A Fanciful Twist

Welcome October...

Can it truly be that time of year?  It is the time of year we yearn for month after month, and then it gets here and flashes by, pouring like sand through our fingers...

Welcome October ♥

 

This fall brings with it, a curious obsession for me.  I am in a flora & fauna, nature creature obsession.  I am also interested in what I can grow in fall and winter.  And, I am obsessed with warm colored petals filling my rooms. 

Today I saw some beautiful dark purple velvety petunias.  I do think I must go back and purchase some for my garden. 

 

As I was tending my glass encased growing things this evening, I was becoming more and more entranced by the idea of apothecaries and herb shops and beautiful glass cases filled with this and that from nature...

 

This is going to be the most magical October ever, I can feel it, can you?

      

Crisp air, glowing lights...

        

Mystery and Magic awaits...

 

I peeked outside this evening and gasped at the sight of the sky...

      

It was perfect for sneaking out and conjuring a little magic of my own...

   

A little escape from a crazy day.  Mister and I went out in search of lights and fans that the electrician will need for tomorrow's visit.  After a long day we were finally going to have lunch at 3 p.m.  So, we were stopped at a red light, when a man in a truck tried to pass us in the right hand bike lane (why?) and crunched our car.  It felt like we were in a water log ride, crunch, bump & waves...

So, we had to pull over and do that whole insurance card thing and wait and wait.  As I sat in the car, I was actually feeling bad for the guy who hit us, he was so nervous and wacky acting.  After Mister got back in the car, we decided the only thing we could do was go have warm chocolate ganache cake with sweet cream (we brought half of it home for later, yay!).  Mister always has a sweet tooth, and eats loads of candy.  I only get a sweet tooth every now and then, and when I do........

It worked in fixing our little souls about 95%, but the sky and the wagon and my record player under the full moon did the rest...

Bliss.

Sheer Bliss under that sky...

   

And so, October begins its path.  I want to soak up every last drop of this time of year. 

 

I played in my little outdoor world this evening, spells and all ;)

        

For those of you lovelies who don't know what I am talking about, I shared my gypsy wagon spells adventures in greater detail in a post right here. 

 

And the potion labels (which are in my online shop) and their tutorial can be found here...

 

Anyhow, as I was saying, I was practicing my spells tonight ;) ;) 

 

Pretty good for a Mildred Hubble, don't you think? 

 

Now, if you wish to jump in through that glowing portal, you never know where it might take you... 

I personally would like to go to the Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab.

Now, I must be off for the moment, but, I do have some exciting October sharing on its way.  Especially that of a particularly beloved pointy hat family...

♥,V

 

ps:  The party will be here sooner than soon, eeek!  Details can be found here...

pss:  Holiday cards coming soon too ;) 

psss:  There will be a fun giveaway featuring my cards over at HauteWhimsy going on all weekend (large Halloween card pack), take a peek  if you get a moment ;)

First Words From... (and a tiny update below)

Hi there!!  I officially have internet connection in my new office, YAY!  I am crunching carrots for breakfast, and am delighted beyond words to be in my new home office space...

I still have some unpacking and organizing to do.  I can't ever imagine moving from this property.  Moving from one part of the house to another has been insane on its own.  WE are all itching to be cozy and 100% installed...

        

It is bright and light in here, and I even have a bathroom and little kitchen (I am going to make this bathroom my official bathroom, even though I have my own bathroom in the main house, this is closer to my room).  It is like playing in a dollhouse.  The bathroom has a bit to go, everything is connected except the shower.  My kitchenette -I know, you are asking yourself, why I need a kitchen? I don't, but it was in the original plans for this space (before I came along, 10 years ago) so I get to have one.  It won't have an oven and such ( I can go 20 steps and three stairs to the real kitchen), but it is a lovely tiny space to play in...

You see, this whole office/sitting room/packaging room space was originally another canning room on this property (there were 4  large canning areas here).  The people who lived here before Mister bought it 20+ years ago grew everything they ate, on this property - and canned their hearts out... 

So, Mister took this one canning space and decided to turn it into an apartment/guest house of sorts, for visitors.  He tore walls down and configured it to have a little room with a bathroom and kitchenette.  But he never finished it, and then I came along 10 years ago and started filling the empty unfinished space (up to the ceilings) with treasures.  Thrifted, antiqued and road trip treasures filled the space...

Soooo, I have had to organize said treasures, then re-organize them into my two sheds, clean out the office space, and finish the building process (with Mister's help in the building part, of course). 

I am so close to being fully installed and organized, so close.  I have been working on it early morning until late night for days and days.  Mister Lovee has built me a work bench, shelves, a cozy space piece of furniture and he is just finishing the kitchenette sink housing and tiny counter. 

He gets brownie points boiling over, especially since he isn't even a "real furniture builder" of sorts.  But then again, I guess he is.  He built all my work benches in the studio and my bed in my private boudoir...  I need to make him a pecan pie TODAY!!  ;)

We are so ready to be done :) 

Anywhooo, I just wanted to say hello and share what I am up to...

I will be back with a proper post later today or in the morning (or very soon) ;)

♥ , V

UPDATE:  My new Office Space (which is not my studio) is delighted that you all want to come and play!!!  And, just for visual effect and because I feel like I don't make sense ;), my new office is one door away from my studio (which I have been creating in for 9+ years), and some have asked - so here and here are past links to some small snippets of my studio.  And over here and here and here is my wee Gallery outside.  All are different spaces, not one in the same ;) ;) ;)  I should draw it out so I don't confuse you silly ;) Heck, even I am confused, tee hee...

Welcome Autumn...

The girl of a thousand projects (all going at once) rested her head in a big fluffy white bed, at the end of a long busy day.  Her dreams fluttered around and played crazy little games.  The stories in her dreams had strange twists and turns, and could in fact be quite exhausting - and yet were welcomed for being so exciting...

So, she snoozed on and on as night turned to day, and awoke her with crashes and thuds.  A wild wind danced around as trees swayed with great gusto and a windmill outside creaked as it turned at top speeds.

Autumn had arrived, yes.  Yes indeed...

She slowly came to life, opening her eyes, her body aching from days of hard work.  Then she heard a strange sound.  Stranger than words, an animal?  A cry?  She grabbed her camera, just in case, and raced out of bed, bumping into things and tripping with that morning groggy head...

Why, it was...

A raven. Quite large.

Oh, how Edgar Allen Poe she thought, as she curiously grinned, then whispered the words -

Oh Autumn, you humor me so...

The raven looked her right in the eye and let out a bizarre little cry.  She was sure he said, "Well, hello..." 

He flew all around her then swooped down quite low, and she knew, this season was bound to be more than magical...

She skipped over to her her radishes and bell peppers and baby cantaloupes.  Good Morning Babies, she called out, as she did every day.  And then gasped in sheer dismay...

It was as if they had never existed.  Those babied beloved plants.  Vanished over night.

Mister Orange Eyed bird (who is ever so nosy) flew over to his regular branch and sang the most precious tune...

The girl sighed, but before she could even think to cry for her wee little garden, she spotted two rabbits, skinny as could be.  And thought, well I hope it was those two, who had a great feast.  Poor little skinny cottontails...

And she let it go. 

Letting go, is that September's lesson?  It certainly seems so.  It brings a sense of calm with it...

So, with that, we Welcome Autumn and all the scents of spices and the tinges of crisp cool air it brings.

Tonight, we light the first candle in the wee little office, sitting room, cozy space, packaging area.  Just a few more days of hard work for the space to be complete, so close!!

Then it is back to play time ;)

♥, V

 

ps:  If you signed up for the Halloween Party and don't see your name on the list, please don't hesitate to contact me.  I am a one woman show, and am bound to make a mistake or two ;) 

pss:  I will keep the potion labels stocked in my shop, and will be shipping them out as quickly as can be, so you can have time to play ;)

Hope, Love & Peace...

Today is the International Day of Peace.  A day to reflect, a day to talk to ourselves about how we can make a difference...

It is a day to light a candle in memory of all those who have worked tirelessly in the name of peace.  There are so many movies I have seen from Hotel Rwanda to endless others, that leave me feeling powerless.  The truth is, we are not powerless, as they say, change starts within ourselves.  One person at a time...

It is very easy to lose our peace within.  Especially when as human beings, we tend to react from a place of negativity more easily than from a place of happiness and kindness. 

When people say something to us, I find more often that not, we interpret what they said through a negative filter rather than through a positive one.  Jealousy and hatred are easy to let go of, if we take a moment to love ourselves and to be happy for others... 

These things are simply a few of the vital elements for reaching some form of peace.  I do believe that peace starts within, and then seeps out to touch others...

If only we could all come together...

Peace could spread like wild fire...

For today, all of us at A Fanciful Twist send peace your way, as we join in Rhonda Roo's Peace Party...

      

One person, one Elfin, one creature at a time, we can spread peace, if we truly want to...

      

Lots to reflect on and think about for today.  I know peace is difficult in this world in which we live.  We have so many frustrations to deal with.  It is complicated.  But maybe somewhere in there, there is a light that never goes out...  (oops, that is the name of a favorite song ;) - Which I actually always listen to and adore in Spanish sung by Miguel Erentxun)

Now, I must be off because I have to go to Home Depot for the 16th time in 72 hours ;)  Plus run other errands. 

      

I tell ya, I have found my own peaceful place to lose myself in, amongst the endless painting.

        

I have been on a ladder for 3 days straight, painting.  I have lost myself in thought, and found quite a sense of peace, 6 gallons of paint later...

 

Mister Lovee and I have been pushing forward for 2 weeks.  We are trying to finish a little office for me that started as a whim project years ago.  It was first going to be a little guest space, with a teeny kitchen etc.  But now will be a beloved office...

We are both sore and tired, but we won't give up.  Little red swollen hands forge ahead...

      

Thank goodness for a crafty Mister Lovee, who can build work spaces to suit...

      

I must run into town now, and I will make sure to add Halloween partiers to the list (that signed up over the weekend) as soon as I return this afternoon.  Typepad is being very glitchy, thank goodness it is International Peace day.  I am taking deep breaths as my computer system gets shut down a dozen times trying to put pictures in this post ;) ;)

Peace.  Breathe it, feel it. 

I hope you have a beautiful wonderful day!!

 

 

♥ ,V

 

ps:  Sorry about the unclickable glitchy photos...

Printable Halloween Treats

On a day where summer is trying to morph into fall, and dispositions strive to be jovial at all cost, there is only one thing a person can do...

BAKE CUPCAKES!  Of course, there is something in it for you, for being super wonderfully kind.

I made these fun lil' cupcake toppers for you.  Although, you can use them for anything at all.  You can even wear the mustache if you so wish ;)

All you have to do is download, print, and cut.  Tape them from behind to toothpicks or popsicle sticks, then slide them right into your cupcakes...

CLICK HERE for the printable PDF sheet.  (you must click on the link for the printable version)

I printed mine out on thick card stock.  I was thinking about all the different kinds of things you could do with these Halloween cutouts as I was cutting...

From gluing them onto homemade (or store bought for that matter) trick or treating bags, to using them as gift tags or window decals.  I think you will be able to find many uses for them...

I think I need to make oodles of these wicked little treats ;)

I love when the pumpkin time of the year rolls around.  Last night it was so cool here, it was unbelievable.  Pumpkin love abound...

The mornings are chillier, which I love because it inspires me to start cooking again.  We rarely turn on the stove in summer, which I miss.  Baking and creating culinary art is one of my greatest joys..

Cool mornings, hot coffee and crisp lovely potato latkes...

For my potato latkes I grate one large potato using my cheese grater.  After I have grated the entire potato, I squeeze all of the water out of the potato pieces.  I then pop the grated potato into a bowl, adding two eggs and salt.  (Have hot olive oil heating in a pan on the stove)

Take a standard patty size of the mixture in your hands, and carefully drop/slide it into your hot olive oil.  Let the latkes get golden brown and crispy on both sides.  Pop them on a plate lined with a paper towel before you serve them.  Then, serve with sour cream and jam, or ketchup and basil (one of my fave ways to have them). 

Tip: You will have unused egg mixture left over in your bowl, which you shouldn't worry about...

One potato makes 4 latkes, so you might want to use two potatoes.

Yummy yumm...

So, that's my tale for today.  I feel much better than yesterday.  I am not hanging on to any feelings from yesterday.  I learned a ton from the whole fiasco.  I am still a little noodly, but that will pass soon, I am sure...

Your words and support made a world of difference to me.  Thank you ever so much.  Truly...

Now, let's go bake some cupcakes ;) 

See you super soon!!

♥,V

ps:  I used my method for making paper flowers, which I shared with you in this tutorial, to make the black pointy doily underneath my cupcakes (above).  Oh and, I used black tissue paper...

pss:  My lovely friend Rhonda Roo is holding a peace party on her blog on the 21st.  Yes, a peace party is just what the soul needs!!  YAY!  See details here...

Harv's Appliance Service {Antique Sign Missing}

I don't like sad posts.  I don't like whining posts.  But I will burst if I don't say something about this...

Mister Lovee and I are ridiculously private people, and we never have visitors.  Ever.  We live on a safe, sleepy, dead end street. 

Yesterday we found that we were missing a huge, handmade antique sign.  As far as we know, the only people who have ever seen that sign are me, Lovee and someone who did work for us.  No one else knows this sign exists...

Luckily I took a picture of it last year, when I was thinking of hanging it in my studio.  It is huge, solid wood and heavier than heavy...

      

Sue & Jerry's Ranch Store ~ Oracle, Arizona

 {Art, Antiques & Bliss}

For years and years, I have wanted to share one of my favorite places to visit.  It is truly an amazing Arizona destination point.  A place so magical and unique, that I go there just to refuel my soul.  Of course, I can't ever leave without a few treasures.

It is the enchanting art and antique filled wonderland belonging to Sue and Jerry Parra.  They are a handsome and kind couple, who allow you to step into another place in time when you visit them.

Sue & Jerry's Trading Post.  Oracle, Az.

30 minutes north of Tucson Arizona.

Phone: (520) 896-9200

 

Jerry Parra is an unbelievable artist.  All of the metal sculptures you are about to gasp at, are made by him...  Yes, all by him.  His work astounds me every time I see it, no matter how many times I see it.

      

I love visiting with Sue and Jerry.  Sue is a beloved friend, with such a kind and nurturing soul.  She has quite the eye for the antique treasures she fills her shop with.

Right now she has a slew of German chocolate molds that made me swoon!  But before I veer, come on in for a visit.  Sue and Jerry are allowing me to be your tour guide for today ;)

 

This is a huge space, with many things to look at.  I am sharing a mere snippet of what you would see in person...

   

Mister Lovee feels that this place has a true museum quality, and I wholeheartedly agree.  The art treasures Jerry creates are enough to blow your mind...

This sculpture below is taller than the building it stands next to, and truly emits movement and life...

 

It's funny, the nooks the earth holds, with treasures untold.  There should be a television show discovering such places, if there isn't already...

Everything Jerry makes is for sale, I personally, would go bonkers if this was in my garden...

      

Imagine?  Filled with lights??  Oh me, oh my!

Or, a guardian outside my love-shack palace?  I think this should be at a hotel, although in the front garden of a home, it would guard to perfection.  Don't you think?

      

As you walk farther onto Sue and Jerry's property, you feel compelled to want to run home, grab all your belongings, and move in...

        

This little house rocks my dream-waves.  My brain wants to explode with the idea of living in this tiny house...  

It fulfills every one of my adult-childhood desires... (click on any images for ore detail)

  

Just look at it.  Bliss Sigh...

Can you see why I escape to visit this place and then lose myself in dreamscapes? 

      

Oh precious wheel, with your glorious peeling paint, how you make the wheels in my mind turn round and round...

If you feel like someone is watching you, well, you are probably right ;)  Nothing like a skelly lounging around...

      

   

I wish you could just stand right here and stare with me...

  

I was just there this past weekend, however, last month when I was there I got to dance around giant sunflowers...

      

They were gracing the front yard of one of the many buildings you will find here...

  

Beyond lovely...

 

Real flowers and metal flowers abound...

   

So, if you ever are in Southern Arizona, you might want to make sure to stop in. 

Below is the facade of the antique shop, where you will find Sue and her beautiful smiling face...

  

Dare I tell you my secret?  I love visiting a wheeled treasure that I have had my eye on for a while...

 

I just love it!  Happy Trails indeed!!

        

So you see, there are many reasons to love visiting Sue and Jerry.  You will find that their personalities match their magical place perfectly...

        

A truly special place, Sue and Jerry's Ranch Store Center...

Location:  Oracle, Arizona

Phone:  520-896-9200

Website:  JerryParra.Com 

 

~ I told Sue I was going to share her and Jerry's place here with you.  I told her how extra wonderful you all are, and how you would be just as enchanted as I about such a place...

I hope you enjoyed your wee tour ;)

 

♥,V

 

ps:  I had the most insane weekend.  I hope yours was good?  I made 3 trips back and forth into town with my SUV full to the brim.  It is so strange to say SUV.  I have had two convertibles in my past, and I used to fill them up too, with the top down ;)  (I miss my convertibles) I am making great progress on my office and other fun things to come!  I can't wait to share. 

Much Love!  ~ V

Of Spells and Incantations...

There was once a girl, who slept on a heap of leaves, in a garden filled with curious enchantments...

      

One evening, a particularly haunting moon loomed over the little secret garden...

        

The girl thought that for certain, such a moon, was sure to bring voyages through dreamscapes.  So, she cozied up, upon her heap of leaves, and drifted off to sleep...

Not soon thereafter, she felt a little flurry of butterfly kisses on her brow and nose.  She slowly opened her eyes and found herself not in her secret garden, but in a dark vast landscape that was covered with unusual trees...

And in the distance, a golden light glimmered through the trees...

 

What could it be she thought, as she peeked through shrubs in the darkness...

   

Such beautiful lights glimmered and glowed, and entranced her inquisitive spirit...

   

It looked like a wagon with canopying trees hovering above it.  Could it be?

   

She crept closer, unaware of what she might find.  She searched for a sign of people...

 

She was certain she could hear music playing.  The sound of a record turning, and song seeping through the darkness, called her name...

       

What was this place, she asked herself?  Then, she caught a glimpse of a sign...

   

How intriguing...

    

  Oh my!  The sign read "Spells, Herbs, Miracles & Magic..."

 

She thought that perhaps she should run away as fast as she could.  But it was too late...

        

She had been drawn in by...

        

Magic itself.

        

An old woman, came out from what seemed like nowhere.  She said, I know just what you need my pretty...

You need...

Love.

Quickly the girl replied, "Oh no, I don't need lo--..."

But before the girl could finish her sentence, the old woman had taken a wooden bowl, and thrown in a dash of this and a pinch of that into it. 

And just like that, a dashing man walked towards the girl, bathed in the glow of the moonlight . He took her by the hand, and twirled her in dance, without uttering a word.

      

They danced for hours and hours, and just when the girl thought she could dance no more the charming fellow vanished.  As did the old woman.

The girl was confused and tired.  She decided to find a cozy place to rest her head, just until morning.  As she was certain this was just a dream.

The next day, as the sun slowly emerged over the mountains, the girl opened her eyes.  It was then, that she realized...

 

She had not been dreaming at all.

 

She stepped out of the little bed she had slept in, and felt strange.  Quite strange indeed.  Perhaps, even more than strange...

      

She felt a bit warm, and thirsty.  Her ear itched tremendously.  Standing was quite strange also.  She tried to rub her eyes but she couldn't.  She felt as though, she had been transformed into another creature...

It was then, that she caught a glimpse of herself in a glass frame.

She was stunned beyond words.  She tried to speak, but she couldn't...

She had been turned into...

      

A dog.  

A furry friend.

What ever would she do?  She ran outside, and searched for someone.  How could she even ask for help?

 She stood outside, still shocked when...

 

I rode up on my bike.  I was looking for some herbs for a love spell of my own.  This blonde pooch came up to me, wagging her tail, running all around.

What a curious pup I thought.  And went about my business... 

Hmmm, what did this witch's apothecary shoppe have for me today??

A giant bowl of herbs straight from its own garden!  Just what I needed...

      

I put my giant wooden bowl of goods in my bike's basket and rode off...

  

As I was working on my own edible delights that would be infused with love and magic, I couldn't help but think...

      

That furry pooch at the herb stand, sure did have a human aura about her.

 

So you see, if you happen upon said wagon.  Beware.  You just might find your self tailed or even winged ;)

Have you ever met an animal, that you are certain could understand you?  That you feel has something about him or her, that is just a little unusual...

Who knows?  The creature may have had an encounter of its own with...

   

If you have a furry or winged or even a reptilian friend with a personality that exudes, do tell.  What would their human form and character be like, if they could be anyone?

My friend has a dog named Max.  I am quite certain that Max was a snobby, super fab food critic, once upon an enchanted moon... ;)

~ As you can tell, I am still playing with my potion labels (big time).  I had the most wondrous magical evening last night.  Too bad you weren't there to twirl under the moonlight with me.  It was beyond words lovely and breezy and enchanting...

But wait, I made you a silly rotten little video, so you could get a feel for the night spells.  Nevermind my deadly backwards steps at the end. 

I think I need a little more video practice.  It's the thought that counts, as they say ;)  The music was a record playing on my record player, and it wasn't playing loud.  Wild how you can hear it so vividly... (Barber Violin Concerto, second movement - Louis Kaufman )

 

See you soooon!  And, super duper thanks for being so much fun!

♥, V

ps:  I hope you know that this is just a bunch of nonsense going on in my front yard.  I am not really casting spells and such.  ;)

pss:  Lots of Halloween treats in my shoppe...

psss:  A bit of Mad Tea Party 2008 Love.  I love those memories!

Potions & Spell Labels & Halloween Cards, Oh My!

I have been having so much fun behind the scenes here.  I have been non-stop busy as a bee and delighted to be able to finally be at the show and tell step of my little one woman mad house...

There are two parts to what I have to share.  The first one being...

 

 Hauntingly exciting pigment ink sticker labels that I designed for your very own spell ingredients...

 

In my Shop you will find a set of 10 pre-cut jar labels...

 

      

Because the labels are printed with pigment ink, if they get water droplets sprinkled on them they will not run or bleed.

I have been having so much fun with these...

      

For the most part, I used regular old jars that were in a box headed for recycling.  A little hot glue and other supplies and voila! Your own Shoppe of Spells ;)

      

   

Before I show you some of my jar tricks - I want to show you the new cards that can now be found in my shop as well.  Cards for the enchanted autumnal season that looms...

        

The back sides are quite fun.  Take a peek in my shopling for more details about each one...

Now, how about some magic?

      

Soooo, let's get started with some ideas for decorating your lids and filling the jars with their ingredients... (of course, these jars are intended to be made "just for fun")

The first thing I did was choose my jars, and then peel and stick my labels onto them...

      

I like to put on some of my labels without care, so they get a few crinkly creases.  You can then smooth the creases out with a burnishing tool or a popsicle stick.  It gives an authentic flair to the label...

      

The next thing to do is to find some paper of your choice to top your jars.  I happen to wash out all of my disposable coffee filters after I use them.  I like to keep them around for wrist corsage making and such.

In this case, they work beautifully with their coffee stains.  I do believe that brown paper lunch bags would work nicely as well.

      

The next thing I am going to do is to put some hot glue on my jar lid.  Please remember the metal lid and the jar's glass will get super HOT. 

I use a popsicle stick instead of my fingers...

 

   

The wonderful thing about hot glue and coffee filters is that, the glue ends up looking like beeswax paste through the filter.  Very old world authentic looking in my opinion...

 

        

You can singe the edges of your paper for a spooky effect (adults should only do this part, and with great caution).

      

You can tie twine or bits of rope around your jar, and if you have letter sealing wax and a metal stamp, you can add some to the front of your rope tie.  (see above in "Dragon's Breath" image) 

 

How about the super fun part about what sort of things to put in your jars???  In the poison jar above I used a tablespoon of soy sauce, water and some sprigs of rosemary. 

      

Something edible, in case someone decides to open it and drink. YIKES!

But what about ideas for mermaid hair and more?

      

You can use a multitude of fibers you might have lying around.  The best thing is to be inventive with things you can find out in the yard ;)

 Rope bits worked wonderfully for mermaid hair...

      

Fake butterflies and moss make me smile in the Butterfly Kisses Jar...

 

For your Wool of Bat jar, just take black feathers apart and smoosh them up with your fingers...

   

The jars start looking more like a witch's apothecary shelf with every ingredient...

   

You can use fancy apothecary jars if you wish.  Just know, any kind of jar can be made to look magical ;)

For Eye of Newt, I would have used tapioca balls if I had had them.  Instead I used some seeds that looked veiny.  Anything round, mixed with a little water and dirt, does the trick in my book...

      

Did you know that the best ingredient for your spells is...

Ear of Troll !?!

      

Speaking of trolls.  I went trolling around the composte heap today for this ingredient. 

A perfect troll's ear!

      

Okay okay, it isn't a "real" troll's ear ~ don't get your extra ruffled knickers in a twist ;)  But it is a genuine dried out moldy cantaloupe skin, with some dried leaf embedded in it.  I found that dried avocado skin halves and dried orange peel works too.  Just rub the orange peel in the dirt a little before it dries ;)

Oh and one of my faves!  A discovery made by accident last year!  How do you make dragon's breath???

      

Simply cut a few hearty weeds and stuff them in your jar.  Seal your jar tightly, and in minutes, you will have a steamed up jar!  

Also, I have included 2 "potion" labels with a blank number, for any curious ideas that pop into a person's head...

As for the "Magic Spell" jar. 

      

I think this is a fun jar to fill with sparkles, maybe a key and a spooky old tin type photo.  A few vintage beads will work too.  Oh, and of course, flower petals to bind your spell ;)

      

So, there you have it!  There is magic spell making (of the fun and not real variety) waiting for you.  Your very own Witch's Spell Apothecary Shoppe...

Lots of free tips for your jar making.  All you have to do is pick up your labels in my wee shop ;) and I will ship them out right away. 

   

My first spell below (of the photo shopped variety)... Bwahahaaaa!

   

I know it's feels early for spooksville, but really, it isn't that early.  We only get Halloween once a year, right?

Let the season of magical enchantment and haunting adventures pour in!

 

My banana bread is ready!  Must be off for now ;)  See you sooooooon!  This is going to be a super fun holiday season!  I can feel it already! ;)

 

♥,V

 

ps:  Ooops, almost forgot.  The Curious Playroom - Land of Enchantment, is also now in postcard form as well as archival print...  In my shop.

 

pss:  Potions labels and spell ingredient jars are intended to be used merely for "make believe" purposes. 

psss:  Mad Tea Party love (and a little interview) over at the lovely, IloveLolliBlog...

Gypsy Enchanted Play Time & Film Thoughts

Yesterday was one of those days where your brain realizes the date!  Then you slightly panic with everything you have to do before the Halloween party and looming holidays.  Does this ring a bell?

         

In the midst of those feelings yesterday, I got a huge jolt of super-woman energy.  Much like I did the time I moved my cast iron ball and claw foot tub by myself. 

Before you knew it, I had everything out of my Gallery and out of Mister Lovee's old workshop (which is now a storage shed for my "stuff").  Don't worry, he had a new workshop built ;) 

I went back and forth from gallery to workshop, organizing, cleaning, moving things.  All this while I also did 5 loads of laundry and hung it up and put it away too.  Who was that girl?  Can she take over my body everyday?? 

When I couldn't move anymore I went in, showered, and then was re-energized...

      

I had not done a thing to my Gypsy Theater Wagon since the day I got it.  Other than scrub it down inside and out.  I had such huge plans for it, that my plans were keeping me from enjoying it.

Soooooo, yesterday as the sun was going down, I scrapped the "grand" plans, and started playing.  There are acrylic windows around both sides of the wagon that are covered in a super sturdy metal mesh.  I suppose to protect the acrylic.  But, I do have some vintage windows that will be a part of the wagon one day...

        

We have to do some things to it in the future, like remove the barn door and build a whole new front face with a door and an awning.  Wait, let me rephrase that...  I want to do those things, but they are not really necessary.

Last night, it was all about fun and using scraps I had lying around, to play...

 

There is a half wall that separates part of the wagon from about 4 feet of space that ends in a rounded wall. I might take the separator wall down some day.  But for now, I sealah taped some of my favorite papers onto the the metal rounded back portion of the wagon that is visible, and used the half wall as a break point from where to hang lights and tulle...

(Might I mention that nothing can happen around this place without Sealah Tape.  It is AMAZING!  It is better than anything in the world. Even the pleated skirts around my washer and dryer are being held up perfectly by the sturdy stuff.  I need to get more, thank you Miss Kay Ellen for introducing me to your parents' product last year!  I can't live without it!)

 

I noticed that there was a really sturdy small ledge going around the inside rounded portion of the wagon, where shelves must have been resting at some point.  So, I wedged another mantle piece that I had, in there, and it rested upon the ledge perfectly, with no chance of slipping at all.

 

Oh, I forgot to tell you.  The man that sold Mister Lovee the wagon is a welder.  He used the wagon as a little shop, to go do jobs and such.  Isn't that cute?   

 

I had a blast decorating up the wee place...

 

I hung my antique blanket made from hundreds of antique sari pieces on to the little separator wall I told you about.  You can't tell because the mantle is hanging in the center, but like I said, I have a depth of about 4 feet more that I can use if I take down that wall.  Although, I am not sure I want to do that...

 

It is becoming a most cozy little abode.  A little boudoir on wheels ;)

 

I can't bring myself to paint the interior old wood (or the exterior for that matter).  The interior side walls have a tinge of a very old whitewash, and I love the look of it.  But I am told, a coat of new paint will help it last longer.  I am not sure that I can be convinced. 

In the meantime, care to play a game of "lotería?"

      

I love the distressed wood & rusted brown authentic feel of it all.  I am just not into colorful walls.  I like looking at them, but I can't live with them for myself.  I have tried, but no luck ;)

There is a lot of head room.  None of the heads of men I know have hit the ceiling.  In fact they have plenty of room above their heads...

        

I will take more photos when I get more furniture and such in.  There is still nice space from where I am standing taking the photographs.  For some reason it feels a bit more spacious in person.  My old wide lense doesn't fit my camera though, which is necessary for photographing rooms and wagons.  (Oh, I forgot to say ~ I got my camera back yesterday!!  YIPPEEE!!)

Hey, what's that sound???

      

A manboy!  Yaaaay ;)

        

Magic moments and memory making... 

      

So much for lotería ;) 

      

It was a beautiful evening.  I stayed outside for a long while alone (until midnight), under the moon, and just enjoyed being.  Sometimes while sitting still and gazing at the stars, I fall into deep thoughts...

Lately I have been thinking about a movie I saw this summer called, This Dust of Words.  This film touched me so deeply that I just don't think I can ever find the appropriate moment to share it.  It was hauntingly beautiful.  It was sad and moving.  Yet, uplifting in it's own way.  (image below from movie website)

 

It was written produced and directed by Bill Rose.  A wonderfully kind man who I admire greatly. Bill sent me a copy of This Dust of Words almost 2 months ago and I watched it 4 times.  It was so deep, and it left a huge impression on me.  I was trying to find the perfect time to tell you about it.  Alas, no time will be perfect enough, so I am sharing it now...

I was quite moved and inspired by two people in particular in this film, who were incredibly real and kind to Elizabeth Wiltsee.  They are from the town of Watsonville and are named Tony Breese and Walter Washington.  I will never forget the wonderful and admirable character of those two.

Bill Rose also produced and directed a movie I told you about a few months ago, which is still one of my favorites, The Loss of Nameless Things. (image below from movie website)

 

I just love true stories, documentaries and real life tales...

So, with that, I will bid you adieu until very soon.  I will finally get to share the fun autumnal treats I have been alluding to in the next post!  ;) 

♥,V

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