Wonderland is calling! The time has arrived for our 4th annual Mad Tea Party! Time to make your way through the looking glass...
Let's party like it's 1865!
How do you get here you ask?
You need a map?
Directions?
Let's ask the white rabbits...
Oh, silly us, of course, follow the sign to A Fanciful Twist Cottage!
A Fanciful Twist Cottage you ask?
Why, yes, oh yes!
Grand news indeed!
One of the many projects going on in Wonderland, is the location for our very mad, Mad Tea Party! A wee cottage for a girl (that's me) to hide out in, right in her very own garden.
Pinch me?
We sure did fall through the rabbit hole.
And, it's a good thing that I really do share a tiny world with a Mad Hatter, who makes such madness possible.
All I have to do is slip into my Wonderland shoes (handmade by my Mammie), and dream, and believe, and hope, and tumble........
Fanciful, Arizona, here we come!!
Thank you so much for being here!
Having you as a guest is the bestest thing since Alice herself ;)
The Mad Hatter says it is time to go positively mad!
Are you feeling mad?
Crazy as can be?
Silly and giggly, and free?
Sparkle sparkle, all around!
Here we go, no time to waste, twirl down the path, won't you?
A cart of treats, to begin the feast of sweets!
One by one, two by two, three by three, we shuffle in....
The table is set, jump in, jump in!
Oops, I tripped on your extra long ruffled gown, sorry ;)
Bonk bonk, oops, parasols bonking each other too, haha!
Come in, come in, to my beloved play place...
So nice to get to host you!
I hope you feel cozy as can be...
Ooops, what was that?
Oh, no bother, just a bunch of us chickens ;)
Singing and dancing to the madman's tune...
The clock is ticking, telling us it is just about the perfect time...
To tiptoe to where we will nibble, and nosh, and chomp...
Chocolate cake, dancing with colors, moist and fluffy, and waiting for you.
Yumm yumm!
Would you care for one serving, or two?
Rose tea hits the spot...
It's magic you know ;)
Oh please do pour me a hot drop...
Oh and, other guests will be here too!
Like deer.
Since they like cake through and through...
Don't they?
And, what about frogs taking a dip in proper iced tea?
Did you say you wanted a mini confectionery?
Don't act so shy, I know you want to take a tour of sweet tastes...
There's a window of time, where nothing you nibble sticks to your waist!
Make sure you give me your enchanted key.
I can't let you test doors while you have ingested so much candy.
Goodness knows what you might get yourself into!
Oh and look, our children (of the furry variety), are getting fitted for their very own hats. Matty says, no way Jose! (I love him for his strong character. He knows exactly what he likes, and exactly what he does not like)
However, his little brother Miles, squeals with delight at the sight of such a thing. Seems he has been into the swimming pool and mud as well, cutie cutes!
Don't forget there is plenty to sip, not just tea, but punch and cherry cordial too!
Speaking of cherry, how about chocolate cherry mini cupcakes for your woes?
Do you have woes today?
Bloomers might be getting snug from all the treating ;)
I wonder what Alice would think?
Or better yet, what would Lewis Carroll think?
Are you having fun?
Has your sweet tooth gone numb?
Don't forget the key-lime pie!
Munch munch munch!
Sip sip sip!
Oh wait, can you hear that? I can hear more feet coming down the bend! Oh helooooo! It's you, and you, and YOU!! What fun!!
Just in time!
The sun is going down, and there is much dancing to do.
Did you hear? They're playing your tune!
Oooo, delightments under night skies, delicious!
Seems someone needs a nap before his long voyage ;)
Your visit has been beyond wonderful, beyond lovely, beyond grand!! May the rest of your 2011 be filled with all the magic and whimsy your heart desires!!!
Just as night turns to morning, the Mad Hatter rides off, singing,
Arrivederci!!!
Seeeee youuuuuuuu next yeeeeear!!!
Mwuuuuuah!
It was a wonderful time with you!!
Thank you so so so so so much for being here!!
And most importantly, for believing in Wonderland.
Let's make our way over to visit the most lovely and talented,
Our guest of honor for this year's Mad Tea Party! Won't you come with me??? It's beyond delicious at her place!
Love, V
* Please make sure (if you are hosting your own Mad Tea Party) to leave your exact party link in comments here. It will serve as an archive. Thank you!
* To visit Mad Tea Parties from previous years, click here.
* I will be giving away two 8" x 10" prints from my shop (your choice). Simply leave a mad comment to enter. I will draw 2 names in a week or so ;)
ps: A year ago today, on June 25th, 2010, we said good-bye to our most beloved beautiful furry girl, Baby. On June 15th, 2011 my dear friend Roo said good-bye to her love, her husband, Cowboy. There are no words to express everything I would like to say. So I will say this-
In everything good, in everything beautiful, and in everything warm and kind I think of Baby, I think of Cowboy, and I think of all those who are loved and missed. I dedicate this blog post to them, because I hope that they are somewhere beautiful, in their own Wonderland, laughing, pain free, and waving at us with full and happy hearts...♥
Updates Below:
Saturday Afternoon Update: Just a reminder that the party usually lasts all weekend+, as it takes several days to make all the visits (yay, a reason to party longer!). Hooooray, what fun you all are!!! I can't say enough! This is so exciting and wonderful! (I am making my way around, and hope to see you soon, I am a wee bit zombified today -what with finishing the cottage building up to the last second- But I am ever so eager to visit your place soon) xoxo
Sunday Morning Update: Hi there! It is Sunday and I am still partying, working on my visits. Don't worry, the party isn't over yet! ;)
I wanted to share that there have been a handful of e-mails coming my way, with folks having issues leaving comments here. I am not blocking anyone. I don't know what the dilemma is. So sorry about that. Also, I am having my own issues posting on blogspot blogs. I just figure, it's part of the internet, and we have to work the best that we can with it.
Also, as you know, the partier list is in my left hand sidebar, and will stay there for a week. Lots of time for us to make visits. The actual party links will be in the comment section for an eternity, as an archive, in case you still want to peek in the future. Thanks so much!
I have had such a lovely time... Thank You!
And your new, little cottage is wonderful!
My party is here...
http://lifeisabeautifulplacetobe.blogspot.com/2011/06/down-rabbit-hole.html
A word of warning, you may want to be quick about getting there. Some people seem to believe in a tight schedule. :~O
Posted by: Alisa | June 25, 2011 at 05:41 AM
Absolutely divine! Thank you for the chance to be a part of the revelry. You can find mine here:
http://heathens-haven.blogspot.com/2011/06/tea-in-garden.html
Posted by: Heathen | June 25, 2011 at 05:44 AM
What a gorgeous and magical celebration! Thanks for inviting me. I can't wait to see what other mad, mad, adventures lie ahead! Please stop by my blog at http://snibblebitzing.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-hatter-tea-party.html for a visit with the Mad Hatter and the White Rabbit.
Posted by: Kelly | June 25, 2011 at 05:50 AM
You'll find my Mad Tea Party post here,
so come along and visit my dear
♥
http://jetdtsetters.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-alice-in-underwaterland.html
♥
this was my first time playing, I love your posts, very inspiring !!!
(I hope I did your blog hop some justice)
Posted by: Joyce van der Lely | June 25, 2011 at 05:57 AM
Yay hooray for Mad Tea Party Day!
Have fun everyone!
Kim
Bonne Nuit Designs
http://faeriebootsandfoiegras.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Bonne Nuit Designs | June 25, 2011 at 05:58 AM
Thank you for having your lovely party Miss Vanessa! I'm sure you're stuffed with goodies, but do come over and play at my party when you get a chance!
http://mjornaments.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
Take care,
Martha
Posted by: Martha | June 25, 2011 at 06:03 AM
My first year hosting A Mad Tea Party and I couldn't have had more fun!!! My kids had so much fun too!!!!! Thank you for such a magical day of fun! Your tea party is beautiful, to say the least!
http://lisabythebay.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-mad-tea-party.html
Thank you!
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa | June 25, 2011 at 06:03 AM
Hola Vanessa! que hermosas fotos! eres realmente una genia y una divertida artista que juega con las imágenes para darle felicidad a todos.
gracias
Te espero en mi blog hay simpáticos invitados a tu fiesta.
besos
Posted by: Only Cute Things | June 25, 2011 at 06:12 AM
Yeeks. I feel my party must seem a bit not so enchanty now, shoot!
but here i am, and it doesn't suck too badly, perhaps.
http://dreadiegirl-amy.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
best,
amy
Posted by: Amy | June 25, 2011 at 06:17 AM
Thank you so much for inviting me down the rabbit hole, I fall down one myself just a moment ago!. The treasures and cakes, a so delightful, the Tea is rich and smooth, so magical...
Join my Tea Party its a dream
http://rabbitholeart.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Melanie Statnick | June 25, 2011 at 06:22 AM
what a fantatic, splendifferous mad tea party, thankyou so much for inviting us all. Perhaps you would join me for a spot of tea over at my blog too, join the party here:
http://madame-mels.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
Posted by: Mad Madame Mel | June 25, 2011 at 06:23 AM
That is not wonderland that is heaven!! How fabulous! Love it all http://resinangels.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-hatters-tea-party-2011.html
Posted by: Resin Angels | June 25, 2011 at 06:27 AM
So wonderful to see you again V! and what a stunning display you have for us again this year!! Many many thanks for the tea darling~
have a splendid day!
tracey jean
http://wadsworthnollstudio.blogspot.com/2011/06/walk-through-my-wonderland.html
Posted by: tracey jean | June 25, 2011 at 06:31 AM
So very lovely and magical...the colors are so beautiful and I want to step into your Wonderland. And those treats! The best part about Wonderland? Blood sugar does not count, so I could eat it ALL with no problems! Wheee!! Also, your post dedication made me cry, as I still miss my mom like crazy even after 2.5 years. So now I'm hungry AND weepy...geez! But in a good way. :)
Thank you for the the fabulous party and inviting us all to participate. My party post is here:
http://www.avidity.net/muchness-fun-ness-a-mad-tea-party-with-unexpected-guests-futterwacken-and-a-dress-giveaway/
Off to lots more Wonderlands!
Muchly,
Sara
Posted by: Sara | June 25, 2011 at 06:33 AM
Oh dearest Vanessa, what a BEAUTIFUL and ENCHANTING Mad Tea Party you served up for us all!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I send you oodles of hugs, dear friend, for sharing your magic and amazing treats (I haven't had breakfast yet...uh oh!). The whole family got involved - I LOVE the smile on Miles' face...dear sweet boy!!! :)
Here is my humble offering:
http://faeriemooncreations.blogspot.com/2011/06/its-mad-tea-party.html
Although the event is bathed in melancholy and sadness, what a fitting tribute to your dearest Baby and Roo's Cowboy. Through this magical event, they will never forgotten.
Sending you lots of love and Tea Party madness!
xoxo Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | June 25, 2011 at 06:36 AM
Hi Vanessa & Hatter,
I love the new cottage , the shoes, the wonderful , magical celebration & especially I love everything because everything is so special! Love & Blessings,
~Myrna
http://daylily777-myenchantedhome.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
Posted by: Myrna | June 25, 2011 at 06:41 AM
Oh Miss V~~~ you out did yourself!!
Beautiful party and photos!
I am clinking my coffee cup to you this morning!!
Sorry I missed out yesterday but cheers to you and Mr. Looveeee for the entire week!!
xoxo
Kay Ellen
Posted by: kayellen | June 25, 2011 at 06:44 AM
Oh Vanessa!Lovely.I am so glad I have "met you."So often through my life I've wanted to meet other women who I could really relate to.My sisters were nothing like me. My friends in the real world have never been like me.Only since last year when I started blogging did I find I had maybe hundreds of true kindred spirits out in the world.It was so much fun!Thank You and God Bless.I wish I knew how to do that link up thingy but here's my info.http://knuckled54yahoo.com.blogspot.com/2011/24/Mad-Tea-Party.html
Posted by: Denise Adorian | June 25, 2011 at 06:45 AM
How fun! It's my first time visiting. Maybe next year I will play too! :-)
Love your photos and I'm a fan of your art since years!
:-)*
Posted by: Marina | June 25, 2011 at 06:46 AM
I am can not say enough...I feel so lucky really to have found this and been a part of the Mad Tea Party!! The escape I just went on thru your blog above was entrancing...I just don't want to leave EVER!! What an incredible amount of time it takes to do this....My post is up and Anne Boleyn came to have tea at my Mad Tea Party...http://sweetology101.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-for-pink-saturday.html
I am absolutely excited to visit everyone!!!
Sweet wishes ~ Trish
Posted by: trisha | June 25, 2011 at 06:47 AM
Also Ms V...I have a present for you.....
Posted by: trisha | June 25, 2011 at 06:47 AM
How fun!! Loved the treats! oh wait! there is more.. visit here!
http://dreamaginarius.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011-hosted-by-fanciful.html
... Baby was so lucky to have you as much as you were having her in her life. She went to the rainbow and is happy there so don't be sad!
xo,
Karla
Posted by: Karla | June 25, 2011 at 06:54 AM
Wonderful post Vanessa as always...please join me @ http://www.theenchantingworldofmiladyleela.blogspot.com
Posted by: dena miller | June 25, 2011 at 07:12 AM
Vanessa----
IS that a REAL little play cottage for you and Lovee?? Has that been your 'project', and the cutie coop? You have been BUUUSSSSYYYY as a bee! This was perfect, as usual. And Rosie's cupcakes....oh, dear--I might just have a new obsession.
Come on over!
http://rhinestonearmadillo.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011-1.html
Posted by: Laura | June 25, 2011 at 07:12 AM
Aah, so much fun! I may not like sweets as much as most, but those all look delicious...what a fantasmabullistic party, V! I hope to join the madness again next year.
http://preteenenglishmajor.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011.html
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | June 25, 2011 at 07:17 AM
Thanks for always providing so much inspiration- you were the one who got me into following blogs and then starting my own!!
And that's ignoring the fairytale madness :)
Here's the beginning of my first, own mad tea party :)
http://lightninginastarrysky.wordpress.com/?p=596&preview=true
Posted by: Amy | June 25, 2011 at 07:19 AM
Hello Vanessa!
Everything looks scrumptious. I need to go back and wallow in it all a bit.
Our post is up and running and I would like to let people know that I have been posting Alice's adventures all week on my blog...the tea party is just the final blow out special!
http://www.fairiemoon.typepad.com/weathertop
Enjoy!
Erin :)
Posted by: Erin | June 25, 2011 at 07:20 AM
What a beautifully delicious party and such a lovely cottage! You truly live in a magical place. Thank you for inviting me to your wonderland, it was truly gorgeous.
What a beautiful dedication!
Many hugs and magical blessings...
Here is the link to my spooky wonderland.
http://evelynswonderland.blogspot.com/2011/06/hauntingly-mad-tea-party-and-giveaway.html
~Evelyn
Posted by: Evelyn's Wonderland | June 25, 2011 at 07:28 AM
I so wished I could have joined in. A truly spectacular party :O)
Loved it.
Posted by: Abi Monroe | June 25, 2011 at 07:29 AM
This was delightful as always, Miss Vanessa! Quite enchanting, delicious, and always, always a surprise!
Kathy
http://aspectacularmess.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Kathy | June 25, 2011 at 07:30 AM
Thank you so much for hosting this wonderful Mad Tea Party! Your tea party is amazing. You've outdone yourself Vanessa.
This is my very first tea party. Please stop by, sip some tea and nibble on some treats :)
Here is the link:
http://castlesandcarriages.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011.html
Posted by: Jen | June 25, 2011 at 07:31 AM
Happy and Joy, It's Tea Party Time! Once again, I am enchanted by your Magical Deliciousness of your Mad Tea Party. I'm truly happy to be part of this Party again.
Here is my Party:http://swanofdreamers.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
Now, I'm off to all the Parties now.
Posted by: Shell | June 25, 2011 at 07:32 AM
What splendor! What beauty! What sweetness! What madness! Oh this is such a special day. Thank you for inviting me. I hope you can come to my mad tea party, because it is also a retirement party for myself. It is on my blog http://wjcsdigitalworld.blogspot.com/ It isn't nearly as magical as yours, because finally being able retire is so magical in itself. Yay! But it is indeed mad!
Posted by: William Charlebois | June 25, 2011 at 07:37 AM
delightful! must say the sweetapolita ribbony confection looks grand! right next to my fave key lime pie.
here's me
http://vvb32reads.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party.html
Posted by: vvb | June 25, 2011 at 07:37 AM
Oh Vanessa, the party was just magical and wondermous! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and appreciated that window where none of the goodies went to my waist. ; )
I would love to win a print of your art work. Please drop my name in the drawing hat and also. Please come visit my tea party when you get a chance. We would love to have you and the Fanciful crew.
http://www.anaboocreationsbysylvia.blogspot.com
Parting Hugs & Happy Travels,
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia Smiser | June 25, 2011 at 07:43 AM
Fantastico!
especial!
encantador!
fabuloso Mundo da fantasia as suas fotos!
Posted by: Ana caldatto | June 25, 2011 at 07:44 AM
Vanessa, your post made me cry but in a good way. I had not read your post about Baby until just now. Your words expressed perfectly my own feelings about our furry angels both past and present. And I really do believe that they are angels. They are gifted to us for much too short a time and give us so much while they are here. Our Mr. Nibbles was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago now and I know better (now) and that every day he is here with us is truly a gift to be treasured.
Such a wonderful and fitting tribute to Baby, a Mad Tea Party. Thanks soooo much for sharing. It has left me smiling ear to ear.
http://wanderlustnpixiedust.typepad.com/wanderlust_pixie_dust/
Posted by: Valerie Mungia | June 25, 2011 at 07:45 AM
Happy Mad Tea Party ;o) I am glad nothing sticks to my waist, because I nibbled a lot ;o) I had a beautiful time, at your magical party! Thanks so much for inviting me ;o) I hope you have a wonderful day ;o)
Posted by: Stacy | June 25, 2011 at 07:53 AM
I am completely enchanted. It's nice to know there are people in the world like you.
Posted by: Jessica Manchester | June 25, 2011 at 08:02 AM
lovely as always, my dear! thanks for the tea and goodies!
Cassandra
http://dandelionbones.blogspot.com/2011/06/summer-tea.html
Posted by: Cassandra | June 25, 2011 at 08:08 AM
What can I say...Once again you've conjured up a Wonderland to rival Lewis Carroll himself! Absolutely enchanting! From your adorable cottage to the yummy sweets...the handsome Mad Hatter, the precious fur babies...You've outdone yourself!
And I'm teary-eyed at the beauty with which you describe Baby and Cowboy's (and all those who've made that journey) very own, pain free Wonderland. I know what a bittersweet day this must be for you and your Mr Lovee, and I can only imagine what Roo must be going through. Bless you for such a thoughtful end to such a beautiful post.
My own post is here...
http://kingofmicestudios.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-and-mad-giveaway.html
...and I'm giving away an original painting. Please do drop by if you get the chance. I'm off to do a bit of visiting now...
Love and *magic*,
♥ Carolee
PS - please do drop my name in the hat for your print giveaway - I so love your work!
Posted by: Carolee Clark | June 25, 2011 at 08:21 AM
Oh V, You have out done yourself yet again! It is a wonderland of madness! I wish I had 1 ounce of your creativity! You are my hero!!!! Thank you for letting me be a part of your wonderfully magic life.
I think I saw Baby peeking around every corner of your photos! She is a huge part of your magic! Much love to you, Matty, Miles and Mr. Lovee!!! Keep it up.
Until Then,
Wende
http://creativeartseatables.wordpress.com/
Posted by: Wende | June 25, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Breathtaking!!! The most spectacular homage to a donut ever :) Raising my tea cup to you from Canada!!!
Posted by: Nathalie Gagnon | June 25, 2011 at 08:24 AM
Loved all the pics, sweet goodies and tea! Thank you for hosting such a wonderful party.d
Posted by: Debbie Lynch | June 25, 2011 at 08:28 AM
How lovely Vanessa. An enchanted visit this was indeed.
Here is my link http://mama-craft.blogspot.com/2011/06/tea-party.html. Thank you for letting me join in.
Hugs to you and Roo too. xx
Posted by: Sara | June 25, 2011 at 08:37 AM
Well... let me try this one more time. I must be mad today. http://mama-craft.blogspot.com/2011/06/tea-party.html
Posted by: Sara | June 25, 2011 at 08:38 AM
I think the frogs would love the iced tea! :) Thank you for hosting this blog party. I've really had a lot of fun taking part and the link to my party is below:
http://modernwomans.blogspot.com/2011/06/welcome-to-my-english-tea-party.html
Posted by: Aurelia | June 25, 2011 at 08:40 AM
What a fun and magical mind you have my dear! You are a constant inspiration to add a bit of magic and madness to my own life.
One of these days I will have to find the time and inspiration to take part in one of your fab parties...maybe Halloween =)
Cheers,
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | June 25, 2011 at 08:49 AM
Beautiful as always. Matty looked lovely in his hat. :)
My party is up at
http://fromthemindofalphabetsy.blogspot.com/2011/06/mad-tea-party-2011.html
Posted by: Betsy Bailey | June 25, 2011 at 08:50 AM
I'm on Route 66 on my way to Fanciful AZ. I plan to stay in the Fanciful V cottage & have fresh eggs & frog tea for breakfast. Can't wait. Driving 100mph.
Posted by: Orangecoupe2 | June 25, 2011 at 08:53 AM