Time Traveler's Team Interviews Clockwork Cutie

Hello again, fellow Time Travelers. Clockwork Cutie has been gracious enough to let me interview her today.

Clockwork Cutie

Me: Hello, Clockwork Cutie. As might be expected, many but not all of your contents pertain to timepieces, specifically, steampunk timepieces. Are your items intended to be used for telling time, or for their aesthetic beauty?

Clockwork Cutie: Oh, gee. I never really thought about that! Hmm. Nope, I suppose I'm just full of fun and pretty pieces. I kind of doubt that they actually tell time; that's not really the point. But you never know!

Items: (interrupting): We all love Cutie dearly, but she can be a bit of an airhead.

Gothic Steampunk Red Peacock Fascinator: Seriously. I don't even contain a timepiece!

Red Peacock Feather Fascinator

Me:  Oops. I didn't realize. My fault entirely; never judge a shop by its name and all that. What a beautiful feather fascinator. Do you have any other non-clockwork related items you'd like to showcase?

Clockwork Cutie: Of course! Sorry about my items interrupting. I guess we're not used to being interviewed. Usually we just hang around and have fun.

Me: No worries. I hope I'm not boring you.

Clockwork Cutie: Of course not! Don't be silly. This is fun!

Me: Moving on, while we're on the subject of pieces not restricted to the theme of time, do you have a particular favorite?

Clockwork Cutie: Well, of course I love all my items, but I particularly like this purple barrette/pin. It's so cool that you can use it two differnt ways. And, well, I have to admit that purple is my favorite color. I wish Amy would use it more often.

Purple Vintage Button Barrette/Pin

Me: I can see why. Not only is it lovely, but it contains one of your shopkeeper's great-grandmother's vintage buttons. What a delightful combination of contemporary and vintage.

Clockwork Cutie: Yes, Amy is really proud of that one. Me too!

Me: If you don't mind, can we move on to some of your clockwork related pieces?

Clockwork Cutie: Sure. One of my favorites is this Clockface Steampunk Flower Pin/Clip. I just love the miniature clock in place of the number six. It's so cute.

Brown and Bronze Steampunk Clockface Power Pin/Clip

Me: Yes, it's quite clever and beautiful. As well as multi-functional. Are all your items hairpieces or pins?

Clockwork Cutie: Oh, no! I have tons of really nice pendants. See?

Heart/Clock Steampunk Necklace

Silver, Bronze and Brass Steampunk Clockface Pendant Necklace

Me: I see what you mean. I particularly love the heart shape of the first pendant, and the bronze and brass vintage hour and minute hands of the second.

Clockwork Cutie: Me too. One of my favorite things about Amy is that she makes so many different things. And, of course she's so talented. Plus she's really really nice. And cute. :)

Items: (interrupting): Shhh! You'll embarrass her.

Clockwork Cutie: Oops. Sorry about that.

Me: Well, uh, in any case. It's been a pleasure to interview you. I'm not really used to interviewing such, erm, vivacious shops! Please pass my compliments on to the creator of your wonderful pieces.

Clockwork Cutie: Sure thing. I'll definitely let Amy know how cool you think we are.

Me: Uh, thanks. Well, I'm afraid I have to say goodbye, but I hope this interview generates even more interest in your obviously popular shop.

Clockwork Cutie: Ooh! I hope so! I love meeting new customers. It's been so much fun to talk with you. Come over and say hi sometime!

Me: Thank you. I will. And thank you so much for your time and delightful conversation.

Time Traveler's Interview with FangtasticCards

Hello, fellow Time Travelers. Today I will be interviewing a charming new shop called FangtasticCards: Ces Choses Sont Secrets, Handmade Greeting Cards.

The shop's banner says it all:

FangtasticCards

Fangtastic: Forgive my impertinence, s'il vous plait, but before we begin, may I state a request?

Me: By all means.

Fangtastic: Of course I welcome all visitors at all times, but I must say that I am at my best after sunset, and would very much prefer if readers of this interview could stop by in the evening.

Me: Can you elaborate on why you prefer night visitors?

Fangtastic: I believe that my shopkeeper Madame says it best in her description of our work:

Variety is the spice of life.

Although my main theme of greeting cards are dark and Gothic,

I do love Halloween, Witches, Edgar Allan Poe and Marie Antoinette.

I believe that is evidenced by my cards.

I strive to offer well made cards that you can't find at Hallmark...yet.

Because most of my items are creatures of the night, they prefer to be viewed as such. I must admit I do not understand exactly why Marie Antoinette inhabits my shop. Wow that she has passed on to the great unknown, perhaps Marie Antoinette also prefers visitors of the night. Perhaps you should ask this question of Madame herself?

Me: I will most certainly do that. Can you tell me why your shopkeeper has adopted such an enigmatic name?

Fangtastic: Mais oui, I could do that, but it would be très impolite. I do not know if it is her desire to reveal such information to the public; had that been her intent, peut-être she would have done so herself?

Me: Well put. Could you tell me some of your favorite items, and why you chose them?

Fangtastic: Bien sûr! To choose is, how do I say, difficile, because all Madame's cards are exquisite yet unique, and their messages are timeless.

Here is an example of my Madame's penchant for the pun, and for the gothic red and black. I cannot think of anyone who would not be honored to receive cette carte, pardonez-moi, this card, vampire, human, or other:

Enchanted

I am also honored to display this card, which showcases her more delicate side:

Forever

Another item I adore is this mysterious mother and daughter raven card. My dear Madame explains the sentiment so well "Lovely to give for any occasion, especially for those we love … to death."

Ravens in Black Red

Before it slips my memory, might I add that am very proud that all of my cards ship for free? They are left blank on the inside, for your own unique words. Such elegant gestures on the part of my Madame. And of course I am always adding new cards for new tastes and occasions.

Me: Quite so. You mentioned an aversion to the inclusion of Marie Antoinette amongst your items?

Fangtastic: Mais non, pas du tout! Not at all. I merely wonder about her presence with my other items. Nonetheless, this card of hers beautifully captures such a universal truth; love is all you need:

Marie Antoinette - Heart on a String - Love is all you need

And, of course, for the strong of heart, I adore my classic dark cards, such as this beauty, which could be sent anytime, expressing whatever sentiment is desired:

Chandelier and Spider

Me: Would you have any cards that would be appropriate for children?

Fangtastic: But of course. The youngest child, Parisian or not, could not help being enchanted with this lovely card:

Eiffel Tower Purple and Black

Madame and I attempt to always offer something for everyone, of all tastes and desires.

Me: I can see that. Thank you so much for your time.

Fangtastic: Thank you. It has been a great pleasure to speak with you, and if I was of assistance to my dear Madame in any way, I am eternally grateful.

Me: I had a lovely time interviewing you, as well. I'm certain Madame will be thrilled to read your charming words.