Piscean New Moon Heavy Metal Artist, Steff

New Moon in PiscesMarch 15, 2010 12:01 pm PDT

Our feelings and sensitivities flow during this changeable watery New Moon in Pisces. When not seeking solitude, we may feel the urge to merge into heart and spirit space. Let the poet within out to play as you channel the intuitive, imaginative energy of Pisces. Excerpted from the We'Moon Datebook.

This month I am featuring two Piscean artists, the first is Steff of SteffMetal, an unusual combination of Piscean strength, passion and Heavy Metal! The second is Lynn (coming up next) a jeweler who calls herself a 'typical bohemian Pisces' so stay tuned!

Steff Green/Steff Metal Auckland, New Zealand Steff Metal Art Blogazine Weird Weddings

In most senses I am a typical Pisces. My head is so far up in the clouds it’s a wonder I’m not accidentally sniffing the armpits of angels. My husband calls me “the luckiest train wreck”. I am the eternal optimist, the person who sees every side of the argument and can’t say a bad word about anyone. The girl who can recite the phone number of every friend she’s ever had but can’t remember which day to take the garbage out.

Cemetery Picnic Print

Creativity isn’t something I have to do, it’s always been something I just do, like eating or sleeping or walking. It’s innate. Also, I’ve always felt my life was “bigger” than myself somehow, that everything I chose to do led me towards some important purpose I haven’t seen yet.

Why Heavy Metal artwork? For a Piscean, who is by nature weak-willed and prone to being walked-over, heavy metal gives strength – Heavy Metal says “you can”. Heavy Metal says “You don’t have to like me, I’m happy being me”. And, when need be, Heavy Metal says “Piss Off”. Something a Piscean would never dream of saying.

Custom Wedding Portrait - Gothic bride and groom

It’s powerful, passionate music made by people who believe heart and soul in the things they say, and in the same way that Pisceans are attracted to powerful lovers, it draws me in. It gives me tools to do the impossible.

Also, it gives me that sense of being part of something bigger than myself. The metal community is like this. It accepts with open arms anyone who takes the music into their life, regardless of race, creed, social standing, disability or personality. It’s a community of artists, musicians, dancers, dreamers and warriors.

Corpsepaint Kitty on the Fence Print

My art is for this community and for the extended network of friends, friends of friends, and friends-I-have-yet-to-meet, who share a love of this music. It’s for the artists who touch our lives and the music that feels our souls.

You can find more New Moon Artists by clicking the link.

Virgo Full Moon Artist, Aimee Lou

Virgo Full Moon February 28th, 2010

8:38 am PST

Moon in Virgo encourages us to clean up our act, access and shore up our projects, tend to our health and dietary needs and address the stress factors in our lives. Excerpted from the We'Moon Datebook

This month's sole Virgoan creatrix is Aimee (otherwise known as Aimee Lou or Lou) from New Hampshire and wow, I can really identify with so much of what she has to say about being a Virgo 'cause I've got a whole bunch of it in my own chart! It sounds daunting, but sometimes folks forget that we also have a very whimsical and quirkily humorous side too.

Aimee Louise Terravechia

Manchester, New Hampshire

Shop: A-Lou Creations Blog: http://aloupaper.blogspot.com/

Being a Virgo has always influenced the way I work and create more than anything else in my life. I am a Virgo in every way! I'm a perfectionist, very practical and a complete loner.

I am a total introvert and when I had a day job I always kept to myself (which my bosses loved.) It works out well now that I work from home and it feels normal to spend the majority of my day in my own little world only venturing out for postage and supplies. I also love the "virtual" world because it has allowed me to communicate with other people while not being face-to-face. This of course, also gives me more time to be creative and doodle all of the things I have in my head.

Thanks For Being So Darn Sweet - Thank You Card

I also enjoy working with my hands quite a bit and I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I physically change something because it allows me to exercise the level of precision that I'm comfortable with; working in just the right scale to make everything look clean and "just right." I also love the feel of materials in my hands, especially paper and I think this comes from being an earth sign. Touching natural materials always gives me this connection to the earth and is something I love about what I do.

I'm also a "super" perfectionist which has been both positive and negative to my work-flow. I am very meticulous with my business and keep thorough records of everything. I also cut all of my greeting cards by hand and am simply not satisfied until they are absolutely perfect. This of course, is great for creating my own product and ensures high quality items. When I'm working on a new design however, it can distract me from my creative process. I constantly second-guess myself and can be really over-critical of my work. Luckily I have my husband Jake (a Pisces) who always helps me work through my self-frustration. He's a real sweetheart and can almost always quell my over-critical tendencies.

Happy Birthday in Braille - Greeting Card

Occasionally my attention to detail can cause me to ignore a bigger problem. I remember how I had printed and cut a card to size and then when I went to assemble it realized that I hadn't printed anything on the inside (which needs to be done before I assemble and cut it!) Needless to say I was kicking myself for forgetting such an important step. Luckily I've developed a routine (there's that Virgo practicality at play!) for printing that is fool-proof.

I love the design aspect of creating cards as well. It's really the perfect fit for me (and my sign.) It allows me to be creative but isn't such a big project that I get bogged down with the details. I do paint and draw, but I often get too focused on what I'm working on and end up "overworking" it.

Boy Meets Boy - Greeting Card

The business aspect is also a perfect fit. You wouldn't necessarily know it but greeting cards are a very practical thing to sell! Each card weighs the same so shipping costs are easy to calculate and each card also uses approximately the same amount of materials, so production costs are also easy to factor in. Each card also takes approximately the same amount of time to create and so labor time is also easy to estimate.

The logistics of designing and printing cards also makes it extremely easy for me to stay organized which is something that I hold dearer than life itself! I have all the files organized, clearly labeled and divided into sections on my laptop. (I think it looks beautiful but my husband can never see the beauty in it.) I also have shoebox organizers for extra cards organized by "type" and another organizer for invoices which I created at the same size as my cards so that I can organize them with uniform boxes. Most of my friends and family think I'm mad, but I look at my catalogues and organizers and I see my own personal Mona Lisa!

Poop - Belated Birthday Card

Of course I get a lot of joy out of the business aspect of things for the simple reason that I can make charts in Excel. I LOVE keeping track of sales and inventory and the like. Everything is color-coded and I even make line graphs to track my progress, it's so pretty.

Everything in my life, business and creative process is influenced by my Virgoan characteristics. My attention to detail, my love of organizational tools and my practicality all influence what I make and how I make it.

To read more Full Moon Artist features please click here.

New Moon in Aquarius Artist Feature

New Moon in AquariusFebruary 13, 2010 6:51 pm PST

This month's featured new moon artist is jeweler and soul seeker, Shi Eddy. Plus, stay tuned for yet another Etsy jeweler (these gals do love their rocks!) who hails from Melbourne, Australia. The moon in Aquarius invites us all to aim high and pursue our goals with passion and courage. Test out your tiger-heart this new moon as you free your mind, run with the wind and share your innate charisma and sensitivity with us all!

Shiron (Shi) Eddy

Rainier, Oregon, USA

Shop: http://shijewels.etsy.com

Blog: http://shijewels.blogspot.com

Being born under a sign that’s ruled by Uranus, the planet of drastic change, revolution, upheaval and independence makes for some very interesting twists and turns in this life of mine. Both my sun and moon signs are Aquarius and I’m absolutely true to my sign. I’m a tree hugging, Goddess loving, hippy at heart. As an Air sign I live for the wind -- it cleanses and re-energizes me; I’m mule stubborn, fiercely independent, a dreamer and idealist…always looking forward to tomorrow.

As a mother of twins and a recent empty nester, making jewelry not only fills the void of a quiet home but also allows me to express my creative side. With Nature as my muse and Earth’s bounty of wonderful little treasures at my fingertips, I am provided the never ending inspiration to create pieces that show my appreciation of the beauty that surrounds us all.

'Te Amo' ~ Labradorite, Topaz & Peridot Sterling Silver Necklace

I love learning about the metaphysical and healing properties of the stones that I work with, it never ceases to amaze me how versatile these little earthy gems are. I’m always surprised when a piece refuses to be made how I intended…you’d think I’d be used to it…but the stubborn side of me is determined to make it as I have it in my mind’s eye only to relinquish this vision after a few exhausting hours allowing it to be made as it wishes, and it never disappoints. Jewelry is an extension of me, it isn't just a fashion statement; it's an expression of the soul.

To read more New Moon Artist Features please click here.

Metaphysical Artists & Crafters on Etsy - Part 2

I have met some wonderful folks of like mind and spirit in the Etsy forums in my latest thread (discussion) called "energy, crystals, spiritual psychic guides" and would like to share their stories with you! I asked folks to tell me a bit about their metaphysical inclinations, what drew them to this thread and why they keep coming back.

Meredith Laskow
meredithbead.etsy.com
meredithbead.com (jewelry)
www.meredithlaskow.com (writing)

Hill Tribes of Thailand Turquoise Silver Earrings

Meredith Laskow is a lifelong artist who sells her jewelry designs at craft fairs, in galleries, and on her rapidly-breeding collection of websites. She is the current (and only) Poet Laureate of Placentia Library District. Her poems and essays have been published internationally.

I followed the "Energy and Crystals" thread from the tail end of another Etsy thread started by Kathy, where I also participated. I'm drawn to the idea of a spiritual existence beyond traditional paradigms. I believe that everything that is, everything that ever was, and everything that ever will be -- is connected through time and space and energy.

Despite our different circumstances, the people in this thread are connected through common attitudes towards life. I stay here because everyone feels like a friend.


The Three Birds of Mount Dora - Photograph

I am a freelance photographer, artist and writer. I believe in black and white. I believe in shades of grey. Lover of books and seeker of wisdom, I love learning all I can about the infinite possibilities of acquiring awareness. I want to know what my soul is made of and am currently a student on a spiritual healing path.


"The World Is My Studio" is the way I see the world. Art, like beauty is subjective, but it is always full of soul. With all the ups and downs in life, the beauty and the ugliness, we get to choose how we see things. The world is my inspiration and my studio.

What drew me to this thread? Because I was meant to. What keeps me coming back to this thread? The people I've met in this thread share both similar and different beliefs; we're all open and love sharing our experiences and stories with each other; cool stories, positive energy, cool people.

Brenda - Callistia
Callistia.etsy.com

Storming the Castle - Ceramic Dragon

I loving making things and spending time with my boys, but I never seem to have enough time to do what I love. I noticed the "energy & crystals, healers, spiritual psychic guides" thread a while back, and was drawn to it; it just took me a little while to post. I have always been able to 'feel' things, especially involving those I care about and crystals and natural stones have made a difference in my life. I also love reading about new and different things.

Amber Thurman - NoctisAeterna

- Why I like this thread: I find discussions of supernatural, paranormal, and magical topics interesting. Always have, (hopefully, always will :)

- What drew me to it: The promise of discussions about things I rarely get to discuss seriously - at least, discussions where I'm not treated like a nut, anyway!


My background is not so much metaphysical as it is paranormal, since I wasn't able to really get into metaphysics until I left home for college. But I've seen ghosts, angels, and spirits ever since I was a child - the very first one I remember, was seeing my grandfather at his funeral, standing beside my grandmother and praying with her. I've also started exploring my own spirituality a bit more recently.

You can read Part 1 - Etsy Soul Friends here.

Soul Friends - An Etsy Tale, Part 1

In March of 2008 I joined Etsy, a large online community of artists and crafters and started selling my artwork and my soul readings. I talked shop in the Etsy forums (a place for conversation) but quickly grew frustrated with much of the mundane, uninspired conversations revolving around dollars and cents so I started introducing new topics of discussion about metaphysics, paganism, spirituality, dreams, psychics and crystal healing. I would like to introduce some of the Etsy folks I have met and become friends with on my latest thread (conversation) which has over 2000 posts so far thanks to this delightful group of magical souls.

I asked folks to write up a short bio to introduce themselves and to let us know what drew them to this thread, what they like about it and why they stay.

Brenda Mihalopoulos

HowlingCaterpillars.etsy.com

Tropicana DreamWeb

What keeps me coming back to this thread is the reawakening of my "powers" as a magick worker, as a mother, as an artisan and as a resident of earth. I've had true dreams, like the night before 09/11 (ack!) Some of my dreams have become stories that I've written, not published yet though, but getting there. I've always been a spiritual person, connected with dreams, and nature, and most critters. I started the magickal path as a teenager, dropped it for a long time and am now getting back into it after 30 years...I'm enjoying my re-emergence in my Cronage...

I first came to the thread because LuLu is a member of a team that I am in and I also enjoy hearing others' stories and sharing my own. We can commiserate, bitch and complain, piss and moan, help, and celebrate with each other.



Suzanne Maxwell

dragonsmoon.etsy.com
www.underamagicmoon.ning.com

Mini Reversible Tarot Bag


I have always had a deep interest in all things mystical, occult and psychic. I am psychic myself and a reader of tarot cards and astrological charts. Just about anywhere I 'hang out' I look for articles and discussions that fall into the mystical category and that is how I found the discussion started by LuLuDesign.


I really enjoy conversing with people who also have an understanding and interest in the psychic realms and I enjoy helping those who are just starting to explore and question 'strange' happenings. Being part of a group that sees things in much the same way I do is always a delight and makes me feel like I am right 'at home.'

Tarah Russell

Sally, an OOAK doll


I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mother of three girls. I have been happily married to my husband for nine years and we have a pet wolf. I enjoy crafting and hope to make this habit pay for itself. I was drawn to this thread because I have always had a fascination with other-worldly stuff; even if it scares me sometimes. I got my first tarot deck in high school and still turn to it in times of stress. I enjoy the company on our little thread; I can be my usual “weird” self and if I put my foot in my mouth, no one seems to mind. Our little group is very caring and accepting of one another.

Bonita Evans
www.svartr.blogspot.com
www.silverowl.netfirms.com/sparrow

Hand-Knotted Rainbow Hemp Chakra Pouch

I'm a 35 year old Geminian, residing in Alberta Canada. I'm the mother of three, but only have my teenage daughter living at home with me (which is quite enough...!) I also share my home with several feathered creatures... and a husband.

My husband and I, although we are members of a Christian Church, are open to universal/parallel truths that can be found beyond the 'safe' doctrine taught in Sunday School.

I joined this thread simply because LuLu started it. I initially found her thread 'I am an Etsy Psychic' and my first reaction was, "Oh, really?" I was a bit closed to the idea at first, until I started learning a bit more about LuLu and found her to be more genuine than I originally gave her credit for.

I keep coming back because the core group is great and there is a nice, organic flow to the discussion. It's refreshing for me to chat about things that would otherwise freak out my current church-going circle of friends.

Stay tuned for more Etsy Soul Friends, Part 2 - coming soon!