692013-06-05T09:44:00.001-07:002013-06-05T09:44:02.466-07:00Fancy that!This morning I discovered that a fellow Etsian, whom I'd got in touch with through #UKEtsyHour on Twitter (Tues and Thurs, 8pm) has kindly done a blog article on my shop! Not only that, but she noticed my location and mentioned that she lived nearby. I mean, practically in the next street! What are the chances?<br />
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<a href="http://fabrilushus.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-navigatrix.html?spref=bl">Fabrilushus: The Navigatrix</a>: Oh dear. I haven't managed to update my blog for a few weeks. That isn't good when I am supposedly trying to get it off the ground...<br />
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Do pop over to browse <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fabrilushus">Fabrilushus</a>' delightful items when you've read (and commented :) on the blog.<br />
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I do love being a part of the Etsy community. Serendipities like this really bring it home to me...TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-57874960854126295062013-05-23T05:02:00.000-07:002013-05-23T05:06:24.070-07:00Photoshoot in May - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>....or "What Happens when Three Etsians Come Together"</i></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This month, three Etsy shop owners got together to work in collaboration. Matt of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury">Arcane Armoury</a>, Georgina of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CuriousDoors">Curious Doors</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nevermoredolls">Nevermore Dolls</a>, and myself. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Matt and I met Georgina through the Etsy Team <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful">In Here Life Is Beautiful</a> and before we knew it, we'd started messaging, Skyping and bouncing ideas around. It helped that we are able to occasionally be geographically adjacent, so the opportunity to invite our Cap'n G. over again <a href="http://thenavigatrixatetsy.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/dressing-up-for-occassion.html">(see previously...)</a> was welcomed ....especially since two of the three of us had birthdays around that very weekend!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The first day of shooting - cameras, that is; Arcane Armoury's luscious wooden and brass creations are merely props - saw myself and Georgina assembling two outfits from my wardrobe. We both got dressed up but Cap'n G. was in more of a photography mood, you'll see her in the next instalment.... So we got Matt to dress up as his Steampunk alter ego, Weldon Rivett Esq.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHwF4YWE0C3tbyJPAixY_3_55WgSdv7wZRN_NrfByf4fgd5tb0i_n-2whuf3nFXKMzVw1e9l2LU9qhtLsPv94TV3dR9giCM9Ri_MyLIs-gpmlomr18dX8on8LcUto8xI_dKEbjLQVMi0/s1600/Matt1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHwF4YWE0C3tbyJPAixY_3_55WgSdv7wZRN_NrfByf4fgd5tb0i_n-2whuf3nFXKMzVw1e9l2LU9qhtLsPv94TV3dR9giCM9Ri_MyLIs-gpmlomr18dX8on8LcUto8xI_dKEbjLQVMi0/s640/Matt1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Image is important when you run an online shop. People make judgements about items very quickly when shopping on the internet and Etsy is very good at supporting its members with helpful tutorials and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/blog/en/category/seller-handbook/?ref=si_seller_handbook">Blog articles</a>. It is also very useful to get constructive critiques from fellow shop owners and Georgina and myself both saw potential in Matt's Steampunk outfit, as he wore to the Weekend at the Asylum event in Lincoln last year.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_phzfR8DRUHXQfiXaa2DFMebH2X_MZVvJSTc11XYxxIrxTWZv6O2wx6vH7ITzTvYNqF6-s5LYUIQkpqj99apq6d52OhnSbxz22BwSb0xOfL3nu_3lQGnMH8_4Cbydb3wMQ6rDDsD3fx8/s1600/Matt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_phzfR8DRUHXQfiXaa2DFMebH2X_MZVvJSTc11XYxxIrxTWZv6O2wx6vH7ITzTvYNqF6-s5LYUIQkpqj99apq6d52OhnSbxz22BwSb0xOfL3nu_3lQGnMH8_4Cbydb3wMQ6rDDsD3fx8/s640/Matt2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61T4ZfQ6rscq9VMQAWbJ8WZV5UFsCdBdD6Lr0dPLOwLi5Xt2thtq87N0YRQkdDeT9Akgi5PTChPOb1CN1mzQ0EZqEJ0nzpR85hVAKwk8N_Adm83JeNGUruc2ZVHyUUXnlKVGaYxSumaA/s1600/Matt3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61T4ZfQ6rscq9VMQAWbJ8WZV5UFsCdBdD6Lr0dPLOwLi5Xt2thtq87N0YRQkdDeT9Akgi5PTChPOb1CN1mzQ0EZqEJ0nzpR85hVAKwk8N_Adm83JeNGUruc2ZVHyUUXnlKVGaYxSumaA/s640/Matt3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The thing I love about Etsy is the way in people are able to share not just their creations, but themselves. When you get to know a bit about the person who made your lovely purchase, it adds value and restores the human dimension to this virtual version of trade which can be anything but.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So here we are, enjoying ourselves. I mean working. Actually, (she grins) both at once!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgstQfgFrQWKQ3xacEI3rnzMORludNusY0godZWan0J4Zo8AZ3NB4eudJeWodHtQFLrDynkLte5Fs0qgrny96aj4Hygkl1RKwfybKBH0SvE4PHsJAa89mxQn9WddcFfJahu22PZpx0EW8/s1600/MattandSalsmiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgstQfgFrQWKQ3xacEI3rnzMORludNusY0godZWan0J4Zo8AZ3NB4eudJeWodHtQFLrDynkLte5Fs0qgrny96aj4Hygkl1RKwfybKBH0SvE4PHsJAa89mxQn9WddcFfJahu22PZpx0EW8/s640/MattandSalsmiley.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>I never thought I'd be a model!</i></span></span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I trained as a professional modelmaker and gained a degree in Design Representation (Modelmaking) in 1996. (I'll tell you about my meandering career path some other time.) When I started The Navigatrix, I never really intended to model my wares. The Steampunk outfit was assembled initially for fun, then it turned out to be useful for the Weekend at the Asylum Steampunk Fair.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've been a Live Roleplayer for many years and The Navigatrix was the first character that I'd created without a rulebook! The character and the shop developed side by side and continue to do so. With Georgina and Matt, we have created a fictitious Airship that we and our IHLIB Etsy team Leaders crew. The three of us have carried this onto Facebook as the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Steampunk-Share-Page/165519823610919">Steampunk Share Page</a> (Cap'n G's grand idea).</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAEUJzSSk9TFSZRQElbV9cm37RrJ0wYapTgfGwC_NGoTyUOb53qCPKSD0ThyphenhyphenJsX6NFKarI6o7w63j3CKKUfwoWtodpJAnGyxNyikuecxjmmW7-wmg2ERE1jUD09XC4ZMwhvkCYfHACjw/s1600/NavigatrixReading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAEUJzSSk9TFSZRQElbV9cm37RrJ0wYapTgfGwC_NGoTyUOb53qCPKSD0ThyphenhyphenJsX6NFKarI6o7w63j3CKKUfwoWtodpJAnGyxNyikuecxjmmW7-wmg2ERE1jUD09XC4ZMwhvkCYfHACjw/s640/NavigatrixReading.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've never really been a girly girl and rarely wear makeup. Cap'n G. was in charge of hair and makeup and taught me how to apply the various layers of paint to my face. We caught ourselves a couple of times with huge grins on our faces...this is what we do for a living! OK, there's endless hours of photo editing, listing, networking, networking and more networking aside from our main passion of actually Creating...but it's a very self-affirming, empowering way to spend your time.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSEeu3RkBcBW6Bh-s37m3kYvmTWNRVqZRCCbVLxIav0teDmX94a3Co6SfE-NF6SKwctdfSf9ldZYWN0WfwetiB6vf9_YvyFFd1tGFTVmLC02UkOrXoualmFaRYE4DlRDhiaXxQYfdu2c/s1600/SiblingRivalry%3F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSEeu3RkBcBW6Bh-s37m3kYvmTWNRVqZRCCbVLxIav0teDmX94a3Co6SfE-NF6SKwctdfSf9ldZYWN0WfwetiB6vf9_YvyFFd1tGFTVmLC02UkOrXoualmFaRYE4DlRDhiaXxQYfdu2c/s640/SiblingRivalry%3F.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sibling Rivalry? Actually, we're the best of friends.</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm so grateful to many other people for making these photoshoots possible. My dear hubby and a good 'mummy friend' looked after littl'un whilst I was busy. Thankyou if you helped in any way, however small. These things sometimes just come together, don't they, and feel right? </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvLX5QZdEFBCMacrO6TeE2qth0hMTcMi-mgBk4ut-v1bcbxLCY9Prf2VEB3iUPmG3j7kmry6JbnNZ11sCz8HNiRG9KFLFhAIvJfICOdIeTCMZRAq3jNxdNBySP2LJZ0zj_lLpjtG6Na0/s1600/LittleMonster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvLX5QZdEFBCMacrO6TeE2qth0hMTcMi-mgBk4ut-v1bcbxLCY9Prf2VEB3iUPmG3j7kmry6JbnNZ11sCz8HNiRG9KFLFhAIvJfICOdIeTCMZRAq3jNxdNBySP2LJZ0zj_lLpjtG6Na0/s640/LittleMonster.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home from school and eager to copy Mummy. Meet my little monster :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzzCOgf1z12g19xpG8wKk2Sh1KtkIE1XUKzRbpT2nTHPl4n9o6sg7TfTWajtasP8TRqMyukwMPPoZMppAp43Bh7lPi1gNvB0A5JpNypmdBnqvW-4gyrVF0U1IZnvZQPg2qkQ-nOvN0LQ/s1600/Lion+badge+AA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzzCOgf1z12g19xpG8wKk2Sh1KtkIE1XUKzRbpT2nTHPl4n9o6sg7TfTWajtasP8TRqMyukwMPPoZMppAp43Bh7lPi1gNvB0A5JpNypmdBnqvW-4gyrVF0U1IZnvZQPg2qkQ-nOvN0LQ/s640/Lion+badge+AA.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/120017347/imperial-lion-badge-antique-brassfinish?ref=shop_home_active">Buy this here!</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">There's more to come but I'll leave you to absorb that lot and explore the links for a while. All three of us appreciate your support, your encouragement and your most welcome custom. Do pop by again!</span></span></div>
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<br />TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-21380483111224959522013-05-19T08:46:00.001-07:002013-05-23T03:51:20.191-07:00A Tea Inspired Treasury...with added SteampunkI do love browsing on Etsy. The Treasury feature is a way to collect and share your favourite items. You can make up your very own window shopping experience, to save things for later, or do it as an exercise in artistic image arrangement. <br />
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Treasuries give shops added exposure...and the more people see an item, the more likely it is to sell! The one rule of Treasuries, however,is never to add your own items (if you are an Etsy shop owner). I love this 'Pay it Forward' (x16!) attitude. Sharing is the kinder path to success.<br />
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Have a look at my latest finds:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7wYfxXwoEhB5P-FK7HJ0Kewr3HL5tRe_rkfxrp_scYVNKf4WnTnEX7KMzTkBESei6J7RYhWvk8vxKmOAmMs8_TBduubBhGhuEeRquKq687YTaLyhgyiddiaY4K8Qs6raQgq4-eD5s0/s1600/Screenshot_2013-05-23-11-26-33_20130523114237146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNE7wYfxXwoEhB5P-FK7HJ0Kewr3HL5tRe_rkfxrp_scYVNKf4WnTnEX7KMzTkBESei6J7RYhWvk8vxKmOAmMs8_TBduubBhGhuEeRquKq687YTaLyhgyiddiaY4K8Qs6raQgq4-eD5s0/s640/Screenshot_2013-05-23-11-26-33_20130523114237146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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See my Treasuries properly here:<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/people/sallyannlivingston/treasury?sort=creation_date&order=desc">The Navigatrix's Treasury List</a><br />
<script src="http://www.craftcult.com/js/trwi.js?s=3&l=MTk3ODgwMDB8MjcyNDQ3MzIwMA&r=-1&t=a&m=0&si=6762815&u=19788000&sn=TheNavigatrix"></script> TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-33542665706018751962013-04-27T09:28:00.000-07:002013-04-27T09:28:41.057-07:00Interview with Emily Joy from Emi.Nation Artistry<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">This month's featured Creatrix</span></span></span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">One of the things I love about Etsy is being to connect to fellow artists and creators with geographical distance being no problem, thanks to the internet and Skype video chats (ooh er, I remember when that idea was a thing of pure science fiction!)</span></span></span></i></span></h2>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I'd like to introduce you to Emily Joy, fellow Team Leader at </span></span></span></i></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">In Here Life Is Beautiful</span></span></span></i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> and a talented Pyrographer. Just recently, she gave her shop a new look and has added many new items. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see her work on an Etsy front page in the not too distant future...</span></span></span></i></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfWEzEiTdAA8JyesR1aQK4yTfJgTOT8yUXmepavE5XhMBOQ-L83wyLNOrlzKKnDDZ59yB75bosx_Ye4g6RmH-Lf5VSfvPA7HpsUPmSG0iwO0VqwL7AK6yhudTBAe3cYZliiiRXwhhOCY/s1600/137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicfWEzEiTdAA8JyesR1aQK4yTfJgTOT8yUXmepavE5XhMBOQ-L83wyLNOrlzKKnDDZ59yB75bosx_Ye4g6RmH-Lf5VSfvPA7HpsUPmSG0iwO0VqwL7AK6yhudTBAe3cYZliiiRXwhhOCY/s640/137.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1. How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Naming my shop was actually quite a difficult process. I didn’t want to be too specific, in case I decided to expand my brand and do non-pyrography items, so anything with burning or flames didn’t seem to fit. After many discussions about possible names, I was drawn to creating a shop name that was catchy, yet spoke to my mindset when I create. I felt like I was most moved by the concept of the artwork flowing from a divine source or that inexplicable part of humanity that pushes us all to create. Often, artists will say that their favorite or best work seemed have its own will or mind. It needed to come out, and the artist was happy to be the conduit. I often feel that way when I create. The word emanation means “from the source” or “flowing from the source.” I have a bundle of creativity floating in my body, and all of my art courses through me from that initial point. I decided to do a fun take on my name, Emily, and call it “Emi.Nation” – both to honor the definition of the word, and to create my own little Emily world!</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I find it difficult to name exactly what was the main inspiration for my shop. I have always loved to paint, draw, sculpt, whatever I could do to get messy and make art! However, I never really took myself seriously as an artist. I had a driving impulse to create, but selling seemed out of my league. Friends, family, and teachers disagreed with me, often urging me to either take classes or open up shop. I think was their support and encouragement, coupled with my desire to grow and honor my artwork as something meaningful, that pushed me to open Emi.Nation.</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnJbXllxcj_KKh50l3Cf5lu35hMLR-dBQQC5XO-TJWPOID3TYwtegBrepzpaQKMoYqlzFt-4WjPtpY626LkW9PjXXkb6r5MAGudjr3ysXAIUoEVvHUBQkX4GLXJ5P3VB-frBDtYoZHSU/s1600/228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnJbXllxcj_KKh50l3Cf5lu35hMLR-dBQQC5XO-TJWPOID3TYwtegBrepzpaQKMoYqlzFt-4WjPtpY626LkW9PjXXkb6r5MAGudjr3ysXAIUoEVvHUBQkX4GLXJ5P3VB-frBDtYoZHSU/s640/228.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a name='more'></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">2. What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?</span></span></span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I’m a pyrographer, which means a wood burner. I create boxes, bangles, rings, necklaces, Matroyshka dolls, wall hangings, and more! Honestly, as long as it is made out of wood, I’ll burn it! I’m always looking to expand to new items and themes.</span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I believe my signature product at this point would be my bangles, especially my custom ones. I think most people love my Chinese dragon and Koi fish bangles, which is wonderful, since I love making them! My custom work has been taking off more than anything. I strive to have your vision or inspiration become a wearable piece of art. Customers often compliment me on how I work with them to produce something even better than they could have imagined.</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6sBGVgPLsCHnBri3a6NHlZlAyUVXj-5M6v6lGDM95hp-66tQ5LrLE1OObS19cAcmib-bWPCjVioBPtks2RxU3zUr7bJDk1ZIN6twX9Vz7NeQa78ScbSRyyo8zIDsgmz1nT-xvvKdk24/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></span></span></i></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt69g0JvXY6ahGwmwi08rXmzAjlKrbBqKH8egyaTFDLoI2_Uyve_JMnL5UH7EANZnz5K8Fb9g9nWucK4oEnBxbrobbd5styYQKBqPyW4XGZ5x-qftqnGUByK40hgLMsh8SPKYa7qkJBG8/s1600/cIMG_7895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt69g0JvXY6ahGwmwi08rXmzAjlKrbBqKH8egyaTFDLoI2_Uyve_JMnL5UH7EANZnz5K8Fb9g9nWucK4oEnBxbrobbd5styYQKBqPyW4XGZ5x-qftqnGUByK40hgLMsh8SPKYa7qkJBG8/s320/cIMG_7895.jpg" width="320" /></span></span></span></i></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6sBGVgPLsCHnBri3a6NHlZlAyUVXj-5M6v6lGDM95hp-66tQ5LrLE1OObS19cAcmib-bWPCjVioBPtks2RxU3zUr7bJDk1ZIN6twX9Vz7NeQa78ScbSRyyo8zIDsgmz1nT-xvvKdk24/s1600/124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6sBGVgPLsCHnBri3a6NHlZlAyUVXj-5M6v6lGDM95hp-66tQ5LrLE1OObS19cAcmib-bWPCjVioBPtks2RxU3zUr7bJDk1ZIN6twX9Vz7NeQa78ScbSRyyo8zIDsgmz1nT-xvvKdk24/s640/124.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I have made bangles that have highlighted peoples’ faiths, such as the dogwood branch for Christianity or the sea & storm bangle for a Falun Dafa devotee. One husband wanted to show his wife how much he loved her, but didn’t know how to translate it or what to focus on. After a bit of back and forth, we talked about where they were married and I recreated Newport beach (with artistic license).</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndJkCveNSf18RZBU1J9I9FaGTssuBN7iTiKXvEUW5BgatGhmWFFaporkTwOimp0dKfgNh3KxzNXpCcO_5DI2atCiuFU8XtUTlVnwEclKGaXxPpaKagIX417jiqRBSC4QBpBO3qk65J2A/s1600/Tony+H+Commission+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndJkCveNSf18RZBU1J9I9FaGTssuBN7iTiKXvEUW5BgatGhmWFFaporkTwOimp0dKfgNh3KxzNXpCcO_5DI2atCiuFU8XtUTlVnwEclKGaXxPpaKagIX417jiqRBSC4QBpBO3qk65J2A/s640/Tony+H+Commission+1.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">A friend who loved the stars got one of my favorite bangles, the moon over the ocean, with constellations that represented people who were important to her. </span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"></span></span></span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My commission products come to be from the combined effort and love of myself and the person purchasing it. There is nothing like helping someone create a piece that they will love forever. </span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3. Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I find my inspiration comes mainly from nature, fantasy, science fiction, literature, religion, and spiritual concepts. I tend to draw from one or two of these categories for a while until I itch for a change, and switch to a new theme. I honestly find the entire world to be brimming with interesting visuals, and I rarely know where my next idea will come from. My husband will have to check before he throws out random scraps of paper because I’ll scribble pieces I want to create on whatever is closest when inspiration strikes me!<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I’m different from the other pyrographers I’ve seen because of my style and my custom items. I have found many wonderful pyrographers out there, but I haven’t found any who really seem to draw in the same manner that I do. Pyrography is very similar to pencil drawing in terms of how greatly the artist can vary in what they do. I tend to be a realistic drawer and I favor dark backgrounds. It takes much more time, but I think it looks so crisp. I’ve been expanding to lighter pieces and I’ve found that I’m falling in love with both styles. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I’ve also described above a bit of what I do for custom work. I think my favorite example of my custom work is actually a box, not a bangle. I have been fortunate enough to create handfasting boxes for couples who have been or will be married. One couple, Dustin and Jessica, had been married before but they didn’t have a nice place to keep their handfasting cords (the ribbons you use in your marriage ceremony). I worked with Dustin to surprise Jessica and make a box just for them. In the end, it had different runes that represented strong relationships and their future, the Norse world tree Yggdrasil, and an owl and snake (their spirit animals). It is one of the pieces I’m most proud of. And most of all, I love that Dustin and Jessica now have a piece of art that helps remind them of their vows and the love they share. </span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLcuYB-6UnIBqn839wZEoI6Dhkp5S5riUsC8m_S6l2WhKmdWgFeCi5u4UzB1gpGcaZJEDcN3_hUbprBh7AmLm85XvojDi6Y9pMtHyN5ZKfUlLTXNcLxa3V-Xqwte7eZ0Vu3UD46dpPaI/s1600/428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLcuYB-6UnIBqn839wZEoI6Dhkp5S5riUsC8m_S6l2WhKmdWgFeCi5u4UzB1gpGcaZJEDcN3_hUbprBh7AmLm85XvojDi6Y9pMtHyN5ZKfUlLTXNcLxa3V-Xqwte7eZ0Vu3UD46dpPaI/s640/428.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLcuYB-6UnIBqn839wZEoI6Dhkp5S5riUsC8m_S6l2WhKmdWgFeCi5u4UzB1gpGcaZJEDcN3_hUbprBh7AmLm85XvojDi6Y9pMtHyN5ZKfUlLTXNcLxa3V-Xqwte7eZ0Vu3UD46dpPaI/s1600/428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">4. What do you enjoy most about your craft?<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I love the exacting process; there is no eraser for wood burning (although I’d use one if I could)! Each piece has to be careful and deliberate, and I’ve always been attracted to activities that encourage both creativity and discipline. I can’t rush any piece and therefore I really get to connect with everything I make. I also love the fact that my art is not limited to sight and touch; you can smell it, too! My house and the pieces smell like campfire, which is one of my favorite scents in the world. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />5. What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I think my two biggest pieces of advice would be (a) take photos that show the customer your product and your brand and (b) don’t undersell yourself! It is a chronic problem with beginners, including myself, to price items low in order to encourage sales. Most of the time, this will come back to haunt you. Consider the time it takes to create and promote the item as well as your materials. If you undersell, you’ll either have people wondering why a quality piece would be so low or assuming your piece isn’t as nice as it is. Plus, if you gain momentum, it can be a long climb to the correct price point for you. Customers will wonder why your prices have suddenly rocketed. So be strong and really value yourself! </span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMRP8qO2Tfaa8KxHgQyaLfmYn815-MhKmLnj9pdN0vv_MISA2gBLuOmerGOs8o7aQgiZzcq7BNWZEWowNQcMDIpp3nKA4UTLPMRc3dG8c-xVY7eB1fLIpduRrvq4EDW9gHTobcDrZxng/s1600/274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoMRP8qO2Tfaa8KxHgQyaLfmYn815-MhKmLnj9pdN0vv_MISA2gBLuOmerGOs8o7aQgiZzcq7BNWZEWowNQcMDIpp3nKA4UTLPMRc3dG8c-xVY7eB1fLIpduRrvq4EDW9gHTobcDrZxng/s640/274.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />As for the photography, there are a few basics I cannot emphasize enough. Do research and find other shop owners who have a style that you admire. Figure out why you admire it and then make it your own. But there are a few core concepts that will always be present for successful Etsy sellers. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />1) Your product should always be in focus.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />2) The backgrounds should never distract from your item.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3) Take your photos in natural light. Indoor lights can make the color off in the camera, and direct flash (which is on every point and shoot, phone camera, and even the basic DSLRs) will blow out your product and make you lose the detail that your customers will want to see.<br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />4) Edit every single photo that goes up. Even if it is minimal. There are free editing websites and programs that can work wonders for your photos. </span></span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTOM6zHEoFdQT5NMne2-nbIqeszwzutKTNhN6m9Nz4T4osmSSW2Qj2vMxA1HFXn_gqVrXApG6PTpPVjLtzgRYr_zB2-zuIuVlGCmA-kI3O2uGKhoeL0oRwL6zDe9ILcAxAE8KwtoLqXg/s1600/Jelly+Necklace+1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihTOM6zHEoFdQT5NMne2-nbIqeszwzutKTNhN6m9Nz4T4osmSSW2Qj2vMxA1HFXn_gqVrXApG6PTpPVjLtzgRYr_zB2-zuIuVlGCmA-kI3O2uGKhoeL0oRwL6zDe9ILcAxAE8KwtoLqXg/s640/Jelly+Necklace+1-5.jpg" width="640" /></span></span></span></i></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">6. What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />So tough! As soon as I try to think about it, that question stresses me out! I can say that I make sure to look at every single product that Creatures from El creates, because she continuously creates jaw-dropping, unquestionably unique sculptures. As soon as I can, I will get a custom piece of work for her. I only have about 300 ideas in mind. <br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">7. Where else (other than Etsy) can you be found online?</span></span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />I have a </span></span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/eminationartistry?ref=ts&fref=ts"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Facebook page</span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> and a website </span></span></span></span><a href="http://www.eminationartistry.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">www.eminationartistry.com</span></span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">8. Do you have any coupon codes / special sales / upcoming or current promotional events going on in your shop?</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Free shipping for anyone who types in NAVIGATRIX ! - it will run for a month.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Thankyou Emily Joy! Wishing you much success with your wonderful shop and many more happy customers.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">If you'd like to see what is currently on offer or approach Emi.Nation about a commission, visit </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/eminationartistry"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/eminationartistry</span></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #783f04;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-9734885100727553212013-03-03T09:45:00.000-08:002013-03-03T09:50:48.044-08:00Interview with Georgina of Atomic Girl Cosplay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtlE0JFafmrZ433wnEAwHg7L-CUQ-dRuK7cgoaMYg28Ez7UAzEktPCC2gOJBcpgolO9-J-XGZ_SpQCAB9bv-82f01PYk6pP4wVeBGu3_ER3FliGp0VXdX7p19ARqjXYY_QkJ8JNThxs8/s1600/kitty+hawk+garrison+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtlE0JFafmrZ433wnEAwHg7L-CUQ-dRuK7cgoaMYg28Ez7UAzEktPCC2gOJBcpgolO9-J-XGZ_SpQCAB9bv-82f01PYk6pP4wVeBGu3_ER3FliGp0VXdX7p19ARqjXYY_QkJ8JNThxs8/s400/kitty+hawk+garrison+grunge.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">A is for Apocalypse...</span></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I'd like to introduce you to a fellow Creatrix that I have affectionately nicknamed "Cap'n G." She recently leapt courageously into working full time for herself and has found a unique niche in which to express her talents...</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL4LkKFpGCa4Xf0PJpTCZUWZWneAjtWBkn2iiODy3c37t6CpxYhENT8Gbhb7rYETUbIfWSkVActwAjtjlh8FgnGkkK7Fq9PNC_r47OmxWnj3b5sutL9vepCWwp7p9abzaCSgyDaMy39I/s1600/creeping+grunge+with+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjL4LkKFpGCa4Xf0PJpTCZUWZWneAjtWBkn2iiODy3c37t6CpxYhENT8Gbhb7rYETUbIfWSkVActwAjtjlh8FgnGkkK7Fq9PNC_r47OmxWnj3b5sutL9vepCWwp7p9abzaCSgyDaMy39I/s640/creeping+grunge+with+logo.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></b></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">How did your shop get its name and what was the main inspiration behind opening your shop?</span></b></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Let’s start with inspiration. Ever since I can remember I’ve had an intense imagination, as a child I was labelled as being away with the fairies. As I’ve grown up it’s never left me, and has been poured into various projects, characters and creations but I’ve never been satisfied, nothing was ever enough and I always knew I could do more. As I got older I began to develop a love of cult movies and became an avid gamer. I loved everything about the genre – retro computer gaming, sci fi, fantasy, RPG. And all this added fuel to the imaginative fire. Things like Red Dwarf, Doctor Who, A Boy and His Dog, Fallout, Bioshock, Firefly all resonated with me. I loved the idea of a futuristic dystopia. I tried to bottle my ideas as writing, paintings, but nothing ever felt right. Then I discovered cosplay. There was actually a community of people who dressed up as their favourite characters, and to boot were proud of it! Then there was more, Steampunk, people created their own characters based on their interpretation of this collectively created sci fi universe of steam and pipes and cogs and engines. That was it, I thought, I can create my own world through costume. I can turn this vast imagination into clothing, accessories, photoshoots, storylines. I thought I would do it through Steampunk, I had a love of the Victorian era, it seemed to fit. However, in one evening that all changed, I began to google for pictures of 1950s cosplay, fallout cosplay, apocalypse cosplay. I found a little, but not as much as I had expected. In an instant Steampunk didn’t feel right and my childhood love of gritty sci fi came back. And as usual with the way my brain worked everything was crystalised within an instant. The end game was there in glorious detail – I just had to get there. I wrote down three names on a piece of paper: Apocalypse Girl, Fallout Girl, Atomic Girl.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTB220KkzJNImZ0SB1IidVUzCdNY5TJqJm1YWme3uZx9x4N8ChitIYt0TQjpwl167rlKfpjt9n6E91fF2ICIF2VBEKLrglCTPhZCEtNQ41gmvILk5hvBvvtalTasY1UaEHHHaEJiLR48/s1600/den+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpvizcKhQYt0HnHwSsveXX3KqhK0t1FEV_pe16RFh1owbJ_0bHI0dqeU7Tkf-rsy4meF6rWys14MfFefY1Eqmjms9CKMLY8tfmPzLuEa-GmImvHZgPQ4TADR9_spcqyWHjkFmtrlJQvM/s1600/for+science+gold+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpvizcKhQYt0HnHwSsveXX3KqhK0t1FEV_pe16RFh1owbJ_0bHI0dqeU7Tkf-rsy4meF6rWys14MfFefY1Eqmjms9CKMLY8tfmPzLuEa-GmImvHZgPQ4TADR9_spcqyWHjkFmtrlJQvM/s640/for+science+gold+grunge.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpvizcKhQYt0HnHwSsveXX3KqhK0t1FEV_pe16RFh1owbJ_0bHI0dqeU7Tkf-rsy4meF6rWys14MfFefY1Eqmjms9CKMLY8tfmPzLuEa-GmImvHZgPQ4TADR9_spcqyWHjkFmtrlJQvM/s1600/for+science+gold+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">What do you create and do you have a signature product? If so how did it come to be?</span></b></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I create clothing, accessories and props which have the look and feel of being from a post-apocalyptic universe. Due to the Fallout games being heavy inspiration I decided to give the clothing a 1950s twist. Which ties in nicely with the fact I’ve always loved the 50s tailoring anyway. As this is such early days for Atomic Girl (I’ve only been open about a month and a half) I wouldn’t say I have a signature product as such. However, I do have some very grand ideas in mind which will be realised later in the year. I would hope, though, that my products, in their style, will have a signature. I would like to think that someone would be able to look at one of my products, be it a badge, computer accessory or piece of clothing and say “yep, that’s Atomic Girl”. My two overruling criteria are is it quality and is it believable.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Where do you find your inspiration and what makes you different from the other people that make what you make?</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /><br />I’ve got a deep love for sci fi and fantasy, tv, movies, computer games and comics. I take a lot of inspiration from these sources to put my own twist on. I may see something in a movie I like as a concept, develop it, change it, add in some inspiration from a different source then design a product, or even a range. Mostly however things come to me in almost overwhelming flashes. I’m sure my brain is constantly thinking about designs on a subconscious level, then it’ll come to me in a sudden burst. I think very visually, it might be a product, a solution to a design problem, a photoshoot or even a whole costume concept.<br /><br />What I hope will set me apart from other sellers is detail I put into my products and photography. I don’t want to simply make an item then photo it in a studio setting. I want to create a world with my photographs, possibly even set up stories being told in visual form. I want my customer to feel like the more the buy from me the deeper the enter into my world. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhrjGP-10vBEsJHJFpDSqiuW4_UNtGyu2Hu2F15y8Xov6GYCpRP-U51jFbcaFuL083ytAbDueMF6S2mcJDGUjtjvODW2F3EiGhUYYTbiWwZMbsG84QbTMUw8zi6hPFsRqFU-ceSSD_dk/s1600/outside+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhrjGP-10vBEsJHJFpDSqiuW4_UNtGyu2Hu2F15y8Xov6GYCpRP-U51jFbcaFuL083ytAbDueMF6S2mcJDGUjtjvODW2F3EiGhUYYTbiWwZMbsG84QbTMUw8zi6hPFsRqFU-ceSSD_dk/s640/outside+9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">What do you enjoy most about your craft?<br /><br />Oh it’s got to be the finishing touches, adding the scuffs, the scratches, even adding mould to the corners of computer screens. I love to work into things.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5wiKtTsM5uGK6lGlNOy4DjmILRvQBp6krtdezieg0ul522zH0TNWV03PC-fbH6M3gA2FTwqAl8D56iOTmYVzh_AXaJAkmyok8OJNlCo5GaQFUCiMZcF96GtXEpmRDu3IBHUTDMREtEU/s1600/apocalyptic+grey+robot+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5wiKtTsM5uGK6lGlNOy4DjmILRvQBp6krtdezieg0ul522zH0TNWV03PC-fbH6M3gA2FTwqAl8D56iOTmYVzh_AXaJAkmyok8OJNlCo5GaQFUCiMZcF96GtXEpmRDu3IBHUTDMREtEU/s400/apocalyptic+grey+robot+grunge.jpg" width="300" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Metallic Grey Robot Face Badge</span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">What is your best advice to newbie Etsians just opening their shops?</span></i></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br />Your photographs are your strongest tool. They need to be crisp, bright and show off your product. Your customer can’t pick up your item, turn it over and check it out so do it for them in your photography. For instance if you’ve made a hat have a photo of it upside down so the customer can see the lining, if it’s a skirt photo it both on a model so they can see the fitting and on a hanger so they can see the basic shape. I find if you have a program like Photoshop or Photoshop Elements simply brightening the levels on a photo will turn a dull grey background to brilliant white and make the details of your product really sing. </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Atomic Girl Cosplay has a gorgeously grungy style still but she still makes sure her items 'pop', even against darker backgrounds. </span></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">What are your top 3 favorite shops on Etsy and what do you like about them?</span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">There are quite literally too many talented artists, crafters and wonderful shops out there to pick just three. I am the captain of the Etsy team In Here Life Is Beautiful (</span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">In Here Life Is Beautiful</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">) which is dedicated to people interested in the alternative. If you like steampunk, burlesque, goth, tattoos, rockabilly or retro then you’ll probably enjoy it. We have 326 members so far, I look through each new shop looking to feature people on the team’s facebook page and I’m always astounded with everyone’s individual talents and vision.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Where else (other than Etsy) can you be found online?</span></i></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><b></b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Facebook is my main outlet I’d say, I’m on it constantly, it’s full of product photos, behind the scenes photos, chats from me and fun stuff I’ve found online.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atomic-Girl-Cosplay/195630810528234"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Atomic-Girl-Cosplay/195630810528234</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">I also have a twitter account which I’m still getting used to. I’ve got a bit of a mental block on twitter, I can’t seem to wrap my head around it!</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://twitter.com/AtomicGirlCos"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">https://twitter.com/AtomicGirlCos</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">A blog…</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://atomicgirlcosplay.blogspot.co.uk/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">http://atomicgirlcosplay.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Aaaand a tumblr. Again, I’m very new to it.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://atomicgirlcosplay.tumblr.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">http://atomicgirlcosplay.tumblr.com/</span></a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgQ5euKJHoZUH9XSmUF-SSXep1rm8OyTXJX5wx6Z-CUfBzDMdUU7RQ1bSSh-VEIHizc5_icPrnue3QKAOhVR02Mx29ad-XkyGey1MwyPX2e8-L1df6v-eBVSZgndP7c6QAROBnwenVL0/s1600/tweed+hat+grunge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgQ5euKJHoZUH9XSmUF-SSXep1rm8OyTXJX5wx6Z-CUfBzDMdUU7RQ1bSSh-VEIHizc5_icPrnue3QKAOhVR02Mx29ad-XkyGey1MwyPX2e8-L1df6v-eBVSZgndP7c6QAROBnwenVL0/s640/tweed+hat+grunge.jpg" width="470" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Thankyou very much, Cap'n G!* </span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Make sure to visit </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AtomicGirlCosplay?ref=ss_profile"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Atomic Girl Cosplay</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> on Etsy! Do leave your comments and question below, thanks.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">*(For those of you who are wondering why I chose that nickname, it's because I'm one of the leaders in the Etsy Team "In Here Life Is Beautiful" and we imagine ourselves as the crew of a magnificent airship...I also have Georgina to thank for doing The Navigatrix's recent makeover </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">and</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> for being my lovely model. Add Matt of </span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Arcane Armoury</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> to the mix, as he recently instructed her on a few modelmaking techniques. Expect the unexpected!)</span></span></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">And Z is for... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"> </span></span></span></div>
TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-14506046674857836862013-02-28T14:11:00.000-08:002013-02-28T14:11:43.117-08:00What...another Giveaway?!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv78M3GevX_1RK4i9kAIye3FQM3WUS9GWXr5fFCpaCjRw4k0UiR6xpuHFHmaglkJBGFknVIU3yt2CUOUUYgKE1JBcbJRLHCUQFaTIB_VMT2cBb2S6-p5tt8BBim2wDjrl8iliPzKa3QU/s1600/GV%C2%A310.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv78M3GevX_1RK4i9kAIye3FQM3WUS9GWXr5fFCpaCjRw4k0UiR6xpuHFHmaglkJBGFknVIU3yt2CUOUUYgKE1JBcbJRLHCUQFaTIB_VMT2cBb2S6-p5tt8BBim2wDjrl8iliPzKa3QU/s320/GV%C2%A310.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE9i3pzN-aa-srmOHS2jhImQE5zRkdoz7eupC7Vwg2jo36bCaZiPHnxT38Walm8uDNjPOSv-GBk6n1SIiytb3gwD_266Vw0sgRglDkyxCBbkFTkAiBcHYt6TNSFw2dWc98krgQF1QNtk/s1600/CanonRing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizE9i3pzN-aa-srmOHS2jhImQE5zRkdoz7eupC7Vwg2jo36bCaZiPHnxT38Walm8uDNjPOSv-GBk6n1SIiytb3gwD_266Vw0sgRglDkyxCBbkFTkAiBcHYt6TNSFw2dWc98krgQF1QNtk/s320/CanonRing.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9a1a371/" id="rc-9a1a371" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes! To celebrate achieving 1001 Likes on my Facebook page, I am happy to announce that you have another opportunity to win!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This time, The Navigatrix is offering two prizes: a £10 Voucher and a one-off, Steampunk unisex adjustable Canon Ring!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I really do value all the support a simple Like and a kind comment offer. Of course, I'm aiming to sell every item in my shop and challenge you all to buy things almost faster than I can make them!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tell your friends! If you have a blog and would like a Giveaway widget to share my competition with more folk, just ask. I am also aiming to support my brother (of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArcaneArmoury">ArcaneArmoury</a>) and my Etsy Team Captain (of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AtomicGirlCosplay">Atomic Girl Cosplay</a> ) so there are entry options to help them get more fans, too.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I look forward to your company, wherever we may meet across the vast aetherweb....</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix">Welcome to my Shop!</a></span></span><br />
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</span></span>TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7917518715501416017.post-44858379291958266532013-02-09T05:01:00.000-08:002013-02-09T05:01:45.252-08:00Giveaway! <b>The Navigatrix Is One!</b> <br />
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I opened my little Etsy shop on the 14th of February last year. To celebrate The Navigatrix's first anniversary, I'm having a giveaway! <a id="rc-9a1a370" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9a1a370/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> This is the first time I've tried Rafflecopter, so do bear with me! <br />
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The Prize is this: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ6F4D-ct8p1Vqk5-eqQK34zp-G3LSJlsWTsdz3DFpBbBTbXL4slK4HYpOJBybc2zJ4vLUJbEsRqpZgy9Pe-aXkziQu7pF6mL5Lm761Rbgp6TH017jMdrkz6BdgdQDVrUKyZLIxcjLsU/s1600/GV%25C2%25A315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ6F4D-ct8p1Vqk5-eqQK34zp-G3LSJlsWTsdz3DFpBbBTbXL4slK4HYpOJBybc2zJ4vLUJbEsRqpZgy9Pe-aXkziQu7pF6mL5Lm761Rbgp6TH017jMdrkz6BdgdQDVrUKyZLIxcjLsU/s400/GV%25C2%25A315.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So, give it a go, tell your friends and let me know what you think.<br />
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Good luck!TheNavigatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07217964360914278632noreply@blogger.com3