GG Cure's Official Blog

Freelance Contributor for Dirge Magazine? My Evil Supply Co. Article

2016-04-26T23:34:00.000-05:00

Needless to say, I've been slacking on my blog this month. Shame on me, but I promise it has been well worth it. I recently started as a freelance contributor for Dirge Magazine. My first article was published on April 22nd and featured an interview with Atticus Redghost from Evil Supply Co. You can check it out here!

Etsy Finds of the Week - Featured Creator: Unicorn Empire

2016-03-28T11:00:00.000-05:00

This week has a different spin - Featured Creator. Every once in a while I find a shop that is creating so many great things that I want to show off everything about them. Majority of my Etsy Finds posts will be a themed week from multiple shops; however, I will do a Featured Creator post sporadically.

Unicorn Empire is the first Featured Creator. To give you a general overview of their shop, here's their shop description on Etsy:

"Unique, hand printed geeky shirts, tanks and hoodies inspired by my favorite fandoms. Everything in my shop is my own artwork, inspired by the fandoms I love and screen printed by me and my friends! At Unicorn Empire you'll find t-shirts, hoodies, and gifts inspired by shows and movies like Supernatural, Firefly, Hannibal, Doctor Who and much more! I use only high quality water-based inks for beautiful, soft, and long lasting prints. I also offer hand made geeky home decor, jewelry, prints, and my very own board game creation, Salt & Burn."

Their shop opened in 2010 and they have had over 20,000 sales with an average 5-star reviews!

Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/UnicornEmpirePrints

Website: http://unicornempire.com/

Tumblr: http://unicornempireprints.tumblr.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicornempire/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/unicorn_empire

Below are some of my favorite shirts they offer. All come in men's and women's sizing and are $18-$20.

Check out their Etsy shop to view these and other great designs!

Supernatural t-shirt

Firefly t-shirt

Hannibal t-shirt

What We Do in the Shadows t-shirt

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

Etsy Finds of the Week - Theme: Knives

2016-03-21T11:00:00.000-05:00

A good knife can come in many shapes and sizes. Here are a few that will have you ready for the apocalypse.

Shops featured in this week's Etsy Finds:

#1 - Bright Forest Forge

#2 - Pera Peris

#3 - Little1Created

#4 - Ronin Blades

***Prices and availability as of 3/21/16. If you are viewing this post at a later date and the item is already sold, be sure to check out the seller's other listings.

Kiridashi Traditional Japanese Utility Knife $75 from Bright Forest Forge

German Finger Knife $34.75 from Pera Peris

Antler Handle Knife $95 from Little1Created

Kukri Knife $395 from Ronin Blades

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

Plants, Dead Things and Jewelry, Oh My!

2016-03-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

What has been stealing my attention lately? Well, as the title states: plants, dead things, and jewelry. I've been working on my indoor garden, buying plants, seeds, soil, etc. I've also been working on some of my various vulture culture projects, making new jewelry and updating pieces I've bought. To read more about my various shenanigans and to look at pretty pictures, click below!

Aren't these succulents absolutely gorgeous?! I bought them from a local Mennonite greenhouse out in the middle of nowhere. They had 4 huge greenhouses with flowers, succulents, cacti, ferns, various other decorative plants (fillers, etc), as well as some vegetables. Each greenhouse was about 20' wide and 50' long. Their set-up was so huge and the variety of plants was amazing. I was in heaven. The succulent on the right is actually a Black Rose Zwartkop, which was featured in my Goth Gardening Etsy Finds.

I also bought some seeds and planted basil, rosemary, spinach, radishes, and cherry tomatoes. Next week I'll be able to plant my henbane. The growing adventure continues!

A while back I started working on a mouse head mummification. The mouse was found in my mom's house, between 2 boxes. It didn't seem to be stuck, it just died there. Because of the airflow and temperature it started to naturally mummify, but I knew it would need more work. I detached the head and initially just put it in sea salt to continue drying out (you can also use borax or alternate between the two). Bad idea, that thing stunk so bad because the brain was starting to decompose. Then I remembered that usually people will treat it with isopropyl alcohol or formaldehyde before moving on to the drying stage. So I soaked it in the alcohol for a couple weeks, changing the alcohol half way through. The picture above is after the 2-week soak and an open-air drying. Now I've got it sitting in sea salt for another week or two to make sure any remaining moisture is gone.

I lucked out because it was already starting to mummify naturally, so that cut down my treatment time a ton. I'll be sure to post photos when it's completely done. I've been thinking of getting a cloche with a metal rod to mount it on. Otherwise I was thinking of using a rod to mount it in one of my planters. You know, for that extra macabre vibe.

The Addams Family and Addams Family Values are always my go-to movies when I need a distraction or inspiration for something I'm working on. It's lighthearted, witty, dark/macabre and I would jump into that world if possible. Needless to say, I've been watching these a lot more lately and it's been a great motivator.

Randomly I started feeling crafty and was inspired by these purple anodized niobium ear wires I had purchased many months ago. Although I love my mummified baby tortoise head earrings just the way they are, I couldn't resist switching out the ear wires. I think the purple looks amazing with the brass and the natural tones of the tortoise head. The ear wires are a more vibrant purple in person. Some day I'll be able to get the correct lighting to capture it perfectly. To read more about my tortoise head earrings, read the review I posted!

What types of projects have you been working on lately? Comment below and tell us all about it.

Etsy Finds of the Week - Theme: Dining/Entertaining

2016-03-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

There are very few goths I've met (in person or online) who haven't drooled over pictures of elaborately set up dining tables, fit to entertain all your goth friends. Well you can stop drooling now, below are some great options to create your own ultimate dining experience.

Featured shops in this post:

#1 - Oh That's A Find!

#2 - Sparkles and Sass

#3 - Crafty McDaniel

#4 - AmazingSilver21

#5 - The Back Shak

***Prices and availability as of 3/14/16. If you are viewing this post at a later date and the item is already sold, be sure to check out the seller's other listings.

Set of Four (4) Ebony Bread & Butter Plates from the 1920s $28 from Oh That's A Find!

Set of 8 (4 small, 4 large) Vintage Purple Goblets $59.99 from Sparkles and Sass

Pair of Ornate Cross Candle Holders $60 from Crafty McDaniel

Vintage Silverware Set (47 piece) $179.99 from AmazingSilver21

Vintage Ornate Serving Bowl with Lid $35 from The Back Shak

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

March Loot Crate Theme: Versus

2016-03-03T11:00:00.003-06:00

Batman vs. Superman
Daredevil vs. Punisher
Spock vs. Mirror Universe Spock
Alien vs. Predator
Dark Knight vs. Man of Steel

If you're a fan of any of the combos listed above then you don't want to miss March's Loot Crate theme Versus!

If you're unfamiliar with Loot Crate, read more below for additional info - and a promo code for a discount!

Loot Crate is a subscription crate featuring mystery items related to their monthly theme. Each crate includes $45+ worth of items that may include t-shirts, books, comics, accessories, home decor items, collectibles, and exclusives from featured brands.

One-month plans start at $19.95 (including shipping). Sales go until 9pm PT on the 19th of every month, unless they get sold out beforehand. So don't delay!

Be sure to use the promo code: LOOTR3 to save $3 off your subscription price!

***Purchasing the following promoted products or other products from the seller may result in monetary compensation on my behalf. I am promoting these products of my own free will because I believe them to be quality products worthy of your viewing.

Etsy Finds of the Week - Theme: Goth Gardening

2016-02-29T11:00:00.001-06:00

Are you a goth that appreciates nature and enjoys gardening? Even flowers and other plants can be goth. Read more to see which plants are featured in this week's Etsy Finds.

Shops featured in this post are:

#1 - Hirt's Gardens
#2 - Succulent Oasis
#3 - Under the Sun Seeds
#4 - Billies Bloomers
#5 - Box Garden Seeds
#6 - ColourWorld94
#7 - nurseryseeds

***Prices and availability as of 2/29/16. If you are viewing this post at a later date and the item is already sold, be sure to check out the seller's other listings.

Black Mystic Earth Star Plant (Cryptanthus) $7.99 from Hirt's Gardens

Black Rose Zwartkop (Aeonium Arboreum Alropurpureum $8.99 from Succulent Oasis

Peony Poppy Black (Papaver Paeoniflorum) SEEDS $2.79 from Under the Sun Seeds

Black Hollyhock SEEDS $3.29 from Billies Bloomers

Indigo Rose Heirloom Tomato SEEDS $2.35 from Box Garden Seeds

Tacca Integrifolia (Giant Bat Plant) SEEDS $1.99 from ColourWorld94

Black Devil Pansy SEEDS $4.50 from nurseryseeds

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

Etsy Finds of the Week - Theme: Shirts

2016-02-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

This week's theme is SHIRTS!

Featured shops in this post are:

#1 - Fennec Design
#2 - Cat Coven
#3 - Zen Threads

There are only 3 features this week as my weekend was rather hectic, but I plan to compensate next week with some extra finds.

Enjoy!

***Prices and availability as of 2/22/16. If you are viewing this post at a later date and the item is already sold, be sure to check out the seller's other listings.

Bat Skeleton and Chicory Floral Crop Top $15 by Fennec Design

Coffee or Death Unisex Tank Top $20 by Cat Coven

Womens BATS Scoop Neck Tee $20 by Zen Threads

(available in slate, asphalt, black, olive, eggplant, red)

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

Last Chance for Loot Crate's February Theme: Dead

2016-02-18T11:00:00.000-06:00

Only one day left to order your Loot Crate (February theme: Dead). Order by tomorrow (February 19th) 9pm PT or lose out on your chance for exclusive items from The Walking Dead and Deadpool. This crate also includes a shirt and two figures!

Click HERE to get started. And remember, if you use the code: LOOTR3 you'll get $3 off your subscription price!

***Purchasing the following promoted products or other products from the seller may result in monetary compensation on my behalf. I am promoting these products of my own free will because I believe them to be quality products worthy of your viewing.

Etsy Finds of the Week - Theme: Rings

2016-02-15T12:00:00.001-06:00

This is the first post of my weekly Etsy Finds. Every Monday I will post five new discoveries and each week will have a theme. Some of the possible themes are rings, earrings, jewelry, accessories, home decor, various clothing items, technology, etc. More and more themes will be added over time and I'll be sure to include a mix of male selections as well. So don't worry guys, you won't be left out!

Without further delay, below are the top five picks for this week featuring the theme: rings.

Enjoy!

***Prices and availability as of 2/15/16. If you are viewing this post at a later date and the item is already sold, be sure to check out the seller's other listings.

#1

Herkimer Diamond Midi Ring with Black Inclusions $8.99 by Hedonist INC

Sterling Silver Ring - Tree Stump/Witches Stump $76 by Silvery Lake

Ouija Planchette Ring in Sterling Silver ($60) or Bronze ($40) by Mod Evil

Gothic Skull Stacking Ring $38 by Nest of Reveries

Hexenring/Fairy Ring $129 by Moon and Serpent

Be sure to check back every Monday for more great Etsy Finds from small businesses you love!

Mister Ghost's Highly Enviable Monthly Parcel of Simple Yet Amazing Wonderments: This month's theme is "The Business of Vampires"

2016-02-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

Click to Enlarge

With a name like Evil Supply Co. you can only imagine what might come out of production.

I came across Evil Supply Co. a couple years ago on Tumblr. They seemed quirky and dark - two things I absolutely adore. First, I noticed their monthly subscription service: Mister Ghost's Highly Enviable Monthly Parcel of Simple Yet Amazing Wonderments. Yes, it's a mouthful, but rightfully so. It brings about a sense of class, in a whimsical villain sort of way. Each month includes an art print, an embroidered patch, two pocket notebooks, two greeting cards, and four stickers.

Then I noticed that they also produce a plethora of other paper goods as well as pins and patches.

I had found a kindred spirit.

This month's theme is "The Business of Vampires". You can click on the photo above, left, to see more details about the current theme. The artwork on the announcement alone can give you a good idea of the artistic direction this company strives for: macabre yet playful. Each month features themes such as: vampires, ghosts, witches, haunted diners, and much more!

A single parcel purchase will run you $16, a recurring subscription is $12/month with automatic billing occurring on the 25th of each month.

Current deadlines are as follows:

Single Parcel - February 29th, 2016

Subscription - February 24th, 2016

I guarantee you won't be disappointed in any purchase through this company. I have ordered greeting cards in the past, as well as a wonderful planner that has kept me motivated and organized through this bleak winter. Every transaction has run smoothly and Atticus (the owner) provides frequent business updates on his Tumblr.

Perhaps you, as well, will embrace your inner villain and become organized through Evil Supply Co.

Goals for 2016

2016-02-04T11:30:00.000-06:00

It may be February, but I'm not the type to make "New Year's Resolutions" because I personally don't stick to them very well. Instead I like to make a list of goals for the year, big or small, and work on things at my own pace. This also allows me to take on new projects or ideas as they come up.

So what are my goals for 2016?

{ONE} Get my sewing machine fixed

A part broke that makes using my machine nearly impossible. I could just buy a new one, but I love this machine and it should be a quick fix. After it's repaired, I'll be able to show you some of my dark creations and alterations.

{TWO} Grow plants

I currently have an Aloe Vera plant (with a few pups that I transplanted as well) and a Venus Flytrap. I enjoy regrowing green onions (scallions) from scraps and hopefully this year I'll get to experiment with other "scrap-growers". Herbs I'm interested in are sage, rosemary, basil, oregano. I may also buy a few plants as well, such as a Black Rose "Zwartkop" succulent (Aeonium Arboreum Alropurpureum). I'm sure this list will grow and change throughout the year and as I find what works best for me/my location and what doesn't.

{THREE} Get more tattoos

I have some tattoos that need touching up. After that, I plan to get more work done on my (future) half-sleeve collage. If I can accomplish all that, then I'll expand to other pieces.

{FOUR} Find/Acquire more pieces related to the Vulture Culture community

This includes more bone hunting/cleaning on my part, as well as working on mummification and wet specimens. It also includes purchasing more pieces from artists and creators in the community. Most purchases aren't planned, I wait until something calls my name. Otherwise I don't tend to purchase many things for myself. I would, however, like to get a taxidermy Starling since they're one of the few birds that aren't protected under the MBTA (Migratory Bird Treaty Act).

{FIVE} Learn to belly dance/get in better shape

Belly dancing is something I've always been interested in, but never tried to learn. I've started working out regularly and I figure now is as good a time as any to learn belly dancing. It's a great workout in and of itself, So I think it'll be a great addition to my regular workout and I'll learn a new skill in the process. Double win.

{SIX} Grow this blog

Pretty self-explanatory I think. I want to maintain a regular posting schedule and build my audience.

{SEVEN} Start and grow my YouTube channel

I've been fascinated by YouTube for many years, but never started my own channel. Between my Tumblr, Instagram, and this blog, I figure it'd be nice to have a video component. It would be a channel on it's own with it's own following, but also an addition for content on my blog. Right now I'm working on figuring out the kinks and quirks with my video camera options. So I should be able to start on this soon.

---

Well, that's it so far. I'm sure my list will grow and change over time. Usually it doesn't take long for me to come up with new ideas or projects after I've completed a previous one.

What are some of your goals for 2016? Feel free to leave your reply in the comments section below.

Darling Dead Adornment: Review featuring Mummified Baby Tortoise Head Earrings

2016-02-04T11:00:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time I saw these earrings for sale in the Darling Dead Adornment shop. There were only a couple pairs available and I didn't currently have the extra spending money. Unfortunately they got snatched up pretty quickly and I was bummed, but such is the way with high quality handmade jewelry. Luckily I knew the owner sometimes recreates popular designs if and when she gets more supplies available.

I patiently waited and eventually saw a post that she would be listing a couple more pairs in the near future.

Soon after, I saw the for-sale announcement on her Tumblr. I raced to the website as fast as I could since I knew they wouldn't be available for very long.

I got them!

These earrings were my first purchase from Darling Dead Adornment. The moment they arrived in the mail I was bouncing off the walls with excitement. To help you understand me a bit better: I don't tend to purchase things for myself very often and I'm very picky about what I bring into my possession. I believe I have to absolutely love an item, otherwise I can just appreciate things from afar without the desire to acquire them. I HAD to own these earrings. They're truly amazing and even more exquisite in person.

Overall, the best way to describe these drop dead gorgeous earrings is this: Reminiscent of Victorian momento mori designs, these salvaged tiny baby Sulcata tortoise heads were mummified, attached and sealed onto intricate brass teardrops, then hung from brass ear wires. They do have a little bit of weight to them, but it's a comfortable heavy that just reminds you they're there. And while they can appear subtle and classy, these earrings are definitely a statement piece that receives a lot of attention every time I wear them.

For those of you who aren't familiar with this artist, she creates pieces using objects found in nature (bones, preserved specimens, insects, crystals) and various other trinkets (antique doll parts, metal stampings, prosthetic eyes). Each item is OOAK (one of a kind). Sometimes she will create multiple of a design, but the uniqueness of nature and handmade items means that no one will have the exact same piece as you. Also, something that needs to be stated since there are many people who like to jump to conclusions: all animal remains used were ethically and legally sourced as well as cruelty free.

So how was my overall shopping experience? Amazing. The Storenvy platform uses Stripe and Paypal to process transactions. Most people have used one or the other at some point in their online lives, so you already know that it's reliable and quick. Shipping was very efficient and these little babies arrived safe and sound. With no hiccups during the whole process, I'd say it was a very smooth transaction that filled me with even more confidence towards this artist.

In the end, it has been a year since I purchased these and they're still one of my favorite pairs of earrings. This is saying something considering that most of my life I've always preferred silver or gunmetal jewelry. For some reason, these brass beauties scream my name as if it were meant to be. Plus, all the compliments I receive give just the right amount of oomph to truly make these earrings a powerhouse accessory that will last a lifetime. Needless to say, I wish I had more money so I could snatch up more of her wonderful creations.

If you keep an eye on her shop, or her Tumblr and Instagram accounts, perhaps you can snag a pair (or something else equally amazing) and experience just how wonderful these little darlings are.

Store Information and Links

Name: Darling Dead Adornment
Location: Utah, USA
Site: www.DarlingDeadAdornment.com
Tumblr: darlingdeadadornment.tumblr.com and strangeinsugarhouse.tumblr.com
Instagram: instagram.com/darlingdeadadornment and instagram.com/strangeinsugarhouse
Facebook: facebook.com/DarlingDeadAdornment

***No animals were harmed in the making of this jewelry. These Sulcata tortoise heads were salvaged and turned into wearable art to preserve their natural beauty and celebrate their life.

February Loot Crate Theme: DEAD

2016-02-03T11:30:00.000-06:00

Loot Crate is a subscription crate featuring mystery items related to their monthly theme. Each crate includes $45+ worth of items that may include t-shirts, books, comics, accessories, home decor items, collectibles, and exclusives from featured brands.

You can choose from 1, 3, 6 or 12 month recurring plans. The larger the plan, the more savings you receive. But remember, they're recurring plans. This means that your subscription will automatically renew after its expiration. Some people like to receive every single month regardless of the theme. Other people like to only purchase a month subscription when they find a theme they like. It's all up to you.

Recently, Loot Crate announced their February theme: Dead. This months box will feature exclusive items from The Walking Dead and Deadpool. It will also include a t-shirt and two figures.

One-month plans start at $19.95 (including shipping). Sales go until 9pm PT on the 19th of every month, unless they get sold out beforehand.

Oh, and if you use the promo code: LOOTR3 you can save $3 off your subscription price.

Introductions are Awkward

2016-02-03T11:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my dark little corner of the internet. Online I go by the name "GG Cure", I'm in my late 20s and live in the Midwest. I've spent most of my life being fascinated with beauty in all things (including death), dark-themed movies and shows, and various forms of geekery (videogames, sci-fi, movies, etc).

I have a weird knack for finding neat things online, whether it's products, shops or events...and then sharing the info with all who might be interested. This is where my blog comes in. I post full reviews and recommendations involving the goth community, vulture culture, movies/shows, video games, and much more!

Find quick inspiration and recommendations on my Tumblr (ggcure.tumblr.com)

Peek into my everyday life on my Instagram (instagram.com/ggcure_)
Check out my pins on Pinterest (pinterest.com/ggcure)

For more in-depth info and background, please visit the About page.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for my blog, please check out the Contact page.