Creepy Glowbugg - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Today's featured artist is Gloria Steiger, aka, Creepy Glowbugg.  Her creative genius can be found on her blog and in her Etsy store.  We featured Creepy Glowbugg Creations in last year's Undead Bazaar and we are excited to have her back and to see what's new.  So?  What's new?

"Well, I have been very busy making brains lately. LOTS of brain cabochons for paper crafting and jewelry making supplies. They are quite popular right now. I am also preparing for the coming Hallowe'en season which technically began last month I think. I'm always scrambling to get everything ready in time for the holiday rush. I am hoping to take part in a couple of local craft shows for the upcoming holidays as well, but my art is a required taste for most folks and not always family friendly."

But what about the zombies?

"I have just started a new line of up cycled/recycled statuary called, "Zombified" in my Etsy shop. I have two pieces listed so far, but I have many unsuspecting bits of statuary just begging to be defaced and defiled with my sick mind and some acrylic paints.Keep an eye out for new pieces all summer long."

Of course, we're all zombie fans here and appreciate brains.  But I'm going to allow my personal tastes to showcase some of Gloria's other new items.  Specifically, her addition of some great pumpkin items.  Being a fan of pumpkins, personally, these new items caught my attention immediately.
 
"The little pumpkin sculpts are great fun to make. I love watching their personalities emerge from the clay. I usually sit in front of the TV and listen to it, as I mix clays for that perfect pumpkin hue and roll out the little gourds. My tool box consists of needles mainly, but I have actually invested in some rubber tipped clay shaping tools which are a great improvement over the other home made tools I was using. After I have baked them, I apply an acrylic wash which brings out all the details and then a clear protective coating is applied for the final sheen.



Basically, I repeat the same process for the Steampunkins, although they don't have faces, but rather gears and cogs and found watch parts. I made the very first one for a friend who said she liked, "Pumpkins and the Steampunk genre", and now I have made and sold quite a few."
 
Gloria's crafts are fantastic and cute while still maintaining a touch of the horror, gore, and macabre that inspire them.  Her creativity and attention to detail are obvious and she also does great custom work.  Gloria has been kind enough to offer one of our lucky readers with the opportunity to win a zombie cherub ornament!  To enter, email your name and address to creepy@zombiesandtoys.com.  We will select a winner at the end of July.  Before you enter, keep reading to learn more about Gloria and treat your eyes to some images of her work.
 

What have been some of your inspirations for your crafts? "The obvious schtuff like horror movies and the recent zombie onslaught in media and basically everywhere lately. I enjoy good and bad taxidermy, curios, and macabre antiques. I love pop, and surreal art like Greg Simkins and Michael Hussar. I love the beautiful tattoo art of Joe Capobianco and the gruesome silliness of Eric Pigors. Jim Henson and Sid and Marty Krofft are all huge influences on my art and view of the world as a whole."


What music do you listen to while working? "I listen to everyone from the White Stripes and the Gorillaz, to Terrence Trent D'Arby and Nina Hagen, to Infectious Grooves and Mercyful Fate. Not so much the newer schtuff, but I do like that "Eff You", song by CeeLo. Very catchy tune."


What is your plan once the zombie apocalypse begins? "Since I am a big chicken and not physically fit, I will embrace the ways of the zombie and await my doom, or rebirth if you will. I will then dine on the finest of flesh with my little zombie friends until the armies arrive and end our fun in a puff of smoke."

Favorite zombie movie and why. ""Return of the Living Dead" is my favorite zombie film of all time. It's chock full of killer quotes like "Send more paramedics", and " BRAINS! Live brains!" from Tarman, a true classic zombie figure. Who can forget "Trash" taking off her clothes in the cemetery and getting eaten alive by old men just like she wanted? I love the part when "Freddy" hears the half dog specimen panting and then proceeds to beat it with a crutch! Pure tomfoolery! I love it! I'm kinda sick like that."
 
 

Philip Hynes - presented by The Undead Bazaar

It is my pleasure to introduce our next featured artist of the Undead Bazaar, Philip Hynes. Phil should be familiar to many of our readers. We featured Phil in last year's bazaar, he is an active member of our facebook community, and has provided many of us with amazing sculptures of zombies. As many know, Phil is the talent behind the custom busts and magnets that we offer in our zombie toy store. For those asking "what customs", allow me to elaborate. You provide a few pictures of yourself along with a description of how you would like your zombified form to look. Within a few weeks, you will be the lucky owner of an undead version of yourself! If this sounds sounds too good to be true for a zombie fan, read a bit further and I'll tell you how you can win one for free!

Phil has been drawing since he was a child. "I've always liked to draw. As far back as I can remember, drawing was an activity I would do in my free time. The sculpting wasn't something I tried until I was in my thirties. I was inspired by the superhero sculpts you see in comic book stores. I made a Spiderman sculpt for my son, Finlay, which really sucked - but I kept at it and I'm still learning and refining the process with each sculpt I make."

Phil realized he could make money from his talents from the feedback he would receive from work colleagues. After making some caricatures for friends, he offered a custom wedding cake topper on Ebay. "I don't make a great deal of money, but it pays for the materials which is great. The best part by far is meeting new people and maybe my work making someone's day. That's the biggest motivating factor."

So, what are Phil's favorite things to sculpt? "Zombies, of course! They're brill, lots of fun to be had making them, and a broader colour palette. What's not to like? I'm a geek at heart and anything Sci-fi or Horror related will get my juices flowing. I don't mind making straight forward busts and Wedding Cake Toppers, but mix in a Zombie theme and you've got yourself a new best friend. Beyond what I've said above, it's thrilling when you see the likeness of a subject emerge from the blob of clay."

The first zombie sculpture to spawn from Phil's hands was a 30mm Zombie Surfer made for Hasslefree Miniatures. Still available on their website, the surfer is a figure he would like to do again. "He's a figure I would like to revisit and make into a larger scale statue type, but that'll have to wait." Future zombie sculpts came about with a collaboration with fellow artist, Martin Whitmore. Together, they created the Dead Ringers.

 
Phil is also a contributing artist for Zombies & Toys. You guessed it; The custom zombie busts and zombie magnets we offer are all hand-made by Phil. I asked Phil to explain his process from start to finish.


“Once I get photographs and a brief from the customer, which hopefully includes as much detail as possible to prevent any ambiguity, I'll plan the sculpt on graph paper to help keep the figure to scale. I then make a wire armature and bulk it up with clay to get the basic form, then it's baked hard.


Adding more clay, I then start to sculpt the detail, head first then clothes and arms. This is where good, clear photographs are essential. Once I've finished I seek the approval of the client, then bake.  Once baked, I prime and paint with good quality acrylic paint, then varnish and move onto the next project.”

Are any particular materials your favorite or do you have any brand loyalty?

“I've tried lots of products and I guess they all have their various strengths. Just now I mix two parts Sculpey with one part Sculpey Firm. I like to call this Sculpey Just Right, not too soft and and a good colour to see the detail clearly. Citadel Colour acrylic paints work well, but I am coming over to Vallejo Game Colour, which has a longer working time, so it's easier to blend colours.”
What was your first introduction to zombies?

“My initial thoughts was the Thriller video, but on reflection it was probably An American Werewolf in London and the dead friend who keeps turning up in different states of decomposition, not a classic Zombie, but a classic Horror movie character.”

Do you have a favorite zombie?

"I guess the bicycle girl from the Walking Dead. I don't think the bicycle was in the TV series, but she's the first Zombie Rick meets. Amazing effects and she conveyed the horror as well as the tragedy perfectly."  (editor's note:  The "Bicycle Zombie", played by Melissa Cowan, was kind enough to give us some signed photos that we will be giving away soon!)


If bitten, would you want left alone to change or would you rather be shot?

"Left to change I guess. I'd like to think I would also have the presence of mind and opportunity to get into a giant Chicken costume or something, to provide some comic relief during the Zombie Apocalypse."

How can readers find you and keep up to date?

"I have a blog, which I keep up to date with my work, Facebook and of course Zombies and Toys. I also have an Etsy page that I hope to fill with some cool stuff, I'm planning to have it stocked for Christmas."

Are zombies your favorite monster? Why or why not?

"Zombies are just terrifying. Not only are they relentless, decomposing and practically very hard to kill. They stir up primal fears of disease, cannibalism and simply being outnumbered. Their is no reasoning with them and they're all united with only one objective - eating your brains! One aspect of the Zombie theme is everyone must have considered what they would do to survive, where to go etc, which is an element you don't get with other horror villains."
 
Now for the essentials.  You can find Phil and see progress of his latest works (which could be your's) by visiting his blog.  You can email Phil with any questions or just to tell him what a kick-ass job he does at phil@zombiesandtoys.com.  You can purchase your likeness as a zombie head magnet for a mere $25 by visiting this link at our Zombie Toy Store.  You can also purchase your likeness as a zombie bust for $80 by visiting this link at our Zombie Toy Store.  You can here what Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes (yes, Jay and Silent Bob) have to say about our custom-sculpting service by visiting our Sound Cloud page.  And, finally, Phil is giving you the chance to win a free custom zombie magnet to help us celebrate our second annual Undead Bazaar by emailing your name and address to philrules@zombiesandtoys.com.

The Undead Bazaar 2011

Zombies & Toys' annual Undead Bazaar has officially begun!  In the weeks to come, we will be introducing you to artists whose source of inspiration happens to be our favorite topic.  Use this page to view updates and links to the artists, stores, contests and more that we will be bringing you!

Rocksterize - rockin' hand-crafted makeup and accessories

feature  ***  website

Agorables - unique arts, cards, and prints

feature  ***  website

Beat-Up Creations - unloved, thrown-out, and abonded creations

feature  ***  website

The Undead Bazaar, 2011

Spring is in the air which can mean only one thing... it's time for The Undead Bazaar!  All throughout the month of June, we will be featuring artisans of all types and their zombie creations.  Not only that, but readers will have a chance to win the featured crafts!  For anyone new to Zombies & Toys or if you would like a reminder of the featured artists last year, clicky this link ---->  LINK

This is the "last call" for zombie creators who would like to be featured in this year's bazaar.  For more information, email sara@zombiesandtoys.com.

The Last of The Undead Bazaar Contest Winners

Well, I'm running behind as usual but have finally got around to drawing the final winners of The Undead Bazaar contests. Before I list all of the winners, I would like to thank all of the artists who participated. I would also like to thank everyone who entered the contests, emailed feedback, read the features, and posted links on their own sites and blogs.

The entire process was a learning experience for me, too. So, with some minor improvements in mind, The Undead Bazaar will be back again next spring! If you are interested in taking part, email me at bazaar@zombiesandtoys.com. Now, on to the winners!

Winner of the shirt courtesy of Black and White Tees: Heather D. of Toledo, OH

Winner of the zombie bracelet from More Everything: Gloria S. of Sacramento, CA

Winner of Daphne's zombie doll: Rachel V. of Clovis, CA

Winner of Ryan's Shades of Decay coloring book: Natalie L. of Auburndale, FL

Winner of the Zombie Robot is also Natalie L.

Finally, the two readers who can look forward to having their images zombified by Tim are:

Jenny B. of Fresno, CA

Keya M. of Redmond, OR

More Contest Winners

The past few weeks have kept me pretty busy and, as a result, have not selected contest winners. So, I spent a few hours this morning drawing winners and packing up their winnings. Join me in congratulating all of the winners and remember to enter the remaining contests of The Undead Bazaar.

Sacred Flesh: Stacie C. from Cameron, NY
Lipstattoo: Timothy D. from Orlando, FL
Little Zombies sign: Scott Morris
Little Zombies phone charm: Gloria S. from Sacremento, CA
Little Zombies necklace: Shelly M. from Lancaster, CA
Chenille Macabre: Cathy H. from Johnson City, TN
Camillo Longo Photography: Marina G. from Northridge, CA

Daph's Dark Little Corner - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Daphne from Daph's Dark Little Corner is well-rounded fan of horror movies. In fact, she is even a moderator at a horror forum. You can find thedeadshallrule over at Horror-movies.ca and she invites everyone to stop by and say "hi". While she enjoys all horror movies, the zombie genre is her favorite. "I grew up watching late night chiller theatre with Bill Cardille (he was in NOLD original). Night Of The Living Dead will always be my all time fave Horror movie." Daphne can be reached at earthdancedaph@yahoo.com by anyone interested in obtaining some of her work.



Tell us about some of your creations?
"I make soft cloth Horror dolls in a primitive style. From Jason to Dead ghost brides, zombies and Evil gypsies. I get an idea of what I want and make them by hand."

What types of materials do you use?
"I usually use muslin for the body and either hand paint or stitch the faces, some I leave faceless. I use poly-stuffing for the insides."


Any bizarre or interesting custom requests?
"I made a Beetlejuice doll custom request. I made a Living Corpse Doll and he now tours the comic cons with Ken Haeser and Buz Hasson creators of The Living Corpse Comic."

If you were bitten by a zombie, would you want me to let you change or put you out of your misery?
"Oh let me change, I want to shamble after people and make them scream like wee girls."

If we were going to create a toy of you, would you be a zombie or a survivor? What accessories would you come with?
"ZOMBIE!!! It would be fun to be a 50's zombie pinup girl, with a lovely brain on a plate."

Any favorite zombie movies, books, or games?
"I love all the zombie movies, Indies are my faves though. Automation Transfusion, Stink Of Flesh, Zombie Night. Books...Brian Keene allll the way, he owns! The Rising, City Of The Dead. Richard Laymon has my Horror heart also.
Games...Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Parasite Eve, Nightmare Creatures II"

Daph's Dark Little Zombie contest - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Daphne from Daph's Dark Little Corner is offering readers the opportunity to bring home her worm-eyed, undead creation. I find this guy particularly entertaining as my son loves the worm hanging out of the eye socket and I find the eyeball disturbing.

If you have some stuffed animals you need to scare or younger family members that need freaked out, email your name and address to daphne@zombiesandtoys.com. One lucky winner will be selected July 21st. We will have more pics posted soon.

Timothy Carr - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Zombies & Toys has put me in a unique position in regards to our next, and final, feature of The Undead Bazaar. Readers that have been around and especially those who take part in the fun at Facebook will most likely recognize Timothy Carr as the guy who makes the great digital images and spoof ads. I feel honored that Tim has made so many featuring Zombies & Toys and priveledged to have witnessed his work expand and evolve.

While digital imagery began as a hobby, Tim is available for comissioned work and plans on expanding the type of work that he does. For personal enquires, you can email Tim directly at timcarr@cox.net or through Facebook using the same email.

What is your earliest exposure to zombies?

"Haha great question. In 1985 I sat on the roof of a station wagon at a drive in and watched Dan O’Bannon’s Return Of The Living Dead. I was just blown away. Tarman and Trash are still two of my favorite zombies and to this day I still get an uneasy feeling when I walk by a cemetery. It also cemented in my mind the fact that the zombie apocalypse will be caused by the government. Hell I even created a techno song using clips from the film called Macabre! "

Any favorite zombie books, movies, or games?

"Kirkman’s The Walking Dead is insane. Z.A. Recht's Morningstar Saga is an awesome trilogy. J.L. Bournes Day By Day Armageddon is a great read. Love the free We’re Alive Podcasts on Itunes. Way too many movies to name but the last two I saw were Dead Snow and Zombieland. I think my favorite Zombie thing is Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2. There is nothing like getting together with 3 of your friends and fighting zombies in a hurricane or running through a mall Dawn of the Dead style."

When did you first begin creating computer images and what inspires you?
"I have always been an artist but have been working in digital media for the last 4 years or so. Great music, movies, tv shows can help get my creative juices flowing. Other artists like the amazing Billy Tackett, H.R. Giger or the late great Zdzislaw Beksinski are true inspirations."


If you were bitten, would you want me to let you change or put you out of your misery?
"I would want to stay with the group and do my fair share until it looked like I was going to turn. Then I am going out guns blazing while the rest of the survivors make their escape. I actually posed this same question and other moral dilemmas in the Zombie Survival Test App I made on Facebook so I have given it some thought."

If we were making a toy of you, would it be a zombie or survivor? What accessories would you come with?
"Survivor no question! I would come with a metal baseball bat, Springfield Armory XDM .40 handgun, Remington Model 70 .300 Bolt action rifle, Benelli M4 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun, Pig Sticker Bowie Knife, gloves and goggles so blood spatter doesn’t infect my character!"

Zombify Contest - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Here's the perfect contest for anyone who has wanted to see themselves as a zombie! Timothy has been kind enough to donate his time and energy to not one, but two lucky winners. Email a pic of yourself to tim@zombiesandtoys.com for your chance to win. Include your address and I'll make sure to send you some Zombies & Toys swag, too. All entries must be received by July 21st.

D. Ryan Allen - presented by The Undead Bazaar

D. Ryan Allen first created his zombie coloring book, Shades of Decay, about three years ago for a zombie arts and crafts show. It only seems fitting that his books found their way into the hands of Zombies & Toys in time for The Undead Bazaar.

Ryan creates a limited edition sketchbook for each solo art show he hosts. He explains that “A few years ago I made a Halloween activity book and a super hero activity book.” With a feature in a zombie showing, it only seemed logical to make the zombie sketch book. This book is the beginning of what became Shades of Decay. Besides his zombie books, Ryan will soon be sculpting and casting limited edition zombie busts.

With any luck, we’ll see more of Ryan's zombies here in the future. If nothing else, you can expect to see Volume 2 of Ryan’s zombie book. Yes, volume 2! “There's still plenty of fun zombies to color, but I added a few activities and a zombie mask to cut out and wear on the back cover.” Finally, a coloring book I can enjoy with my kids!


What was your first exposure to zombies?
"When I was a little kid I caught Night of the Living Dead on late night TV. I came across it after it started and not knowing exactly what I was watching. I was scared and hooked all at the same time. By the end of the movie I was wondering where my dad kept the hammer, nails and lumber... you know, just in case."

Favorite zombie movie, book, or game?
"Movie: Dawn of the Dead, both the original and the remake. I have to say I was a bit pissed when I heard they were going to remake it. How could they dare mess with a classic. I eventually broke down, watched it and loved it. I have to say I didn't miss the pie fight scene."


If you were bitten, would you want to change or ask to be shot?
"Shot, please... out of a catapult, while wearing a vest of explosives, into the middle of the zombie horde. Take some them with me and leave a funny and memorable death for the survivors to talk about. "Hey do you remember that guy we shot out of a catapult into that army of rotters?""

We are making a toy of you; would you be a zombie or a survivor? What accessories would you come with?
"I'd like a survivor figure, with all the gear a zombie fighter needs. Kind of like the old G.I. Joe figures... They came with a ton of weapons and equipment. Plus, fuzzy hair on the figure would be cool too. I wonder if that fuzz would make my bald spot stand out? Maybe, there could be a zombie version as a chase figure."


Ryan does not currently have a website available. However, his book can be purchased at The Zombie Toy Store.

Shades of Decay contest - presented by The Undead Bazaar

Who doesn't want a zombie coloring book? If you answered "not me", you have serious problems. Take advantage of zombie artist Ryan Allen's kindness and win one! Email your name and address to decay@zombiesandtoys.com for your chance to win a very special copy of Ryan's book.

The version you will receive will feature a limited blood splatter cover, original hand-drawn zombie sketch, and 10 additional pages not featured in the regular version!

Phil's Custom Sculpts Contest Winners!

We have a winner of the Zombie Santa! I would first like to ensure readers that the contests are completely random. This contest winner is actually a featured artist here on The Undead Bazaar. At least, he's one of the final few to be featured this week. So, congratulations to Timothy C. from Crestview, FL!

There is still hope for those who long to have a Zombie Santa displayed in their home. We will have a few resin casts of this sculpt available. Speaking of sculpts...

Congratulations to Steve U. for winning the custom sculpt of his zombie likeness! For your viewing pleasure, here are some of the other submissions and Phil's amazing work. Zombies & Toys is teaming up with Phil to offer custom zombie sculpts! More info to come.