A Fanciful Twist

A Home of Love and Laughs and Treats Galore!

We made our way out of town, after securing the fortress and packing (way too many shoes and jewels).  In the dark and rain we drove.  Laughing and dancing in the car.  Telling tales that started like, remember when we first met and you said... 

I don't know what soul mates are, but if finishing eachother's sentences and giggling madly at the same things, isn't enough, I don't know what is.  Granted, we can also make eachother so angry our faces can turn a perfect shade of fluorescent magenta.  Alas, we try not to push those buttons often ;)

So we drove and drove, and arrived to a house bursting with food and love.  Shrimp cocktails and fresh pesto, with baked bread straight out of the oven, abound...

        

My parents are so wonderfully delightful.  And funny as funny could be.  My Mammie is a hoot and probably should get a superb hostess trophy.

     

Dad and her together could start a comedy show.  They are so sweet, and have always made it very clear that home is home.  It is our home.  There is always an open door, and your bedroom is always there for you.  You always have a home, no matter what. 

My Dad is always available.  You got a flat?  You ran out of gas?  You sliced your leg open pretty darn deep and have to go to the emergency room (that would be me).  He is in his car on his way to you no matter where you are.  He hugs he squeezes, you beg to be let go.  You can even catch him playing with the elves you make.  That alone should earn him a perfect award, don't you think?

        

Ya, I thought they were super annoying when I hit my teenage years.  But, it is all the things I found annoying about them then, that I now adore.  Funny how that works, isn't it? 

Sooo, we installed Mr. Lovee in his own private mini wing.  So he could have a little restful space of his own.  Bottles of water, candies, wait are we in a hotel?  Again, Mammie's hospitality...

      

Mr room had a lovely crown waiting for me...

    

As well as a dresser full of gifts (for no reason), which are just my kind of treasures.  Thank you Mommmmmbie!!

    

It rained & was cold our entire stay, which was a lovely thing indeed.  It was a treat to have a Thanksgiving that was cool and brisk and didn't feel like a warm tropical holiday (as usual).

The first night we were there we lost power most of the evening.  So, we all sat around a candle lit living room, telling stories, while Mr. Lovee played his guitar...

We breakfasted in the nook...

        

And got a ton of excercise by going down the super long driveaway to retrieve the newspaper.

         

Silly me, forgot her tennis shoes.  Luckily my 21 year old brother had a pair of boy shoes stashed from when he was in 5th grade.  They fit like a glove. 

        

I enjoyed the autumn feel in the garden, but was surprised at how much green the trees still held...

        

I collected leaves and strolled in the sprinkles, all bundled up.  Beautiful leaves a plenty...

        

         

We had Thanksgiving lunch at My Grandma and Grandpa's (Mammie's parents).  There was a tradtional meal, along with homemade tortillas to be eaten as they came off the wood burning stove.  (that is my Grandma, adding wood)

        

How I adore my grandparents...  Mr. Lovee charms the socks off of my Granny.  He played his guitar, she sang.  He indulged in her freshly made edibles...

         

Everyone in my family is loud and has a story to tell.  A joke, a tale...  Words are thrown in and out and all around in conversation.  It is blissful chatter chaos...

We were stuffed after that visit.  Even though we were told to eat light.  There were other Thanksgiving meals to be eaten.  We ventured home to relax, make room for more munching...

I put on my pajamas and found a cozy spot to relax...

        

Mmmmm, relaxing...  (Not something I did much of, as planned ;)

       

I longed for a swim and I dreamily looked out the window...

          

But, the relaxing was short lived.  Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed up again, for a formal Thanksgiving dinner...

         

Mr. Lovee waited patiently, while the gals shuffled around.  The table had already been set days before by Mammie...

There he is with his freshly trimmed hair, lacking about 6 inches (oops, my bad, 10 inches)...  I think he looks dreamy...

         

Most of my photographs were taken at night.  Hence the darkish golden glow.  I promised my family I wouldn't splash their fotos on my blog.  I don't want to become the annoying girl with the camera, that everyone dreads seeing at the holidays, hee heee... 

      

I myself, do not enjoy having my photo taken.  Actually, if you want to know the truth.  I get sort of royally unhappy when people take my photo without consent...  So, I will be sensitive to the members whose photos I snapped... 

Nontheless, there were smiling faces and lovely attired folks mingling...

      

We had a scrumptious formal dinner at home.  Once again, telling tales and laughing uncontrollably...  Although, we were still full from lunch.  So, we all were woe-ing about our overfilled bellies...

      

We saved dessert for the next day...

The most outrageous fresh cranberry candied orangle peel trifle you have ever tasted...

   

And some fancy form of pumpkin pie...

         

Then it was time for a walk.  We hiked a bit while there.  And had a delightful time climbing the hills & cavelings I ventured into as a kid...

        

We came upon what Mr. Lovee called a midden.  Filled with rusty parts and domed ever so wonderfully with twigs and rocks.  A pack rat home for certain.  It is sort of hard to see its dome like quality in this photo...

        

I got on my hands and knees to show you the entrance...  So cute!!

         

The next day, we had canela at my grannies house & snooped around at my granpa's warehouse of found rusted and crazy treasures.  He told us stories, and gifted me a wonderful item.  I will share it soon!!  If it snows ;)  Oh and, by the way, Canela is cinnamon tea...

        

We really wanted to invite everyone over to sing and tell scary stories around the outdoor fireplace.  Alas, the wet wood and weather was not having it.  Maybe next time...

         

Soon it was time to leave...  But, I just couldn't go without telling you one big secret.  You see, there is a pantry in Mombie's house, that would blow your mind.  Every gum drop and gum ball and cookie, and chip, and treat, and baking good that you can imagine, resides right on the other side of that door.  It is a vault of edible treasures.  Would you like to visit it sometime?  hee hee ;)  I could lock you in there for a day or two?

        

So, into the car I went.  Mr. Lovee packed my belongings, and we started home.  The clouds cleared up a bit for our 2 hour drive...

 

We stopped in a village called Tubac, 20 minutes from our family home.  It is a lovely historic shopping village.  So much fun!  Quaint and charming.  There were tons of people there...

  

    

   

We returned to our humble abode in the hills at night.  It was a raining frenzy.  So much rain, Wow! And the next day, there were pink mountains and snow right at the top...  Hooray!

   

Oh, but dare I forget to mention...  I picked up a treasure to giveaway, at one of the shops in Tubac.  Yes Indeed.  At a place filled with milagros and beautiful 100+ year old santos...

This milagro filled cross...

 

So leave a hello, and I shall drop your name in a hat.  The next time I return (2 days or so), I shall have more little creatures like this to pop in my shop.  There are still a couple of original paper dress girls waiting for a lovely home...

Okay, I must rest (I am a zombie girl)  & then head out to see the new one person swing Mr. Lovee is building for me.  I just can't get up enough speed on the two person swing ;)

See you soon, Huge ♥'s, V

ps:  I watched the most sad touching movie and the most silly ridiculous make me giggle Christmas movie!  I looove the house in Fred Claus in the beginning in the woods!  I want to live there!  And I adore Willy's little abode!!  So cute!!

Paper Dress Girls, Sugar Plum Fairies, Elves and Miniature Enchanted Cypress Groves...

Phew...  I never thought I would be writing this post.  Between creating, photographing & resizing (plus everyday life adventures in between) - a person could fall straight through the rabbit hole into a whirlwind abyss of color and creatures, never to return again... YIKES!

 

The good news is, I am here, and Thanksgiving is in a mere two days?  Scrumptious treats and relaxtion, here we come ;)

But first -   A few new originals and little guys to share with you.  I am working really hard to keep my shop stocked this holiday season.  Also, doing it with more than enough time to get you your parcel, if you find one you like ;)

So, here is what I am popping in the shop this afternoon.  Any orders placed Between today and Sunday Will be shipped out Monday, which is Dec. 1st. 

Tea Party Sojourn - 16" x 20" x 1.75" (original)  All paper dresses are made out of vintage dicitonary pages...

   

         

         

         

Blissful Daydream - 16" x 20" x 1.75" (original)

      

   

         

         

Fluttering Memories -  16" x 20" x 1.75" (original)

   

         

         

The Siren Finds Her Passion - 11" x 14" x 1.5" (original)

         

         

        

       

  The Sugar Plum Fairy - 12" x 12" x 1.65" - (original)

 

         

         

Little Tree Tale - 24" x 36" x 1.75" (original)

         

    

         

       

       

We also have some new family members to share from the Enchanted Cypress Grove.  Looks like some Sugar Plum Fairies have found their way.  Mr. Lovee is devasted that they are being put into the shop, hee hee ;)

These little guys are bigger than the elves...

Olive Marguerite McCupboard  

      

        

         

Hattie Tea-cake Dalhousie (pronounced, Doll-housie)

        

        

        

Madeline Tea Biscuit Merry Garden

        

   

        

Peppermint Tea Time de Forest

      

         

        

As for darling elflings...

We have, Angeline Snowflake Chandelier -

    

       

Arnold Arnoldson Small Fry  

       

         

Cornelia Louise Small Stuff

          

        

Cupcake de la Tea Party Doolittle

        

         

         

Lulua Heart Tea Treat

         

         

Prince Rupert Tree House

         

         

Portugal De Berry

         

         

Annnd, a few mini Enchanted Cypress groves...

        

         

         

So, I am headed over to fill the shop with these lil' guys... 

I will be having Thanksgiving with my familia, and enjoying myself to the core.  What will you be up to?  (I will however, be reachable via e-mail)

I hope you have a super duper lovely Thanksgiving!!  We send lots of love from the gang over here at "A Fanciful Twist" ;)

   

Don't forget your free Thanksgiving place cards right here...  Print, cut, fold, slap a name on there, and voila ;)

Annnnnnnnnd, the name drawn for the SugarPlum Fairy Stocking is...  Allie of "Under the Texan Sun!!!"  Woo hooo!!  Yipppeee! E-mail me your address please!! 

I hope some of you get to make those stockings.  I would LOVE to see pictures and post them for all to admire ;) ;)

Anyhow, I am off for now.  Heading over to fill the shop. 

See you in a few days!!

Waving adios, lot's of ♥'s, V

ps:  I forgot to tell you about this months ago.  You can read an interview I did for Stampington & Co. regarding my dolls on the cover of Art Doll Quarterly in Fall 2008.  I thought I should tell you in case it disappears ;)

I also chatted a bit over at All Things Cupake, a fave place to visit!!  how can you not love it?  It is all about cupcakes ;)

Painting, Painting, Painting....

I am in a dreamscape.  One of my very favorite places to escape to, deep in the depths of my being, in a little world of its own.   Alone, creating...  Music, characters, paint, self, places, experiences and bundles of emotion pouring out at full speed...  Ideas swirling around like magical sparkles, twirling around me... 

        

Who knows if the paint brush will be able to capture that which I am trying to convey.  But the experience alone (of creating), is adrenaline packed, and what I live for.   

I just wanted to pop in and say, Hey there ;)  And maybe open the little tiny peep hole door in my front door, see your smiling face, and let you peek in, while offering you a parcel of goodies, and saying - New creations to come sooner than soon.  In a day or two (or less)...

      

When I create, I have to disappear a little (and we had a guest).  But, when I realized I had not said hi for many days, I thought it prudent to poke my head in, wave and smile!!

I had to pry myself away from my constant companion...  My trusty, can't live without, Da Vinci Maestro Kolinsky.  When I am really good, I might find a gifted one, left by the Mr. Lovee Fairy ;)  He can be counted on for good art supplies.  And, I need replacement brushes often...

   

When I am working on an art piece, I can only listen to music.  And it plays non-stop. My poor lil' Ipod ;)  It is so confused packed with 80's and folk and classical and soundtracks and dance and, well, you can imagine...   I bet yours is wacky like that too?  Late at night, I might even get in a dance mood with Hercules and Love Affair.

But, when I paint characters, I like to listen to This American Life or movies.  I listened to 5 episodes last night...  Current fave viewing/listening to flicks are -  Art City (I liked disc 3 the best), Paul Klee: The silence of the angel (the intro music gets me).  I looove Pete Seeger (The power of song), and I have seen Eugene O'Neill (a PBS documentary) 3 times.  Another repeat watch is The Eternal Children.  (If you haven't seen it, you will get to see a bit of Antony Hegarty, CocoRosie, Devendra Banhart & Vashti Bunyan)  I adore part 5.  And, I love repeat.

For some reason, I love watching this little Prada Party with CocoRosie clip too... 

Anyhow, see, get me talking and I lose track... Must get back to work for now...

        

I'll pick a name out of the hat and announce it in the next post for the stocking...

Before I go, on a random note, my sis (did you see her eyelashes???) and I had quite the laugh the other evening.  I told her I was going to change my middle name.  And I had to come up with another A name, since my middle name starts with an A.  I don't dislike my middle name.  I just thought a change could be amusing...

So, there we are having the most pointless silly conversation...  And I suggested Almond.  She flinched.  

Then I exclaimed, Amaretto!!!  Like it was the best idea in the world.  And she says, umm, more like Amacrazy.  Hee hee!  Then I said Augustia.  And she said, Angustia (which in espanol means, anguish/anxiety/distress).  So, I am at a loss...

Maybe I should leave the topic (and name) alone...  ;) ;)

Can you think of a  favorite or interesting "A"name?

With that question, I am off for now....  See you soon!

♥, V

Sparkly, Happy, No Sew, Christmas Stocking...

There are a few really lovely things I adore about the holidays.  But I have to say, one of my favorites is decorating the mantle.  I love to decorate my fireplace mantle at my little abode in town, and light a crackling lovely fire.  Sit around, all cozy, lights twinkling...  Stockings, dancing around, waiting to be filled with treats...

      

When Miss Polly of Counting Your Blessings asked me to submit a Christmas themed idea to her new and exciting PORCH magazine (for bloggers, by bloggers), I immediately thought about easy to make stockings.  Little Sugar plum fairy stockings, with candies as sparkly embellishments...

      

Last year I made a few miniature carboard houses and enjoyed that.  However,  stockings are such a huge part of my family, and kids (of any age) love making them.  So, I thought up an easy plan.

An easy plan with a free and easy template made just for you, by me.

Click here for printable PDF File. 

Your PDF file will open up in 10-20 seconds, and look like the image below.  You will want to cut out your stocking template and use it to outline the stocking on the fabric.  Use it to outline the stocking twice per stocking, for front and back.  I will show you my process below...

I added a few of my illustrations that you can cut out and use to decorate your stocking, if you choose not to use candies (or use candies and little paper cut outs too).  It is best to print this out on cardstock if you have some on hand.

        

So, here is what I did to make mine.  I started by cutting out my template and tracing the outline on beige felt, with a colored pencil.  I used the same template to draw out the front and the back of the stocking, by simply flipping the template. 

   

Then I cut out my stocking out with fabric scissors that have a design on the edge.  I cut outside the brown line, as opposed to inside the line.  So my stocking wouldn't be too tiny. 

If you have pinking shears they work really well.  I know this is self explanatory to those of you who sew and craft all the time ;)

I used the sides that didn't have the colored pencil lines as the outside of my stocking.

 

Now, I used hot glue for this entire project, but you can use white craft glue.  Just let it set up over night...  I prefer hot glue for quickness.  If young kids will be making these, and hot glueing will be going on, an adult must be around doing the glueing for kids. (I know you know this, I am just being cautious ;)

So, after my stocking was all cut out, front and back, I glued the edges together  (I will say, feel free to sew, if you would prefer.  I use really hot glue, and find it makes felt to felt stick very well)...

 

Then the fun decorating part began.  I went through my stash of gift wrapping & scrapbooking papers, and found just the perfect one I wanted to use for the top edging of the stocking...

   

I cut out a little piece, and drew out some scallops.

    

Then I cut them out, and hot glued them right on...

   

    

I ran a little band of ribbon at the top of the stocking.  And then, saw that I had some jelly beans on hand.  So, I set them on the stocking to see if they looked good.

    

I loved the idea and decided to add some iridescent sparkled to one side of the jelly beans.  I used regular white craft glue to adhere the sparkles.  Then I glued on the candy with a bead of hot glue...

   

I like to keep creme savers candy on hand, because it is pretty to play with and pretty to use to add sparkle to for this craft.   

        

I cut out little scrapbook paper circles with my scalloped scissors, to set the candies on, for a little extra decor love...  I glued the cutout to the stocking and then the candy to the cutout.

   

I simply used whatever candy I had on hand.  That sparkle sure does add the Sugar Plum Fairy Magic to those candies ;)

    

And there you have it.  A happy little Sugar Plum Fiary stocking, for your mantle or for anywhere you hang them really.   I like to hang stockings from the top of my bookcases ;)

        

         

You can really do anything with this stocking.  Embellish it with tchotchkes you might have sitting around.  I thought about running a colorful cord around the edge, if I hadn't used pinking shears...  The ideas are endless.  I would love to see what you come up with if you make one or two, or many ;)

Oh, also, to make mine hangable, I took a ribbon, folded it in half, and hot glued it to the inside corner, of the heel side of the stocking...

       

To answer some questions that have arisen, the stocking I made is very sturdy.  I find that hot glue on felt sticks incredibly well.  But, if you would rather sew yours, feel free to do so.  This is a little stocking, and won't hold a ton, so you can't overfill it, even if you wanted too ;)

Here are some filled stocking shots...

        

      

Annnnd, the news is, if you'd like to own this stocking, leave a hello in this post.  This week's giveaway will be this actual wee stocking used in this lil' tutorial and also, seen in Porch Magazine.  I can't wait to receive my copy...

Thanks for being patient with my slowness in blogging hello's and what not.  I have been filling those lovely magical holiday card orders and getting those to the post.  Whilst attempting to get a shop update in order before Thanksgiving.  So, you can imagine, there is craziness behind the scenes!  But I love being a busy bee, so it is just wonderful!!

      

Well, I'd love nothing more than to stay and play all day, but I must be off!!  Have a charming lovely day!!  Lots of  ♥'s, V

ps:  The shop is full of all sorts of Holiday Cards and Mini Calendars...  And I am shipping every 24 hours so you get them with more than enough time ;)

 

pss:  Two extra tip ideas for making your stocking, from my friend Sarah...  First an alternative to hot glue.  Can I suggest two things? Use Fabritac instead of the hot glue, because it sticks fabrics together really well. And, wait to cut the scallop-y edges until after you have the stocking glued, so that the scallops line up.  Sarah is a maker of amazing fabric creatures and treasures!!  I like her tips, so here you have them ;) 

Here Autumn Autumn... Where is Autumn? Perhaps she is Hiding at your House? (free printable Thanksgiving treat too)

The days in Arizona have been glllllorious!!  I have never appreciated our weather here like I have this 32nd year of my life.  I have always itched (even wept) for cold weather so that I might simply don a dashing new frock of the winter coat variety.  However, this year, I am tickled pink (And boy, do I mean pink) to be drenched in warm 79' November weather, under trees, surrounded by hibiscus... 

   

I must tell you, the color of my Prickly Pear Margarita was not altered.  This was in fact the most beautiful sippable treat I have ever beheld.  And the flavor was so outrageously delicious, I was blown away... 

So, with camera in hand...

        

I decided to take you on a tiny prickly pear voyage.  I felt like I was on an exotic island getaway...

        

         

When I told Mr. Lovee how surprised so many of you were with my Gypsy adventure in the front portion of our property (regarding rain), he said to tell you...

We are lucky if we get rain 17 days out of the year...  The worry of rain never even really crosses my mind...  Unless it is monsoon season, and even that is sporatic...  We get a tiny bit of snow where the studio is (in the country), in the winter.  But it melts in a day...  The desert is known to get very very cold at night in the winter.  But days can still warm up quite beautifully... 

Anyhow, where I really was enjoying the treat above, was through magical corridors...  In a hidden garden...

        

         

Isn't it lovely?

         

And it has perfectly wonderful spaces to sit and reflect...

        

Now, we sat in a garden through the blue doors, and out back, which was lush and green, & perfect.  Complete with a mountain view...

But, I was equally fascinated poking around at the tchotchkes....

        

As the sun started to make it's way to the west, it sparkled and everything glowed with a hint of cobalt blue... 

        

I soaked it all in...

         

While literally surrounded by gorgoues hibiscus...  Yummyyy!  Have you ever had hibiscus tea, or my favorite drink called Agua de Jamaica (Pronounced:  Ha-My-Ka)?  Yumm yummm!  Made from Hibiscus leaves!!

      

When it was time to go, my friend Joyce twirled for a photo, in her beautiful skirt...

      

And we were happy that we have Tohono Chul to escape to every now and then... 

I did three more things that day, and then my beau picked me up at our country abode, for dinner and dancing... 

But, in the midst of all of that, I have been working non-stop to have a shop update before Thanksgiving...  Lots of fun treats on the way...  I might even lose my head, and pop some unexpected items in the shop too...

Oh, and I forgot to mention that I popped this little gal, "Enchanted Tea Time," into the shop in postcard form as well...

      

On another note, I found myself working on some drawings and enjoying the November issue of Martha Stewart Living.  It is filled with scrumptious edibles and a delightul article, below...

   

    

So as I drew, I thought I might make you a free printable place setting card, for your Thanksgiving celebration...  I think little place cards are a fun thing, even if it is a small group of folks...

    

So, I came up with this lil simple traditional card...  With a pie carrying Turkey ;)  And a little space to scribble in a name...

   

Here is what some of mine look like...  

    

Click Here for your printable PDF of these cards.  Print as many as you'd like.  There are two per page, and they are perfectly sturdy printed on cardstock... Give the PDF about 30 seconds to open. 

Then cut above the dotted line, fold in half, et, Voila!! 

Before I am off to work like a mad woman, I shall enjoy some coffee in my newish thrifventure cup from the Mister, while I look upon our only tree that has decided it is time to embrace Autumn.  A pecan tree (we have two)...

 

Bet you thought I forgot about the drawing?   Nope, sure didn't...  Charming medley card set names drawn were... (By way of random number generator)

Yippeee!!  Miss lovely Anastasia of Anastasia Drawing an Dreaming!!  And Miss kiss noises, Rosey from Agapanthas and Goldsworthy!!  Woo hooo! Send me your addresses Ppplease!

Off I go back to work in the studio, wish me luck... 

        

Tons of  ♥'s, V  ;)

Holiday Treats, Holiday Cards, Yipppeee!!

I can't wait to share, so I will simply jump in now!  Sugar Plum Fairies and Candy Swirled cakes, red and white polka dotted tights and girls with pet deer...  Snowflakes abound, and happy sparkly yummy winter cheer!!  My drawing pencil sends early greetings!!  (but not too early for card shopping)

        

This is what my mind has been a flurry of for months now. Do you know how hard it is to keep these things to myself?  I hope you enjoy the holiday fun...  There are originals and elves and theaters on their way...  But for now, all the Holiday cards are in my shop.  Including little postcard calendars, of the Charming Silhouette variety.

Before I go any further, I should tell you that, I did an insane thing and ordered many (many) Holiday cards.  Which meant I was offered a great deal (as in, less money), so I passed the savings on to the Holiday postcard prices.  You'll see ;)

Here is a roll up of what you will find in the shopling.  All Holiday cards are also in canvas print form. 

The Sugar Plum Fairy (who is also now visiting my banner).

    

A postcard sized, 2009 Calendar.  Which is perfect for a New Year's card too, me thinks...  Mr. Lovee will be sending these out for Hanukkah...

  

         

Then this lil' Miss who is a beloved friend of mine that I reworked for this Holiday season... 

Holiday Deer, Holiday Cheer...

Front  (the beige background is only to show the rounded corners.  They were hard to see on white)

   

  

The photos really don't do them justice...  They are so scrumptious in real life...   

  

The little cutie below has been driving Mr.  Lovee insane with Holiday Tunes...  He said, are you sure you want to annoy me this early with Holiday tunes.  And you know what she answered?  She is so cheeky, she said "I am not asking for a car, I am not asking for a mansion, I am not asking for jewels, so I am not asking, and singing every holiday tune I want to my hearts content, oh and while I am at it, I am putting up a pink Christmas tree extra early."  You know what he said to that?  " I guess she has a point."  hee hee...  (okay okay, it was me who was cheeky, not the cutie below ;)

Print version...

 

Postcard version...

 

I hope you get to run on over and have a peek ;)  

   

I am being a very busy bee.  But, every night before I go to bed, I am crocheting to my hearts content in my litle private boudoir whilst devouring Foreign films.  I have a plan for these happy doilies.  Yes, that is my current obsession.  I get all crazy crochet lady, then over do it until it dies down.  Then it starts up again when I least expect...

   

I guess, it poses no harm, since it is only yarn...  By the way, I baked a few more banana breads per the Mister's request.  But the oddest thing happened.  The baking bread gave me a splitting headache yesterday, and it is still lingering...  Is there something about banana's cooking and headaches that I don't know about?  Others have confirmed a similar reaction.  Hmmmm.... Tres interesante... 

On a totaly random note.  I have been meaning to share with you who greets me at the post office on a regular basis, without fail...

 

I often look out my window, and this little guy is just standing there...  Maybe he wants to borrow my shoes?  Oh, wait, I got it!  He wants my sparkly stuff.  I bet that is it!!  Bangles and metals... 

    

Funny little guys, aren't they??

Oh and, I will choose two names for the last posts drawing.  So, you can toss your name in again in this post, for a double chance...  Or, join in if you haven't yet...  I will draw names in a few days...  (The giveaway is for Charming silhouettes, Mermaid & Peacock postcards medley)

See you sooooooon!  Lots of ♥'s, V

Artful Blogging Magazine, Little Collections, Random Thoughts & A Postcard Giveaway...

Today is a funny day.  Today is a day where I just want to be in the moment.  I want to feel the sun tingle my skin through the cool breeze.  I don't want to brush my seaweed hair.  I want to be hyper sensitive to tiny things in the drying garden...  I want to have chats with imaginary friends.  I want to whisper "hhhey" to microscopic bugs...

   

I want to squinch up my face in a silly happy way, towards the heavenly sky as its brightness sparks glowy orbs...  Whilst twirling a little guy in my fingers...

        

I want to get real close to a crack in my giant spool table...

  

And, just lean on my elbows and stare at beautiful nature finds & rusty treasures I have collected in abundance...

   

I want to know what it is like to have golden fur...  To be able to smell things at outrageous levels...  I want to burry my head deep in exploration...

         

The best part of having this blond pooch to be your friend, is that when you sing, her tale wags in time...  So, I sang a lil' tune to her as we roamed...  And I guess I also serenaded our neighbor, because, I heard a voice say, "hey how's it goin'" and looked up and he was facing me in the distance, eeek!  But maybe he was on the phone, haha!  One can only hope.  Although, they already think I am daft, so it doesn't really matter at this point...

I walk around the yard hauling a mannequin and a gypsy tent...  I mean, c'mon, a little singing isn't going to affect their already established opinion, heeheeeeeeeee!!

        

Today is also a day, where I don't know how I am going to get anything done with these beautiful pages beckoning me...  And boy do I have tons to do!!  I need to sequester myself in the studio and get all my holiday treats for the shop finished up...

        

The house looks like a colorful tornado blew through.  Actually, I really don't care, ha, is that so bad?  But, I should probably tidy up a little... 

The magazines above are Artful Blogging Winter 2009, the December issue of Mary Engelbreit, November issue of Domino and at the bottom, the more than scrumptious Martha Stewart Living Mag for December.  Oh, it is soo goood!!  Doily love galore, and I LOVE DOILIES!!!

As for Artful Blogging Winter 2009, I thought I should share a bit of it with you...  I can not tell you how much I adoooore Artful Blogging Magazine!!  I have every issue, and can look at them tons of times without getting tired of them...

      

We were lucky enough to have the Mad Tea Party featured with a lil' Q & A article in the Winter 2009 issue. 

   

    

    

It is a really fun spread, which features some of the photos from a few Mad Tea Party participants.  I wish everyone could have been in it.  I am sure it was not easy for the editors to choose photos.  But I do know, they look for high resolution images as the first factor...  They told me there was so much goodness to choose from, it was a very difficult task...  I can only imagine.  I was blown away at each blog I visited during the party...

There is also a great letter from the editor at the beginning of the issue, talking about what they look for in featuring blogs, and in the back are some great blogging tips... 

Guess whose paw got a little mag love?

 

Here are some tiny tidbits from the issue.  I don't like to share too much, because I don't want to ruin it for anyone...  But I can't resist a little sharing...

          

         

    

    

While I was taking photos of these pages, I remembered I didn't show the promised snippets of the Fall 2008 issue. 

      

That was such a beautiful issue also...  With so many crazy beautiful photos from people's blogs...  If you don't have that issue, trust me, it is incredibly inspiring!!  From Pixie Blossoms to SouleMama to everyone, the goodness exudes!  Mr. Lovee has been reading all the issues, and says he is blown away with it and enjoys it... So, there you have it, a man's perspective...

      

Oops, Snippets is spelled wrong... Oh well  ;)  

Oh I almost forgot again., geeeesh, my brain cells...  Here was my lil' feature in the Fall 2008 issue.  I wouldn't normally bring this up again, but a couple of people who don't get this magazine overseas have asked if I was going to share photos... So, here ya go ;) ;)  Sorry I took forever to do this...

            

I suppose, I best go tidy up my lil' collections. Put them where they go and such... 

 

I was playing with a bag filled with little ribbon scraps from the Collage Contessa.  She sent them ages ago (along with some other treats, thank you!!!)  I am enjoying them ;)

        

Anyhow, in that bag, I found a perfect little trim to play with...  Yippeee!  It works perfectly with some other little collection factors I am playing with...

 

 So, the Skelly and the Girl are waiting for me to clean house, and... (weird morning lighting)

        

The headless scarecrow and I have a dancing date at 2 p.m., which means I really do have to go...

         

Off to dance to the beat of my own tune...

   

I hope I only freak you out a little tiny bit, with these cronically long and all over the place posts...  My goodness...  Shall I really hit the save button???  I am running on pretzels dunked in raspberry jam. ;)  Just one of the habits I have picked up from the Kiss Hair Band Boy (err, man)...

See you extra soooooon!  Oh and this week's giveaway, a 14 postcard set from the last post.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, all my postcards come with envelopes ;)  So, leave a Hello, and into the hat your name shall float...

Ooooodles of ♥'s, V

Autumn weather rolls in, bringing baking & postcards...

Hi there!  Before we sit to have a long chat over baked goods, I thought I would let you know, that I turned some of my prints into postcards.  And, have popped them into my shop...

I am so excited to share these with you.  I wish you could reach in a grab them, and see them in person.  They are a ton of fun (in my opinion ;)

The funky and colorful Charming Silhouettes are extra fun as postcards...

I made a few different type of postcard packs...

      

I punched little holes in mine and hung them from my blackboard... 

 

Here is what the back of all of the Charming Silhouettes look like...

    

And, the fronts and backs of the others...

Sirène (front & back)

 

Creature Collections (The Writer), mixed with some Charming Silhouettes...  

 

And, the Elegant Peacock...  

 

I will put all the Christmas cards in the shop as soon as I have them photographed and sorted out.  Later this week for sure...  

As for life in the country....

Fall came to visit us.  Such a handsome fellow when he decides to stay for a while.  Making trees begin to blush in shades of orange and yellow.  I know it seems late to those of you in cold states...  But in Arizona, our first slice of true Autumn pie has barely touched the plate...  Although our spirits have been in an Autumnal place, for a couple of months...

  

So, we write to you, sharing the last of the flowers and herbs until Spring...  It is outrageously windy and tomorrow we are slated to have a high of 69', which is cool for us indeed...

        

The other day I peeked out the window,  and almost did a cartwheel.  I was almost positive I was seeing snow flurries.  Alas, how could I, when it had been 89' the day before...

        

Can you imagine?  Snow flurry love...

    

But as deceitful as a mirage, it is only the fly away stuff from some messy floofy bush...  And, it is everywhere... 

I was outside, collecting twigs for marshmallow roasting & tiny wood for my tiny fire when I was greeted by the Mister...  (might I add, there are munchkin sized piles of wood, strategically placed by Mr. Lovee for my collecting purposes so I don't hurt myself cutting them down to size, silly man)

   

He had in his hand, my favoritest teeny vase, with some lovely scraggly lil' guys inside.  A gift.  Sigh...  Is he for real?  I should rent him out for big bucks.  Let's think of a flyer...  Delightful, older, kind, so smart, flattering, wise about girls, and charmingly silly in his debonair ways...  How much do you think I could get?  ;)   (it's not all perfection of course, he can be annoying, I can be bratty, you know how that goes...)

        

Thank you Mister Nice...

         

Let me take this to my Gypsy home...

    

So, how do you repay the flower bearing serenader?  

        

     

Why, you bake of course.  Isn't windy blustery cool weather so inspiring for baking???  

I have been baking it seems, almost every day for a week.  I have made banana bread, and he wants more!  So that is good news...

   

   

And my favorite thing to bake, biscuits.  A recipe from my Mammie, by way of Martha.  I guess the banana bread recipe is from Martha too.  I like Martha. 

As for biscuits...

 

They are a fun mess to make.  I don't use a food processor like the recipe indicates...  Just a fork and my fingers, or a pastry cutter...

    

Pour in the buttermilk, and mix with your hands. Sticky sticky...   

  

Pat out on a lightly floured surface, and keep your hands floured.  Then cut out, place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet, bake and...  

  

    

Voila.  Simple perfection... 

    

By the looks of those sticky buttery fingers, I'd say, he enjoyed them...

   

These are not like the other biscuit recipe I shared with you a while back. These are not sweet, just simple biscuits, that you can serve with jam or with a roast and such...  The others a few months ago, were real sweet cake like biscuits...

I want to bake up something lovely this winter.  I make lots of crisps...  Do you have any favorite Autumn/Wintery baked goods you think I should make???  I would love some ideas!!  I am up for trying lots of new things.  Do tell what you cook up on a windy cold day...

Anyhow, I have talked your ear off, and I will be back in a couple of days with more to share...  But for now I shall bid adieu. 

Back to unpacking tiny trees from my winter goods bin...

        

Thank you so so so very much for the lovely words on my little gypsy living below...  Your words inspire me to no end!!  I can't even begin to decribe how much I appreciate your kindess and kindredness as well!!  xoxo, V

Gypsy Magic...

Under the canopying trees, in a garden that I have decided is enchanted, my Gypsy dreams come to life...  Of course, the word Gypsy is formally used to describe a people (Romany).  However, we have grown to use it more commonly to describe their way of life, their dress, their music...

      

I have had a tiny teensy taste of the world of a traveler.  For five days now, I have been living in a little out door home, under the twinkling stars, where owls visit and birds sing...  I think I even thought I might be living in Carnivale.  Although they were not Gypsies, but circus travelers...

      

It has been utterly dreamy living outside for a few days.  I am grateful for warm days and incredible cool blissful Arizona nights... For the first time, I am embracing a warm November...

      

Would you like to visit me?  Peek into the little world that tickles me so?

       

Come in through the striped curtain...

        

Perhaps, if you were a bird, you could fly up into the trees and peek down...

 

What would you think?  What might you catch a glimpse of?

    

Well, since the sun is going down, and I suspect you are not a winged creature, I shall invite you in, to sit and have a sip of something warm...

    

Take a seat.  I will call my handsome Gypsy Gentleman in to play us a tune on his guitar...

 

I can't even describe how magical I found it to be outside, living under the trees...  In a cozy little space, that I created all on my own...

A wild idea in fact...  Something I dreamt up to do on all Hallow's Eve.  It turned out to be so lovely, I kept it around.  And quite honestly, I am not ready to come inside...

In the morning, I open my eyes, the air slightly brisk and so clean, you can breathe it in, and get a jolt of freshness, infused by the mint growing all around...

   

I reflect on life.  On simply being.  On happiness.  On purging anything from my life that brings me the faintest negativity.  And, I revel in the joy of the moment... 

 

I recall all the people who have called me Gitana (Gypsy in Spanish, pronounced Hee-tan-a) throughout my life.  I giggle to myself...  I think it was all the coins and dangles I wore, and wear...  Perhaps it was the billowing skirts.  Who knows?  Then I remember a verse to a song...  It makes me sway my shoulders and snap my fingers in rhythm, as I look up through the trees...

I listened to that song in cassette form, in my cabriolet, back in the day,  until it got wobbly and could no longer be played...  Through the warm air and desert hills... Driving faster than I should have been...  Top down, hair flowing in the wind...  Memories...

I then decided I had better get up, and see what outdoor living mornings have to offer. 

(I get oodles of e-mails asking me where I found my quilt below, so I wanted to let you know, it is from India.  It is made from hundreds of antique saris.  I am not sure where one might find one like it?)

    

I was prepared...

    

Laundry?  Wood Chopping??

       

No way!  Hee hee  ;)  I am going back into my cozy lil' platform bed (which I built myself, mind you), and taking with me,  books and drawing accoutrements... 

I am reading a lovely book titled "Letter's of a Woman Homesteader."  I find myself alone often, and since I can remember, I have been taking on huge tasks on my own.  Building things, moving things, etc...  Although, nothing I have ever done or endured even comes close to the life of Elinore Pruitt Stewart.  I am enjoying the book enormously.  And admiring her so much, working hard, living off the land and finding comfort in solitude... 

I love that.  I will let you know what I think when I am done reading it...

        

So, as I read, the laundry line dances in the breeze, causing me to lose myself in a day dream...

         

I cheat, and run inside for coffee  ;) 

      

Then it is dress up time...

         

    

And now to work...  

         

Perhaps, I should also get to that laundry? 

   

Now, here's the tricky part...  Because I cheated a bit, on outdoor living...  On Halloween when I built this little room to surprise Mr. Lovee, I also brought out an old television and DVD player ;).  So we could watch spooky movies.  And, I have to say, it got a lil' scary out there.  He did his part by picking up Chinese food.  It was the best Halloween I had ever had.  We opted out on costumes and dancing, and it turned out just delightful (we always dance at home, so we didn't miss out in that area)...

    

So, if you need to find me, look out in the garden.  I have some botancial studies to catch up on...

        

But before I go, as promised, today we talk about giveaways and the voyages they will be making....

   

From left to right.  The mermaid skeleton musician is going to live with Melissa .  The painted skull in the middle is going to live with Lori Anderson, annnnd the palmistry hand is going to live with Miss Chris!!  YAY for you lovelies!!  E-mail me your addresses please!! 

All, and I mean all giveaways, are being packaged today and shipped off this week.  I was adding and adding to the Halloween giveaway, and making the treats less Halloweenie.  So those are on their way too!!

I also must tackle my outdoor Gypsy Theater, which is a mess. 

        

My friend Dino and I made grand purchases to build our own Gypsy Wagon 2+ years ago, that would sit in this area, and we would make it open up into a puppet theater...  Well, more like a Marionette Theater...

Dino was a master Marionette maker, and he also, used to have a toy store that was like Gepetto's magical workshop.  This was in the late 70's I think...  Anyhow, he makes beautiful wooden toys and such...  Wouldn't they have been fun in an out door theater?? 

I think we had visions of little faces looking up at us like this, while we performed...

 

Alas, he moved, and the gypsy theater is turning into weeds...  But it is a good dream to hold on to...  And I have all that beautiful filigree wood & architectural salvage... 

Needless to say, I could go on and on forever.  So I will zip it and be off... 

I will leave you with a video full of beautiful vintage Gypsy photographs ...  Oh and if you like documentaries, you will enjoy a movie called Gypsy Caravan.   I happily saw it on repeat a couple of months ago...

See you soooon!!  ♥, V

ps:  Although quite romantic, my outdoor living has brought me into a whole new world of fragrance.  I am thinking of creating a love potion scent, perhaps titled "Dirt No. 5"  hee hee.  Or maybe even Tree bark No.12 ?  Mesquite leaves & Mud No. 7 ?  Anyone?  If I were famous, someone would buy them... haha!

      

pss:  A beautiful e-mail I just received about this post, made me think of something I wanted to share...

I almost felt downright guilty yesterday, lounging all day, drawing and enjoying the room outside, on a Monday no less...  Then I remembered what my Dad said, when I was in awful jobs I hated that were gut wrenching...  He would say, you are just paying your dues.. One day it won't be like this...

And you know, that day, that "one day" my Dad talked about, was yesterday...  ;)  

 

(photo of children:  Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1963, Paris France)

Dia de Bloglandia

 I have been sitting on my hands waiting to share the space of a very magical person and his magical world, as part of Dia de los Muertos...

It is lovely to be a part of and watch others, celebrating the lives of the people they love that have passed...  My mom spent her day yesterday at the cemetery. Cleaning my aunt's grave, and leaving Marigolds for her and others...

For today's Day of the Dead sharing, I would like to tell you about a special person who has created an incredibly special place.  His name is Eddie Gallego, and he spends his time snuggled in a magical world right inside this courtyard...

      

        

I eluded to this place last week, when I spoke of my visit into town...

      

         

When you walk in you are greeted by a bevy of lovely wonderful characters.  Masks (that I had to have a few of to add to my collection), skeletons, shrines, milagros, papel picado, beautiful garments, jewels...  The list is quite endless...

   

But nothing will prepare you for the jaw dropping, beautiful altar, Eddie has created for his family members.  It can give you chills.  It makes you want to run home and create one of your own. 

It forces you to stay one too many hours, drinking it all in...  Then compels you to walk over and ask Eddie if, well, you know, please, maybe, could I take some photographs?  To which the exceptionally well coifed Eddie obliges with the kindest version of the words "of course" you have ever heard...

 

You look up, you wonder what you want to capture through your camera first.  It is almost as though you have been allowed to photograph a place that will disappear in the blink of an eye, so you begin to feel anxious and desperate to click away...

        

        

I glance at Eddie, and question a second time, "you are sure it is okay?"  Yes he nods, like you are being silly.  You wonder if he understands the magic he has created, or if he is so used to it, magic simply lives within him...

      

Super duper beautiful sensory overload ensues.  I love what Eddie has created.  And am taken aback no matter how many times I have seen his shrine...  You see, his shop is right next door to the Museum of Art where I do pottery.  So I pop in and shop as often as I can...

   

I have told many a friend that is not familiar with Day of the Dead, how wonderful and cathartic and genuinely good it feels to create a little altar or shrine for those they love that have passed.  Even if tiny, even if simply a candle a flower and a few photos.  Especially if you are still mourning or carry a terribly heavy heart for your loss.  A special place to house your love for the person can mean so much and help tiny bits of the pain take a new shape...

 

         

You will find many shrines and altars, even in residential neighborhoods or on the side of a road in the Southwest, decorated with silk and real flowers and candles lit, at all times of the year.  You may find them possibly, anywhere where there is a good sized Mexican population. 

Now, if you are ever in Downtown Tucson, you must stop in and say hi to Eddie, and take a peek for yourself...

         

I just couldn't leave this place, without bringing something for you, in the form of a giveaway...

I looked all around...  How to choose?

 

      

I did find the perfect treasure(s), some for me and one for you ;)  And Eddie carefully packed up my goods.  I bought a Chrismtas gift for my sis, so huge and so awesome, I don't know how I will ever stand waiting to give it to her.  But I will, somehow... 

 

I leave and don't go that far down the road, when I have to make a Cruella Deville U turn, and stop to take a photo.  A photo of an altar that is always up, and part of a downtown neighborhood.  Just as I had described above...

   

         

You may also find little prayers tucked in, in nooks and crannies...

Not far down the road, you might also happen upon this place...  Which, I will share details about with you soon, as well...

         

I keep lots of special little places around my gardens both in town and at the country house.  In the country, I have a little sanctuary, that I have shared here before...  It is lovely and very dear to me.  A simple place for me to visit in the garden... 

At the little house in town, I keep a few altars in the garden as well.  My garden is very important to me, as I find it a very important place in my life.  A place I can escape to and fill with things that bring me peace.  With beautiful plants growing, a fountain and wee shrines.  

        

Inside, I have a 100+ year old wooden case with a glass door, that I picked up at an antique colonial furniture shop about 13 years ago.  In this beautiful wooden case, I keep most of my religious statues and photos of my great grandfather, a lovely 100% French man, with a very intriguing history...

So, as we take a stroll to the sanctuary in the country this morning we find...

   

A mermaid skelly on the left, from Eddie's shop, and a painted little skull candle holder on the right, which I painted this morning.  Part of why I am so late!!  Also, we have been living outside like gypsies, which I will share in the next post!!  So, I am behind, eeeks!

Anyhow, both items will be my giveaways for this post.  I will draw 2 names.  The first name drawn will receive the Mermaid, the second name drawn, gives a home to the skull...

Next Sunday, Novemeber 9th is the All Soul's Procession in Tucson, which has been in preparations for a whole year.  It is awesome, if you are in town, you won't want to miss it...  Here is a video of a Day of the Dead procession in Oaxaca...

I found many videos to share, so I couldn't make up my mind...  But here is one about Day of the Dead.  And, lots of videos of the Tucson All Soul's Procession here & here...

I am on my way to visit others participating in Dia de Bloglandia...  On Tuesday I will announce all drawing giveaways (for Palmistry hand as well).

See you soon!!  ♥, V

ps:  You can Find Eddie Gallego and his shop called Tolteca Tlacuilo at 186 N.  Meyer Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701 ( his shop is open daily).  Located in Old Town Artisans District. Phone:  (520) 623-5787