You can tell by my hair that I don’t like to be subtle in my appearance. This sometimes applies to the jewelry I wear as well. I like all kinds of jewelry, but occasionally, I want something that makes a statement. Fortunately, if you feel the same way, there are many artists out there that create such pieces. Prepare to be noticed!
Warrior Pagan Fae Woven Wire Copper Necklace by WireMoon
Raw Pyrite Four Finger Ring
Super Space Tetris Man Nintendo Bib Necklace by MyCheekyCreations
Since this post is a little different than the norm, and isn’t based on a theme or medium, the gallery in this week’s post exclusively features members of the Mom’s Basement Etsy Team. Enjoy!
Melvin disapproves of art theft… Melvin Sprite by YumesPixelCrafts
It came to my attention this week that someone on deviantART was using a of photo of mine, featuring my jewelry, without my permission. They posted it in their gallery and claimed to have made it themselves. I responded that this was my work and I would report them to admin, which in turn caused them to again insist that they made the jewelry in question and barrage me with a series of badly-spelled, juvenile insults. The photo was subsequently removed, however, all of the other photos in their gallery were also infringing on other artists’ ownership.
This seems harmless on the surface – just some tween’s boredom, or a troll trying to get a rise out of people. However, this person also claimed they could make custom orders or do trades for customers based on the pictures in their gallery. I would hate to think my or any other artist’s work was misleading people into thinking that’s what they were going to get, only to receive something sub-par, or worse, nothing at all.
Fall Impressions Pendant – Geek Atom by FaerieGardenFancies
This isn’t the first time I’ve dealt with people using my designs for their own gain, but it caused me to think harder about what can be done about it. I know artists that have had similar experiences to mine, and many of us geeks that frequent the MB site are crafters and artists as well, so I hope the following information is useful.
Early Morning, 1991 by Alia Bierwag
When I was seven years old, I saw a UFO. It was early morning and I was taking my hour long bus ride to school. I was sitting next to my friend Jared, when he tapped me on the shoulder.
He pointed out the window and said, “What’s that?”
At first I couldn’t tell what he was pointing at. All I could see were power lines and a slice of lightning blue sky behind them. Then I spotted a dark object between the lines. It was a black, upside down triangle, hovering in the sky some ways away.
I stared at it for a moment in confusion, then it struck me.
“It’s a UFO!” I blurted.
“No it’s not,” Jared retorted.
“Then what is it?” I asked, still staring at the object.
Jared didn’t have an answer. I thought about the possibility of it being something else. Could it be a plane? No. It was too geometric, too big, and too still. What about a kite? No. It was much too far away. I realized to see it from where I was, the object must be massive. If it were a kite, it would have to be bigger than a house.
Although I shouted my revelation loud enough for the whole bus to hear, nobody seemed to care or even acknowledge the object in the sky. Even Jared had lost interest. I made him move so I could sit next to the window.
I have a confession: My road to being your geeky Fashionista has been a long and arduous one. Had you met me about 9 years ago you would have asked me if I had knife on me before you even thought to ask me if you should go for the low-rise or the boyfriend cut; I wish that was an exaggeration but it isn’t anywhere near (see photo below). My wardrobe in Jr. High and most of high school (until the brown phase senior year) consisted of black, some red, black, some neon, black, gray, maybe blue, and you guessed it black. It wasn’t that I lacked imagination, most of my shirts had some design on them and my pants (along with just about anything else) were all covered in studs, zippers, chain, if it falls in the hardware category my clothing was embellished with it. It could quite literally be said that it was a dark time in my personal fashion history, not because I have anything against the ‘goth’ look but because I was so boring with it. If someone had introduced me to the more refined generas of the goth style perhaps my wardrobe would have been a bit more interesting, I would have been spared a ‘mall goth’ past, and I wouldn’t have destroyed my mom’s leather seats with my Tripp pants (true story). Read on for some awesome ‘goth’ inspired looks for the inner goth girl who has survived in you!
Jackpot by Tom Preston
I don’t read comics much aside from the occasional manga (well, okay, my son and I read the entire Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z series not long ago, but aside from that). And it really surprised me that I’m not more interested in them, seeing how they combine reading and art – two of my favorite things. But they are definitely an art form worthy of being respected as such. When I create art, I want to create one scene or one story, and then move on to something else. Comic artists have to re-draw similar scenes and panels over and over to help convey their story. I drew a handful of pictures for a story book for my son once, but I don’t think I could draw a whole page of panels.
There are apparently a lot of artists and writers out there, however, that prefer this medium, judging by the plethora of web comics out there. I’ve had the pleasure of perusing these this week and I think I may be reading comics more often now, having found so many awesome ones, like the strip above by Tom Preston. He has a quite a few Nintendo strips as well as original art.
Direman.com is host to several comic strips, with The Adventures of Dave the Direman updated five days a week. Intermixed in this humorous rpg-based comic are strips based on current geek culture such as The Avengers and Diablo. The Skyrim strip below made me chuckle. (Click the pic to see the full view!) Viewing these comics is free, but if you like ‘em, you can help them out by donating through Paypal or clicking on their sponsors.
Voice Commands by David Yun and David Vargas
Read on for more comics!
I went to my first convention at the tender age of seven, and since then I’m pretty sure I’ve seen everything there is to see. Like in the mundane-world, geek fashions trend and change with the seasons, and what was hot last year, is simply ‘so last year’, and won’t earn you geek-chic cred. Every time I attend I see hundred of new con goers spend enormous amounts of money on an outfit in the Dealer’s rooms and Artist Alleys, simply because they arrived at the con in mundane dress, but still want to be part of the cosplay spirit. If only they knew what I know, they could save money and look even more fabulous and unique!
Simple light weight chiffon dresses or tunics where all the rage at San Japan, this year. Comfortable, and careless, yes. But more importantly, the light weight fabric breaths wonderfully, which is important when it’s a 104 degrees outside, as it was here in Texas during the convention weekend. Bold prints, and stripes seem to be the trend, with the base color being black. Many wore them with black lace skirts for modesty, and funky leggings or socks. Add Chuck Taylors for a more casual look, or low heel boots for a more flirty effect.
Who can deny the appeal of an anime tee-shirt? Thanks to the internet, clever nerd shirts are plentiful, and diverse. From the old school to the newest of newb-lets, your tee-shirt must certainly be the colorful, with bold images and words. Some choose to cut and reconstruct their tee’s into feminine or funky to top, while others simply let their shirt be the back drop for eye catching accessories. No matter which way you want to wear it, make sure it’s got a good fit. Unflattering, oversized shirts will only make you blend into the faceless crowd. If standing out is what you strive for, take a risk, you have room for error while wearing a classic tee shirt safety net.
Convention goers seem to have a never ending fascination with Lolita fashion, and can you really blame them? Fluffy skirts, and cute socks, but a more casual Lolita inspired look can be easily attained by pairing a fluffy skirt with fancy style heels or platforms. Pile on the cute with a pastel colored pigtail wig and a big bow on top. It’s a simple way to get everything you crave from Lolita fashion with out all the layers. It’s easy to turn it from formal to carefree with an adorable screen printed top in place of a stuffy, button front blouse.
Now, as you walk through the dealers room you’ll be temped with the cutest hair clips, and hats you’ve ever seen, but don’t give in! Plan ahead! Etsy is filled to the brim with the greatest geek headgear at a fraction of the price you’ll pay at the convention. Character hats, and animal inspired ears are one of the most common signs at any con, but finding just the right accessories for your style is the essential part. Perler bead art, and accessories is the newest, and hottest trend in convention fashion. Necklaces, hair clips, or phone charms! I saw them everywhere this weekend! And what amazing things people come up with to make with them, pick up an 8-bit hair bow, or a heart counter necklace, just put the Perler on your person!
Nearly every anime convention in the united states stages a rave, or a techno style dance in the evening through early morning hours. If you want to wow people on the dance floor with more than just your totally sweet moves, try ordering some custom colored leg warmers and matching tutu to really liven things up, and to give you a lot of great movement while you’re shaking what your momma gave you. Don’t forget light toys, glow sticks, and plenty of water.
And as promised, The best Dressed at San Japan was…..
Was she trolling us, or are we trolling her?
Either way, she looks great doing it!
This is only the tip of the fashion iceberg, but explore the treasury to get ideas for your next con going attire! Save a little money by ordering online, and you’ll be thankful when convention time rolls around again.
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