Cosplay Bustle Belts are now available!

It's con season! *comes up for air from working on custom orders*

Are you a fan of The Avengers, Doctor Who, Batman, or Star Wars? The Cosplay Bustle Belts I made over a year ago are finally available in the shop. Lots more sci-fi and fantasy themed belts are on the way so keep checking back!

Halloween night brings BIG changes

Happy Halloween!!!

 

A fitting day to change the name of my shop to Madsylvania.

From my initial foray into online selling in 2004, I've been known as Mad Science Creations. A sudden brainstorm for the new name hit while playing World of Warcraft late one night. The word "mad" has been incorporated into most of my creative ventures, including my alter-ego, Madviolet. "Sylvania" refers to my lifelong love of forests and the spooky town of Transylvania where Igor assists Dr. Frankenstein as his loyal minion.

Another exciting announcement are doggie wizard hoodies, modeled by Henna, the Gryfferin, which are now available in my shop.

 

Quoth the owl...Pottermore

"The owls are gathering...find out why soon."

For those who may have been abducted by Death Eaters and missed it, J.K. Rowling will be making an announcement on June 23 to reveal an epic new venture for the Harry Potter fandom. The media blitz is totally unprecedented. The opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter wasn't even surrounded by so much promotion and fanfare. Speculation is running rampant after the super sekrit reveal of the trademarked term "Pottermore", discussed in depth "here and here.

What is Pottermore? Muggles and wizards alike will have to be patient for a few more days. My prediction *glances into crystal ball* a magical MMORPG. What do you think it will be?

On a semi-related topic, last night under a full moon, we noticed our own owls gathering. We were up late (as usual) and happened to look outside to see a small owl sitting on the power line in our backyard. When we returned from racing to grab the camera, it was joined by a second. I LOVE owls and was pretty shocked that my squeals of excitement didn't scare them off. As we took pics, their hooting was answered by other hoots in the forested area behind out house. What a magical way to end a day that was spent obsessively watching new owls appear on the YouTube announcement (11 at last count) and reading faster-than-lightspeed tweets/Facebook posts about Pottermore. Still hoping they'll return to drop off an Owlpost with my acceptance to teach at Hogwarts next term. ;)

Brainz: The other, other white meat

Oops, time got away from me. Again.

Comicpalooza was great geeky fun!! The highlight was the last day when I got my photo taken with Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan of Harry Potter) and when Meaghan Rath of Being Human said she loved my costume. :) I opted for dressing as Harry Potter of the Dead costume and ran into another wizard girl with the same Hogwarts zombie idea. Magically creepy and cool. And as you can see from the photo, another zombie fan shuffled up to groan Hello while clutching some bloody brainz. Anyway, I finally got a chance to upload the con photos to my Flickr account. Enjoy! :)

How does a Geek celebrate Memorial Day weekend?

By dressing up and going to a major scifi/fantasy con.

Comicpalooza in Houston is shaping up to be EPIC!! The theme is *happy shamble* zombies, "The Rise of the Dead". Sweet. The guest line-up is varied and has top notch representation in both genres. There is even a strong Steampunk presence, one of my fave cosplay themes. Mad Science, go figure. ;) My cosplay plans for the event?

Friday: Possibly Star Trek:TOS uniform.
Saturday: A reprise of the Steampunk Squid complete with tentacles and goggles.
Sunday: I will be doing a zombie/wizard mash-up: Harry Potter of the Dead (a Hogwarts guest has been scheduled that day and it's a call out to one of my favorite flicks, "Shaun of the Dead.")

The event starts today so if you need me, that's where I'll be.

Oh and here's a video of last year's Comicpalooza for giggles. Kinda like being trapped in a Big Bang episode isn't it? ;)

It's a Good Magical Friday!

It's truly a good Friday in the Mad Science Lab when a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 DVD arrives at your door!! It must have been sent via Owl Post cos I no sooner got word it was on its way and *poof*, there it is. Thanks and much appreciation goes out to Wendy, The Not So Good Witch. xoxo For the latest pop culture and fashion from a magical perspective, check out her blog "A Pagan's Life For Me."

What have I been up to? Well, it's that time of year: vacations to Hogwarts in Orlando, Harry Potter cons, and *sniff* the fast approaching last installment of HP movies are in the immediate future. So I've been stitching up a storm to try to beat the flood of Wizard Wear orders for both the Etsy and Artfire shops. Looks like I need to head to the wholesale fabric shop for another bolt of black anti-pill fleece this weekend too.

Friday's F Word: Vampire Face-Lifts

In the quest to be immortal or at least look that way, the dream to be a vampire is seductive. Short of being "turned" by a bloodsucker, this life altering change won't happen. The next best thing? Vampire face-lifts. Fillers taken from your own body are nothing new but a NY doctor is now using a blood-collection system called Fibrinet, whose platelet-rich byproducts can help turn back the clock. No wonder Vlad Dracula looked so young. ;)

Friday's F Word: Happy Coffins

Who says leaving for the afterlife needs to be a somber affair?

The Lien Foundation, a Singapore philanthropic house and St Joseph's Home and Hospice, is challenging outdated taboos.

"The name 'Happy Coffins' may be like an oxymoron...(but) we seek to turn the coffin from a supreme negative symbol of death into a creative canvas for reflection and inspiration, and the positive celebration of life." (Mr Lee Poh Wah, CEO)

Rather than "gloom and doom", the dearly departed can spend eternity in a customized coffin much like the ubiquitious designer clothes and coffee he/she enjoyed in life. And just imagine the conversation starter at funerals to take loved one's mind off of grief for a bit?

Friday's F Word: Itsy Bitsy Spider...

....crawled up the Mazda vent.

Toyota recalls have become ubiquitous. Ho hum. *yawns*. But now Mazda has implemented a recall due to the possibility for clogs in the vent line to by *drumroll please* spider webs. Seriously. Wouldn't it be ironic if these insects had chosen their vehicular namesake, the Spyder? ;)

"A certain type of spider may weave a web in the evaporative canister vent line and this may cause a restriction in the line," warns the official recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If a spider does weave its tangled web there, it could prevent vapors from escaping the fuel tank and "eventually result in a crack, potentially leading to fuel leakage and an increased risk of fire."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/03/mazda-recall-spiders_n_831109.html

Naughty, naughty arachnids.

While we're discussing our 8-legged friends, I found a humorous video to the tune of The Who's "Boris the Spider". Here's to hoping you don't feel something crawling up your arm!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8dSBWysmnM

Back to the final organization of the new craft room so I can finish up some new listings.

Almost Valentine's Day and it feels like spring!

The temps hit a high of 73 with loads of sun. After all the freeze alerts lately, what a thrill. Now that's what I'm talking about!!

Finally dragged myself inside to get online. Thought I'd post the diabolical Valentine's Day themed treasuries that MSC was lucky enough to be added to. Tons of great items were also included, check 'em out! I want it all. :)

Thanks for including my items, CustomZombie, missteacherlady, ALDDesigns, LongstockingShop, SevenSantasWorkshop, faerydustpixy, DenimShmenim, and HumphreysHandmade!

Dark love is in the air

While unpacking at our new house, I happened to stumble upon a pile of art prints I made from vintage paper from over 2 years ago! SCORE!! I guess good things can happen even when doing something unpleasant. Soon I'll start listing them but for now, I created some new original designs for Valentine's Day.

Available in both my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Houston: The City That Cried Wolfish Weather

All the hyperbole about 2-3 inches of snow here in Space City turned out to be seriously anti-climactic. Not one snowflake. Instead, due to widespread black ice and a multitude of car wrecks, we have an "Ice Day". Was SO looking forward to sitting by a roaring fire with a book and a glass of wine watching it snow today. I feel cheated. *sniff*

Instead, I'll be finishing up some morbid Valentine's Day goodies to list on both my Etsy and Artfire shops. Quite amazing so far! :)

Hump? What hump? ;)

Happy Hump Day, everyone!!

All day long, I thought it was Tuesday. Where is my brain???

In the lab this week, working on some creepy and bloody Valentine's Day offerings.

Shambles off.....

Friday's F Word: 1000 Ways to Die

Think Jackass-type stunts can't happen in real life? Wrong.

The Spike Channel's 1000 Ways to Die "...combines the science of living and the randomness of death with a dash of Darwinism." Sweet.

What happens when an overly endowed woman wears a metal bra in a lighting storm? Or when household caulk is used for butt implants? Or an overly tight corset cracks a rib and pokes a hole in the fashionista's heart? Questions like these are answered by a team of specialists which offers viewers a chance to vicariously experience a truly morbid reality styled program.

What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. No wait. Sometimes freakish twists of fate DO invite the Grim Reaper. And in a fabulously grotesque manner.

Friday's F Word: Zombie Holiday Paper

Befuddled by what to buy for your favorite Undead for the holidays? Me, too. However, when it comes to the wrappings, your problem is solved. Just shamble over to ThinkGeek.com and bite into some cooler than cool Zombie wrapping paper.

You can also use your brains (while you still have them) to think of lots of interesting uses for this creepy paper. Perhaps line your kitchen drawers, frame for wall art, or decorate the box where you keep your zombie flicks.

*waves from a sea of boxes*

Moving day is over and I'm slowly getting everything unpacked. *is exhausted* The sewing machines are out of their boxes but I still have to finish putting away the million craft supplies. So far, all my fabric is in it's new home.

Need a bit of magic for your holiday season? Harry Potter mini felt stockings are still available for all 4 houses. :)

Happy Winter Solstice everyone! And don't forget, tonight there will not only be a full moon but a rare blood red lunar eclipse.

The Mad Science Lab will be moving soon!

Good news!!! We have found a new, larger home and will be moving mid-December. The Mad Science Lab aka Room of Requirement will soon be in a new location.

The bad news is that any Made-To-Order items such as Wizard Shrugs, Hats, and Hoodies, have been deactived for a short time. Once the sewing machines and fabric are unpacked, these awesome products will be available again. I apologize profusely for the inconvenience. :( Stay tuned for further updates!

One more week......

....til "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1"!! Around 20 of my friends and I are going to the midnight showing in costume. Since I'm a Ravenclaw, I'm dressing as my fave, Luna Lovegood, complete with a butterbeer necklace and Spectra Specs. Can't wait!!

I've had a ton of inquiries for Men's sizes for Wizard Hoodies so both my Artfire and Etsy shops have listings for this new item. Along with a ton of other magical goodies.

By the way, the Biography Channel is airing some really awesome Harry Potter specials on Nov. 16 and 17. Don't forget to set your DVR's!

Halloween amongst the dinosaurs

Heading out for a bit of spooky fun with a gaggle of ghastly friends to Spirits & Skeletons. I will be decked out in tentacles as Ursula the Sea Witch. We also plan to check out the new Pirate exhibit while there. Good times. There promises to be many opportunities for blackmail photos and hopefully no need for bail money. ;)

Now where is my ginormous Trident???

Friday's F Word: Caught Dead in That

Ever feel stymied by what pithy inscription to put on your gravestone? Fret no more. The macabrely hysterical "Caught Dead in That" will provide some inspiration. Or at least a few giggles.

My personal fave? "He never killed a man that did not need killing." A logical rationale.