The Mad Tea Party 2010 {An Invitation & Surprise}

A curious letter was delivered to me this week, via winged pony. I opened it up, and all it said was, "I shall arrive under the glisten of the full moon, when all the flowers are twinkling in bloom..."

    

This is certainly an odd note, I thought.  And then shrugged, and went about my enchanted garden business...

    

That was until I heard the unmistakable cackle of the mad-man himself...

    

He rode his tiny tricycle like a speed demon, as the dirt crunched beneath the little wheels.  Of course, the flowers were blooming, and the moon was indeed glistening, so I should have known to expect him ;)

He rode right past me as he hollered "Hurry on dearie, we must get to the secret garden before night falls..."  And so, I quickly followed, as I tripped on my hem...

    

Why are we in such a hurry? I asked.  

He replied, "Why why?  You dare ask such a silly question???  We have a Mad Tea Party to plan, of course!"

(Can you believe that it was almost one year ago, that we found ourselves amongst madness, twirling in our gowns and swirling our tea?  Last year, as the party came to a close, a secret key was left for us.  The key that would unlock the door to this year's festivities...)

As we approached the secret garden, I saw a key hanging.  But not just any key.  It was "thee" key.  The key to this year's party, yipppppeeee!!

    

We were just in time, for as we unlocked the gate, the secret garden telephone started ringing as loud as it could...

Who could it be?

    

"It was London calling" said the Mad Hatter.  "We have received two great pieces of information, you darling troll's wart..." he said.

"Ummm, okay?" I said...

"First, the Mad Tea Party date has been set.  And second, there is a super scrumdillyumptious, surprise guest......." said he.

Oh do telllllll, pleeeeeease!

So, he pondered for a moment, because he knew I might faint from curiosity, and then...

   

He reminded me of that day in the garden, when I took a trip into wonderland, and read Jenny Woolf's fascinating book, The Mystery of Lewis Carroll...

Then he said, "You must have had a super secret chat with said author, because she has accepted your invitation..."

So, with that I am beyond delighted to reveal that, author of The Mystery of Lewis Carroll, Jenny Woolf herself, will be our honorary guest at this year's Mad Tea Party!

Hip hip hooooray!!!

   

And guess what?  Her publishing house sent over some treats to gift during the party, how wonderful is that???

This year's party is already showing its enchanted grin.  Won't you join us??

The Mad Hatter has taken his bow...

    

And, while lighting the magical tea party candle, has proclaimed that we are to begin this year's Mad Tea Season...

    

I can't wait, I just can't wait!!

   

The date, Saturday June 26th.  Plenty of time to prepare, YAY!

The season of madness 2010, has been sealed with moonbeam glow...

    

And now, the sparkles are being sent off to you, so that you might be inspired to join in the Festivity of Madness...

Please do join us, won't you?

Below is this year's flyer and button (click, to copy and save).  Share them, use them on your blog, spread the word to your friends, because everyone is invited, and anything goes...

    

 

 Wondering what to do if you sign up?

If you are signing up to participate in the Virtual Mad Tea Party, all you have to do are three things. (To sign-up, simply leave a comment saying you are joining in & leave your blog link. Thank you ;)

1) Share the flyer or the button on your blog as soon as possible.  Link to this blog post, and I will add your name to the "Mad Tea Partier" list in my left hand side bar. 

2)  On the day of the tea party, June 26th 2010, please make sure to post a Mad Tea Party post of your own, on your blog, linking to me.  Other partiers will be visiting you on that date. 

3)  Blog hop with the other partiers on the day of the event and have a mad blast!!  Again, the list of Mad Tea Party Participants will be in my left hand sidebar.

Note:  Please make sure you post a tea party post on June 26th if you signed up.  Last year several people did not do this, and lots of partiers e-mailed me to ask why they were finding some blogs without a Mad Tea Party post.  I didn't have an answer.

Don't forget, this event is supposed to be pure fun.  Don't stress out about it, and do let yourself go positively mad ;)

If you need some, there are oodles of Mad Tea Party inspirations out there.  You can even order a copy of Winter 2010 Artful Blogging, where last year's tea party, along with a handful of other participating Mad Tea Parties were featured. 

   

Below are also some more tips and ideas for your own tea party, as featured in the Staten Island, New York Advance Newspaper....

    

And, even a few more Mad Tea Party Inspirations right here... if you scroll through that link...

If you have any questions e-mail me.  I am catching up on my e-mails today -I got behind during my deadline, sorry ;) - so that I can be totally available for any of your questions.

Remember, if you would like to sign-up,simply leave a comment saying you are joining in & leave your blog link. Thank you ;)

And with that, the Mad Tea Party season begins.  All of us over here at "A Fanciful Twist" would be more than overjoyed if you could join us ;)

I am sooo excited! Lots more fun to come...

 

 

♥  ,V

 

 

ps:  If you signed up and you don't see your name on the list, please don't hesitate to e-mail me (VanessaValencia@aol.com).  It is most certainly, a non-intentional mistake  ;)

pss:  I have oodles of Mad Tea Party treats in my shop, and two new sets of cards that I am excited to share...

Tea Party, Sweet Party

    

And, Avant Garden Wonderland...

    

See you very sooooon ;)

Comments

[two crazy crafters]

WooHoo! Count us in, Vanessa! This is The blog event of the year and we look forward to it each time! Twyla and Lindsey

http://twocrazycrafters.blogspot.com/

[Kaerie Faerie]

How exciting to be part of the Mad Tea Party 2010, I really need some madness in my crazy life! Thanks for hosting this fab party again
your fairy friend
Kaerie Faerie
http://kaeriefaerie52.blogspot.com

[Jaime aka artsyfartsyme]

OH this sounds terribly fun! You have made it sound so enticing that I swear you should be writing for TV! You are truly magical.

[A Forest Frolic]

Oh my Vanessa, I am ever so excited to participate again this year! We are already coming up with some fun ideas to frolic around and have a Mad Tea Time ;) Absolutely loving the new sweet shop card in your shop! Big hugs until we meet again...wheeeeeee....

Jamie :)

[Cameron Reutzel]

There is never a reason NOT to have a Tea Party! I graciously accept your invitation and excitedly look forward to the festivities....thank you for bringing a bit of beautiful insanity to our everyday!

Cameron :)

[Molly]

I've been quite looking forward to this and have been collecting tea partie pretties ever since last year's Grand Event! I do believe that this year I shall get my friends involved...we're all mad here!

[nihan]

I would like to join the mad tea party,unfortunately ı live somewhere far away from you.poor me.

[Fair Rosamund]

Yay, I am so excited to participate for the first time this year!!! I shared the button and link on my facebook, will do a blog post tomorrow :) Just read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, so the inspiration is fresh in my head :) ~Lauren

http://fairrosie.blogspot.com

[Vania Cruz-Perez]

YEY!!!! It's here already!! I'm super excited about this event. Thank you Vanessa for putting it together once again for the third year :D

Have so many plans...

Here is my blog link.

http://fantasywhispersblog-ooak.blogspot.com/

Warm Hugs,

Vania

[Michelle Cummings]

How exciting! please sign me up!
~Michelle Cummings
http://faeriedustdreams-michelle.blogspot.com/

[Natasha]

I'd love to join up for the first time, I'm a tea party newbie! Thinking of ideas already!
http://amelieshouse.blogspot.com/

[Lesley Walker]

Greetings from the Uk. I don't have a blog, but I will be joining in. On my own I'm afraid. You are so lucky to have Mister Lovee to share your life My man is lovely, but just doesn't understand about magic and enchanted places. It's sad, because he misses so much. I won't give up on him though. One day the fancifal fairy may give him a visit. I really hope she does. Blessings Lesley

[Della]

I'm thrilled to join this year, or rather, the Fürsts are. Have placed your poster with link to this post on my blog:
http://dellamarinis.wordpress.com/
Looking forward to putting something magical together for June 26th...

[natalea]

Please so sign me up Vanessa!! I'll be preparing!
xo natalea
kandeland.typepad.com

[Misha/DawaiOser]

Oh hurrah, it's here! We've come to the MAD (magical) time of tea party season. Please include me in the festivities, "Cosmic Girl: Misha". :)

[Lisa WrightStuff]

A party I cannot miss - I have my 'DRINK ME' potion ready to transport me!

http://www.all-the-wright-stuff.blogspot.com

[I see the bridge! (Linda Lilly Cottage)]

Oh Vanessa, I have been waiting and waiting for the date to be announced and I most certainly would like to join in the festivities, please do count me in.
I have changed my blog name to I SEE THE BRIDGE!!!!! ( to be screamed at the top of ones lungs as soon as you see said bridge).
Though the name has changed it is still LILLY COTTAGE Style through and through...I even have our community art centre intrigued by the thought of your annual tea party.....let the planning begin...I am so excited..
Kiss Noises Linda

[I see the bridge! (Linda Lilly Cottage)]

Oh dear, where is my head?
If forgot to type in my blog link...here tis
http://lillycottage.typepad.com
Kiss Noises again,
Linda

[karen]

Oooh add me in please Vanessa. I had so much fun doing the halloween one :)
Here is my link...
http://www.moonlightandhares.blogspot.com/

[Tristan Robin]

hurrah!

I'm psyched!

[Brialee]

Add me to the guest list! Totally delighted to be taking part in this enchanted event!

My blog can be found at ~
http://www.ravenfaescreations.blogspot.com/

huggles & snuggles
Brialee

[eleni]

hi! my fairies, my witches and my little elves would like to participate to your faboulous party!
here is my blog www.apinkdreamer.blogspot.com

[Victorian Tea Leaf & Oracle Card Reader *~Lady Grace Flowers~*]

Enchanting Delightful News! Mr & Mrs. Lovie
Thank you both for the invite!
It's Late, It's Late, better get srarted on this very important date. A tea party you say.. I shall wear my very best victorian hat. Oh MY! need a party page of wicked delights.
All my love!
xox
Lady Grace Flowers

[Lady Grace Flowers]

opps forgot my link how silly of me!
Victorian Tea Leaf & Oracle Card Reader *~Lady Grace Flowers~*
http://ladygraceflowers.webs.com/

[Cori. G]

Yipppeeee!!!! An announcement worthy of being shouted from the tallest roof tops to the lowest valleys and to all the sweet little animals in between ;-). I will be there, yes indeed!!! With bells on my toes and baubles bout my neck and a silly hat precariously balanced on my head. Count me in!!!!!! PPPAAALLLEEEAASSSEEEEEE!

Ok, now I'm still trying to figure out where you shipped all those canvases. Let's see...if you have a secret guest and goodies from a publisher, could it be that you've painted up the most dreamy pages for a new book? Oh please please do tell...I must know! I simply MUST!!!

Here's my link: http://gingerbreadcrumbsandcompany.blogspot.com

PS. I do believe I saw a trace of whipping cream on the Mad Hatters brim. Silly Mad Hatter! If he's going to be squeezing whipped cream from a can into his mouth (secret like) he needs to make sure he wipes away ALL the evidence...tee hee!

Love me

[Theresa]

Oh happiest of days!!! This will be my first time participating, and I'm oh so excited!!! Please, please do count me in. The image already appears in my sidebar. Here is my humble blog link for you:
http://www.faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com
I've had ideas bouncing around for months already! LOL It will be a most grand time for all. :) xoxo Theresa

[Theresa]

Oh my goodness!!! In my excitement, I forgot to congratulate on the special guest of honor! I had been flipping through that book, and it read so wonderfully well. This is EVER so exciting!!! :)

[Melissa]

Exciting! I have soooo been looking forward to this year's Tea Party! Looks like it's going to be another fabulous event.

Thanks!
Ardoria Studios
http://blog1.ardoria.com

[deborah]

Oh, yes please and thank you! Fantastical photos once again. May I just say that I have never before seen a man so adorable on a wee tricycle. That Mister, he's a keeper! You HAVE been a busy little gypsy, my oh my.
**blows kisses" Deb

[carolee]

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay! :)

I wouldn't miss it for the WORLD, and will add the banner to my blog this very afternoon!!

VERY exciting news about Jenny Woolf too! That book of hers sounds like a MUST read, which is exactly what I plan to do. I'll even move it to the top of the very large "to be read" stack. :)

Many thanks for the invitation - I'll be there with bells on...Oh, and my blog is here :

http://www.kingofmicestudios.blogspot.com/

♥ Carolee
PS - Already thinking of a fabulous giveaway, teehee!!

[Cassandra]

You can count the Dandelion girls in! We love our annual tea party :)

[dena miller]

Yay!!!! I have been waiting for this day to come for many moons!!! I am so looking forward to the party and have lots to do, so tooteloo for now. I must prepare for the enchantment...but before I go, you will need my blog link to be able to visit the party!
http://blogs.myspace.com/miladyleela
See you soon!
Much Love,
Milady
aka Dena

[somepinkflowers]

♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥

:-)

oh happy day!
i thought the Time would never arrive.....
♥♥♥
♥♥♥
♥♥♥

[Evelyn's Wonderland]

Oh! Please count me in! This will be my first time participating and I am so excited. Thank you for the invitation, I will add the banner to my blog this afternoon.

http://www.evelynswonderland.com

Thank you,
Evelyn

[Wende Scroggins]

I am sooo excited about the Mad Tea Party!
Count me in !!!!

I will add the flyer to my blog this evening!

Until then,
Wende

[Wende Scroggins]

http://creativeartseatables.wordpress.com/

Sorry about the post above. My computer is not acting properly. But here is my blog site.
Thanks again for the invite.
Wende

[Lynn]

Yes, Absolutely!
Please count me in too!

http://siderealday.blogspot.com/

Cheers,
Lynn

[Princess Crystal]

Yay! I will be there, so please count me in ^_^

http://prettywonderland.com/

~ Princess Crystal

[Christine Alvarado]

Hi V~
Count me in..I am scheduled to be out of town but I'll do my best to get something prepared. (I'll let you know if I have to bow out)..back to hibernating:)Should be fun!

www.dubuhdudesigns.typepad.com

[Kylee]

V~

YIPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE

So excited!! Can't wait :)

[Lucie Diamonds]

How exciting, my daughter and I would love to join your tea party :)

http://asphaltflowersart.blogspot.com/

[SusannaT]

Oh I would SO love to join in this year.. sigh.. we had such a good time last year.

But I'll be enjoying the sights of Paris with my family at that date.

Maybe next year we'll get to take part again!

[Miss Linda]

I am so very excited.....I have taken some pictures and am trying to take more.
I would love to join the Mad Tea Party. i have been waiting for this event to happen and now it is almost here.

momentsinaneye.blogspot.com

[Samantha Tara]

Yay! This will indeed be my first tea party with you, although I am no stranger to the delights of the tea pot & little cakes (:
Thank you for the invitation, and I look very forward to attending (:
xo

[Jennifer]

I can't wait to join the tea party!!

[Tara Sasiadek]

I am very excited to participate this year. I just put the badge up on my blog, Magical Realism.

I am hoping a Jabberwocky will show up for my tea party...

[Alia]

Yay! This will be my first one and I can't wait to participate!

[Anna at Frosted Petunias]

I've waited and waited and I'm sooo glad to finally join in the madness this year! I've put up the badge and posted about it on my little bloggy!

[Andria]

Yay! I'll be joining the party this year. I already have plans swirling around in my brain...

[Clairedulalune]

Hello Vanessa! May I join? I am looking forward to it! I will post your pic on my side bar linking to you! Thank you!