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

[karen cox]

Oh, such a lovely post, and I can't wait for the date. I will be participating for sure!!!! This will be my third party with you, and I am thrilled.

I am posting your badge right now on my sidebar.

Karen

P.S. Gee, that Mad Hatter is awfully cute!

[Jorgelina]

Yes!!Please count me , Vanessa!
Sabes que me gustan mucho tus fiestas y siempre estoy presente!!!
Iupiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!
Dulces besos

[Sarah]

In the company of the white rabbit I am a little late-but I won't be late for the party! How exciting-and special guests too! Hurray!

[Michelle]

Yayy time for a mad tea party!!!!

My blog link is

http://michellekartdolls.blogspot.com/

<3 Michelle

[Libby]

I am definitely joining the party. Thanks for inviting me. Http://www.fiberartisttoo.blogspot.com

[Kate]

Hi - I will be mid air, flying on June 26 going to Vanuatu but I have sent on the invitation to my sister at Hydrangea House and she is going to party hard on my behalf.

[Juanita Lanaux]

The flyer is posted, and the white rabbit should arrive on time! Sign me up!

[Juliet]

It seems such a short time since the last Mad tea Party But thats a good thing :-) I will be happy to take up your invitiation once again x Juliet
http://www.julietkbears.blogspot.com/

[Maggi]

Hey there V! You know I'm in!!!! :D

Just Add Glitter and Stir

http://justaddglitterandstir.blogspot.com/

*air kisses all around*

[MarZel]

Hi Vanessa... boy I have been looking forward to this post!!! Woohoooo!!! You are so inspirational and talented and I would be so honored if I could be a part of this fantastic event once again.

Will be posting poster, link and stuff.... today on my blog!!

Blessed Sunday!!

[Alisa]

I would love to join the party this year, please! You've got my brain awhirling!
Thank you!

[Claire Hewson]

Hello Vanessa I will definately be joining in, lots of ideas for decorating the flat

http://thisartisticlife.wordpress.com/

Looking forward to it

Claire

[Papillon Bleu UK]

Hi V!
I would love to be part of the Mad Tea Party this Year.
I am also organising a surprise party for my doll who is turning 1 this month.
Feel free to pop by if you have time between 2 pancakes.

Thank you for this invitation.
Hope you are fine.

P.

[Sylvia Smiser]

I would love to attend the mad tea party. Please include me!!
Sincerely,
Sylvia Smiser
Anaboo Creations

[Marlene]

Hello Mizz V...please do accept this note as my R.S.V(anessa).P....I will be attending with my friends to the most Enchanting Magical Event of the century...thank you so much for inviting us all...have a honey of a night ~ sweet dreams! Marlene beeserendipitous.blogspot.com

[Sarah]

Vanessa, I would love to join the Mad Hatter's Tea Party. I've been working on plans for a future party table for Tablescape Thursday, but will save it for this big event. I'm having lots of fun thinking of fun things to share. Thanks for hosting. I've got a link to you party on my sidebar.
Thank you,
hyacinthforthesoul.blogspot.com

[Christy]

Please count me in Christy and the Boys
http://christyandtheboys.blogspot.com
Can't wait already blogged about it. Will do so a few more times until the event. xoC

[Jessica]

I am a newer reader but you can count me in. This sounds like a blast! I am already planning my menu in my head. LOL

[Christina Silverio]

I would love to join you! I have your link on my sidebar, and am really looking forward to the festivities!
All the best!
Christina
Hoyden Designs
http://www.hoydendesigns.blogspot.com/

[Little Lovables]

I would love to attend the Virtual Mad Hatter Tea Party! I already have my Alice dress waiting to be used!! I'm putting the invite on my blog now.

http://www.littlelovables.blogpsot.com

[Michele]

I would love to participate in this! Sounds like a lot of fun!

[Elle]

WOW - this is so exciting and I am so glad I stubbled on it. I would love to be involved and am already planning a fabulous tea party for me and my friends!

I will be posting all about our day on fiveyearsfromtoday.blogspot.com

[Oma Linda]

I would love to join the festivities this year, so count me in darling. Couldn't possibly do without the Mad Tea Party

oldebaggsnstuftshirts.blogspot.com

[Vickie]

Well I haven't done anything like this for so long! It sounds positively fun!! I can't wait, please include me.

[Penny Patten]

Oh I will make it this year! I'm planning to have a party this summer for my Grand Children, nieces and nephews, (3rd. annual kid party), and this years theme is Alice and Wonderland! I'm so excited! http://www.pennysartroomblog.blogspot.com

[JoAnn S]

sign me up!!!! I love Alice and this is a perfect party to attend.

[Danni Suplicki]

I will be there with bells on! This will be my first party and I am terribly excited!

Off to sip my tea and plan for the big day.

[JoAnn Salyers]

Hi Vanessa, so glad I came upon your blog and saw the Mad Hatter Tea Party announcement. I would love to join and have already made some lovelies for the party. I put your button on my blog. Thanks,hugs JoAnn

[Sara]

Please sign me up for the Mad Tea Party! I'm looking forward to it!

[Leanne]

What fun!

Our family will be playing.
cheers.

[Shelly Rollins]

Oh, Count me in! It was such fun to see last year! I made some "Alice" items earlier this year that were just to fun! I'll have to prepare some more!

[Sara]

I would love to join too.

xx

[Sherri@lavenderfields]

I would love to be a part of this amazing day! Thank you for allowing it to be possible! Sherri@lavenderfields

[Annette Calrk]

OH i wish i had known about this before we had our Tea Party....
but check it out anyway...perhaps we will go bak and do it all again and couth this as a dress rehearsal
count us in
nettienostalgia.blogspot.com

[Myrna]

Hi Vanessa,
Please count me in for the festivities, I 'm looking forward to it !
Blessings,
~Myrna
http://daylily777-myenchantedhome.blogspot.com/

[Sandi Van Winkle]

Vanessa,
Please include me in your Mad Party! So looking forward to it!

[JoAnne]

Hi Vanessa,
Love your blog, your art, your sense of fun. Would love to join!
JoAnne

[velvet]

I'll be soooo there! Thanks for the invite and I look forward to it.
http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/

[Amada Lebel]

Hi Vanessa,
Wow, it's been a long time since I visited but it looks like I timed it perfectly. I am so excited about the event. I loved participating in your Halloween Party last year :) and this looks like even more fun. I have already added your button to my sidebar and will do a post about it as well. Thanks for hosting once again.
Hugs Sweetie,
Amada

[Emilie]

I am going to do it! YAY

[Cosmic Goddess]

Hi Vanessa,
Please count me in! I've added your button to my sidebar and written a little blog post too. Thank you for organising this - it's such a wonderful idea!
Blessings,
Pam

http://cosmicgoddessblog.blogspot.com/

[Donna]

hi there! i'm here because of Linda :-) She told me it's great fun! I never been to any virtual blogparties before.

[Gioncarla Lovato]

I've so very much enjoyed your previous Mad Tea Parties and everything in between! Thank you for the invitation.

I think I shall rather enjoy this!!:-)

[Leathra]

Round about and merry go,
'tween the teacups to and fro,
a dollop here and ribbon there,
join the Tea Party I do dare!

[gina ciarrocchi]

Oh I am so excited i will definately be coming my favourite tea and cake and alice what more could you want thankyou i cant wait!!!
www.chocolatecoffeeandchaos.blogspot.com

[Candace]

As Mr. Clooney asked, Are you in or are you out? In or out? Are you in? Out?

Yes. I. Am. In.
I have already popped the poster icon on my little blog and here I am.
Thanks so so much.X

Candace, Still in Athens

[Italian Postcatds]

This is one of my highlights of the whole year!! Please count me in:
All Roads Lead To Pecetto:
www.viapecetto.blogspot.com
Thnaks!!

[Karin (the Mrs.)]

I'm in, ofcourse I'm in. It's going to be so much fun!

[Donna]

I forgot to give you my bloglink:
http://sodarksocute.blogspot.com

[Su Hall]

Hi, there! I would love to be a part of the 2010 Mad Tea Party celebration! Thank you!

Su