Introduce Yourself!

[#1]

It occurred to me that providing a space for new members to introduce themselves would be a good idea...then it occurred to me that even members who have been a part of this group might like to say a bit about themselves.

So, a brief intro, preferably with a link to your About page (if you've got one). Feel free to post one or two other links here for people to explore, a Blog, Facebook page or Twitter etc.

I'll start:

I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 1996 with a BA Hons in Design Representation (Modelmaking). Coming from a family of 'sew and sews', 'knitwits' and modelmakers, I seem to have picked up a few skills here and there. I am also a Live Roleplayer, a trained Montessori Directress and a Reiki Teacher Practitioner (with the UKRF) but of late, aside from a few Reiki clients and an interest in personal development and Tai Chi, I'm mostly busy being a mum and getting involved in Steampunk. My creative impulse has re-awakened and now I'm doing the cliche: making stuff on my dining room table out of bits and bobs and inspirations.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheNavigatrix/about/
http://thenavigatrixatetsy.blogspot.co.uk

Glad to make your acquaintance!

[BuonPonte]

Hello all! I'm Terry and I'm from Italy.
I drew and paint since childhood and I studied art and graphic design.
I always wanted to do a creative job and I have always struggled to do it!
I did the decorator and restorer, the graphic designer and visual merchandiser.
This is my second shop on Etsy (I recently opened) where I dedicate to do what I love most: painting!
I'm creating an original collection of hand-painted decorative pillows inspired by the wonderful world of circus and street artists.
I hope you can appreciate all the love that is behind my every creation.
Bon Voyage

[Former_Member]

Hi, I'm Nora from Scotland. Thanks for the invite to the team.
I love all things Gothic, Steampunk,Victorian and anything with a touch of the macabre.
Look forward to getting to know you all better :)

[SofieNeedles]

'ello!
My name is Ann-Sofie. I'm Swedish but I moved to Taipei, Taiwan quite recently. I re-opened my shop here this month, because now I finally have the time to draw and make new prints and patches! They're all designed and hand printed by me.

I love the gothic subculture and have always been intrigued by the darker things. When I was a kid, I loved to read ghost stories and draw little monsters, so I guess that was where it really took off. My dream is to become a legit, renowned designer/illustrator. I somehow hope that Etsy can be the start of that adventure.
Other than here, you can find me on most social media (tumblr, blogspot, instagram etc) under the name "mermaidsindrone".

認識你們我很高興!

[Former_Member]

Hello! I'd like to encourage all members to chat with each other.

How about telling us What Makes You Awesome? https://www.etsy.com/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful/discuss/9892678/

or https://www.etsy.com/teams/11595/in-here-life-is-beautiful/discuss/10252767/page/34

Are we going to revive this team together or let it slip away? It will only thrive with your input!

[Former_Member]

Hello, people! I'm Cherie, I make Victorian gothic, steampunk, and fantasy jewelry. I'm mainly self-taught; I started about ten years ago when I worked in a jewelry shop -- high end, you know, engagement rings and diamond earrings and all that. I did sales and small repairs, and there I learned just the very basics, how to replace jump rings and clasps and such, but it was enough to light the spark. I went out and started buying supplies and messing around on my own. My early stuff was awful -- ugh, I think it would fall apart if you looked at it too hard. But I looked at how other stuff was made and I learned and improved.

For most of that time, I've been selling very little of what I made -- just enough to supplement the cost of all those supplies, you know. Recently I hit a new plateau. The ideas just started coming to me faster than I could make them. I had a few artists I know start telling me that my stuff should be in art shows, and I decided it was time to make the leap and turn this into a business.

That's where I am now. I'm mostly getting into fandom conventions and such, because I've discovered that craft fairs don't seem to be the best venue for most of my work. Pretty much everything I earn goes back into the business at this point, but that's expected at this stage.

I'm really excited to get to know all of you and have a chance to share with people who make similar themed art. I love the dark elements of life, and it can be so hard to find other people who appreciate that. And other artists, too, that's even better! So. Yes. Very nice to meet you all, and I'm glad to be a part of this.

[gothicwitchery]

I am a 48 year young mother and grandmother. I have finally been diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia after working for over 30 years.
I am an old school punk....goth...new romantic or whatever you want to call me.
I originally started on Etsy making cat toys because of my rescue, Ozzie. Now I am slowly adding crochet and knitted wear for all my peers. I look forward to getting to know my team and making this one of the greatest teams on Etsy.
Thanks to everyone for sharing their story.

[Former_Member]

Hi all
Just wanted to stop by to as I am a leader thought you might want to get to know me a little better.
I am 26 years old, own three beautiful dogs, am engaged to an amazing man who has two just as amazing children.

I am writing a fantasy novel at the moment and this actually made me want to start sculpting so thats just what I done the Gemsickle Trolls are actually based on some of the creatures I made up in my book.

I love playing the guitar and playing the drums am into all kinds of music.
Love reading books and am a complete game nerd!

[Former_Member]

It's so cool to see people all over the world involved in this group.

Nora I really like your steam punk cuff links and tie pins. I hadn't seen anything like that before.

Roxie, what kind of games do you play? That's so awesome that you're writing a novel. I wrote a few very short stories waaaay back in high school. Now I have a hard time creating characters I can stick with, much less a story line. Where do you start?

[MissMossBoutique]

Hello from Germany!

I'm a British born designer living in Germany. I love Burlesque, Cabaret, Steampunk, Pinup, Rockabilly and all things quirky! I believe this is reflected in my style. Being creative is important to me!

Thank you for inviting me into the group!

Love Miss Moss xoxo

[Former_Member]

Sounds like you'll be a perfect fit in this team miss Moss. Welcome!

[Former_Member]

SGT Jensen - Thanks for the comment, well I like all different games, battlefield, COD, Skyrim, Fable, forza horizon, minecraft I can go on and on love gaming! Are you a gamer too?
As for my novel well if Im totally honest I dont know how I even come up with the idea, I have an overactive imagination, I tend to write down any idea that I may have at that time, the characters well I guess Im mad but I have most of them living in my head so they are pretty easy to make up for me. You should defo give it ago if you have already wrote some material already you never know where it might lead!

Miss Moss love your style! I am an avid fan of burlesque/pin up, often wear the look myself!

[Former_Member]

Roxie - I love the storylines that evolved in the long-weekend LRPs I go to. Hundreds of people in a field, intricate, adult plotlines and seriously good quality kit...if only we could record it all!

Miss Moss - lovely items and gorgeous photos! Perhaps you'd like to offer team members some tips?

A big welcome to all nrw team members! Do tell us a bit about yourself.

[Former_Member]

Hello, all!

My name is Nico- I am an art photographer based in California. (With two kitties- they would be very cross if I neglected to mention them!) I've been doing photography on my own for many years, but only within the past two years have I taken the leap to something much more defined and professional. Mainly I create my own art pieces and exhibit/sell them. My next move (crosses fingers) will be to begin branching out into working with musicians/bands to create album art, etc. Music has always been near and dear to me, so the opportunity to create photographs in the name of music would be a dream come true!

I love and am inspired by all sorts of things across the spectrum of art, film, music and literature. Preferably things that have a slightly dark and/or surrealistic edge to them! I seem to be most inspired by things from the past.

Most of my time is spent photographing/creating, listening to music, traveling about and doing everything I can to live a joyful life- I'm all about keeping things simple these days! Nice to meet you all! :)

[Former_Member]

Sally-Ann, sounds like a lot of fun! bet you all have such a blast, wow hundreds of you is it a big thing then?

Nico welcome and thanks for sharing your story with us! an animal lover too I like it I have three dogs myself, 3 fancy mice and one gerbil :)
Your photographs are absolutely stunning and I believe you could defo be able to branch out to musician, very talented!

[Former_Member]

Roxie- Thank you for the encouragement! And your trolls are so cute- Alision put a big smile on my face! Such a happy looking little fellow!

I love mice and the little creatures :) I had two rats and was elated to have them both for five years, which is quite a long lifespan for a rat. I attribute it to all of the fresh fruits, veggies and cheese I fed them. Haha!

[Former_Member]

Roxie - yes, I've been to game with less than 40 people and games with over 1000. If you're curious, look up http://www.profounddecisions.co.uk

Nico - my sister in law and some friends had rats. I thought they were very sweet, but I'm a cat person. Animals who are loved and cared for will generally live for a long time! My friend Abi at TheWiserabbit has degu. So cute!

[Former_Member]

OMG SALLY-ANN!!! That looks totally amazing, I have got to go to at least one in my lifetime I know I would LOVE it! I'm getting rather excited just the thought of it haha :)

Nico, thanks for your wonderful comments, Alision is one of my step daughters favorites too, Im glad he made you smile that means I made him just right! Oh wow 5 years is amazing my last mice lived 3 and half years and I thought that was good as they usually live 1 to 2 years max. I have also kept dumbo rats the lil creatures in the world have such great personalities I love my dogs etc but couldn't live without my rodents!

[Former_Member]

Roxie, it is! Oh good, you're in the UK. I definitely recommend it, the atmosphere is amazing!

The orange tagelmust (headscarf) you'll see The Navigatrix wearing is actually part of my kit for my last character. Unfortunately, due to CFS and lack of lifts/childcare I've only played her once and now have LRP withdrawal... so I'll focus on The Aether Nomads Project - have you seen our public page on Facebook?

I'm so excited because right now, my brother Matt of ArcaneArmoury and our rodent and chicken-keeping friend Abi of TheWiserabbit are helping to film Professor Elemental's 'Don't Feed The Trolls' music video!

Back to Introductions - who is next?

[ModernClocksByCraig]

Hello, My name is Craig and i would like to introduce you to my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ReformationsUK
and my website Www.Reformations.Co.Uk

All pieces are handmade, by me. I specialise in reforming materials into fashionable feature wall art. Inspired by a passion for producing original artworks, alongside an aspiration to induce intrigue through interpretative features.

These creative and affordable designs are available in a variety of sizes and make unique features for any home or office.

If there was ever a time to purchase art from an up and coming artist, It has to be now ! With BRAND NEW art, boxed and packed and photography-studio time booked, all i can say is watch this space... There's rarely a day that goes by where we I am not creating or planning new projects .

To make sure you keep up to date with the latest creations please join my mailing list and feel free to have a look around at ... Www.Reformations.Co.Uk

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/177479493/funky-retro-modern-melting-dj-record-12?ref=teams_post

[Former_Member]

Hi Craig, welcome! This is a more informal thread, so now you've introduced your work to us, introduce yourself! Season's Greetings :)

[Former_Member]

I always realized that I am not from this world. So came the discovery of Outland, from there emerged my creations. Sometimes it is hard to communicate with this world, but handmade work helps you live. I'm bad at languages (of course, I'm not from here) so I use a translator. Because of this, i can not always take very active part in the discussions. But I'm glad that I was accepted into the group, and I like to communicate in spite of the difficulties. Hi all!
My flickr www.flickr.com/photos/anima_l/

[ArcanumByAerrowae]

I'm not a fan of talking about myself! So I shall keep this short. My name is that of one of the seasons, and I make accessories that are inspired by steampunk, goth, fantasy, and vintage. Feel free to PM me with any questions. :o)

www.arcanumbyaerrowae.etsy.com

[Former_Member]

Hey, we are a team of me, my husband and our 9 year old daughter. We make and find various things and are trying to bring our cosplay to the next level. We currently now are working on projects to bring our costumes to life. By this I mean we are integrating our devices and costumes with motors and LEDs.
We are working on some clockwork pistols with working gear parts and we also sell extras we don't need. We are excited to see where this all goes and are appreciative that we were able to join your team. Hope you all have amazing days!

[Former_Member]

Hello! I sell steampunk and industrial jewelry created from scavenged vintage bits & bobs. My main thing is providing women with original adornments...we're all unique, so shouldn't what we wear reflect that fully?

I graduated from being home-educated class of 2014; and I'm excited to be a young business owner - I'm new to Etsy but I've sold a various boutiques and I've done custom work for weddings & events.

My previous jobs have included everything from being a barista at an indie coffee shop, to being a librarian.

I laughed when I read Georgiana's little comment. I adore Florence Welch of Florence & the Machine, she's a big style inspiration for me! I'm sure a really awesome daring bride would have a Flo music video style wedding - I know I will! ;)

I would really love to hear from anyone who has business insight I could benefit from, and really - free advice is the best! I'm new to the whole Treasury thing, but I created my first today! #sohappy!
https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTc5ODI0NzR8MjcyNDczNjAzMw/everdaywear-for-the-subtle-geek-girl

Etsy profile: https://www.etsy.com/people/missjulietpoe

I keep a weekly writing {poetry & essays} blog at: http://www.missjulietpoe.wordpress.com

My Etsy shop: http://ww.etsy.com/shop/missjulietpoe

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/missjulietpoe

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/missjulietpoe

Thanks to Sally-Ann for the invite to introduce myself, it's been a pleasure to meet you all. {albeit rather one-sided, but...} I'm looking forward to getting to know all you lovely people! <3

[DeadPoetAccessories]

I graduated a few years ago from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a BFA. While there I studied many forms of art, but mainly oil painting and etching. I have been painting, drawing, writing, and making jewelry for a long time, and hope to someday be able to rely on these talents to make a living.

I love doing museum visits and getting inspired! When the weather is nice I go on walks around my neighborhood, talking pictures or making quick sketches to use in my paintings.

When I am not creating, I enjoy watching cheesy black and white movies, reading gothic novels, and occasionally dancing til dawn at the local goth club.

About my shop
https://www.etsy.com/shop/DeadPoetAccessories/about

Facebook
www.facebook.com/TanzenLilly

Instagram
https://instagram.com/deadpoetaccessories/