The Ribboned Crown

~Etiquette-Shmetiquette~!

Not only will I wear white shoes after Labor Day, I will carry a matching handbag, as well! ( And don't get me started on my seersucker wardrobe).

Here's to starting the weekend off on the right (white) foot!!

Who Says Lightning Doesn't Strike Twice??

Having your artwork featured on the cover of a magazine is pretty amazing. But twice?

My friend, Colleen Moody's Pumpkin Doll graced the cover of the fall edition of Art Doll Quarterly. And now her Boo Witch is showcased on the cover of the September/October edition of Somerset Studio. Wow, when it rains, it pours (and strikes lightning!!)

Congratulations, Colleen!!

Lightning Photo from The Daily Mail

~ Letting the Cat Out of the Bag..piper!~

Something's been brewing around here for the last two months besides creating for Halloween. This past weekend I was dancing The  Highland Fling as Victoria Magazine was here shooting my Scottish-themed home, garden and a bit of my artwork. I know! I can't believe it either, nor can my sister, Kristine, my designer extraordinaire. We have both loved Victoria forever, cherishing all the old issues we have saved, perusing all the wonderful photos and stories. And now, here they were, in my home. And they were beyond nice - and fun!

We've  known about it for a couple of months but until it actually happened, I didn't want to say anything. You know, the "knock on wood" superstitious thing. The feature will appear in an upcoming issue of Victoria, probably next fall. That's the reason for my lack of response to so many of your very kind comments and emails and I apologize. Getting ready for American Harvest's Halloween and Victoria had my plate pretty full - but in a good way!!

Anyway, it's nice to be able to share the news with you. I was so excited when I found out the magazine was coming back into publication. And now, to be a small part of  Victoria's magic is truly extraordinary. Believe me, I know I am a very lucky lass, indeed!

**Victoria Post Here**

~ A FESTIVE FINISH!! ~

Pierrette is taking a bow and I feel like doing the same...because I finished!!

This black and white collection (collection? oh brother!) really reflects my personal taste. I used images from original lithographs and engravings I've purchased over the years.

Now I'm not sure what's going on with the color thing here. This orange and black group (I mean collection-ha!) photographed reddish but it's not at all in person.

See this little wisp of a witch in the theatre? I could SO use her broom right now. It's looks like a bad spell has been cast where I've been creating. A bit of a merriment mess!

All of these and more will make their way to American Harvest by week's end as they welcome Halloween to their store. And I didn't even loose my glass slipper- it's not quite midnight. Whew- I made it!

!!!~ PROCLAIMATION ~!!!

It's a fact. If you work on Halloween creations for a week straight without doing anything else, you will turn into a pumpkin head. Which is fine, but the rattling of the seeds does get on your nerves. (Not to mention that permanent grin).

Almost done!!

P.S. Thank you all for the comments you have left- I will come visit you again soon!!

~Halloween Heraldry~

What? Don't all of your garden statues don crowns? Well, mine have no choice but to be willing "subjects" !

I've been creating and thought I'd pop in with a photo of what I've been working on. But OH, I've got so much more to do. Yikes!

Okay, it's back to work. No more of this                     'crowning around'.

: )

Is it me or does this girl need a new Handbag?

Oh sure, her cone can probably hold a few lipsticks but wouldn't you prefer, say...

This One?

Or maybe this one??

If you haven't heard, Constance from Rochambeau has opened her boutique!!

Yes...Boutique Rochambeau and it is adorable!!! Handbags, Pochettes, Melange, and More!!

When you have a moment, go and visit her (isn't she so Audrey Hepburn??) You will swear you're in Handbag Heaven!!

(handbag photos from Constance's blog)

And another post below- I know, two in one day!

Yikes...Double-Teamed!!

Yep. That's right. You sure know how to turn a girls head!!

A fun game from Miss Fancy Pants herself, Vanessa from A Fanciful Twist. I've never looked better in a swimsuit. (and how did you know I swim with a crown??) I recently discovered her art (and wacky humor) and love them both. Thanks for the nod : )

And a thank you to Lana from Honeysuckle Lane for the Nice Matters Award. I think we "met" years ago in cyberspace and somehow she found me once again in Blogland. My good fortune!! She's a wiz with the needle and thread!

I think I need to take a page from my friend, Lidy's blog and nominate, well everyone! I've only been "blogging" for a couple of months and have found some wonderful friends with the bonus of viewing some amazing art.

So...consider yourselves tagged and "I got you last!"

Thanks again... Donna

PS- Vanessa's 7 Wonders of the World Game does intrigue me so I'll try to squeeze it in sometime soon. But for now it's back to witches, pumpkins, black cats, etc., etc., etc., ........

Orange and Black are Beckoning!!!

This will be me over the next several weeks. My favorite holiday to create for is coming up so quickly!

Halloween merriment will be taking shape in the form of crowns, scepters, glass theatres, paper dolls, and more. I'll post from time to time to give you a glimpse of my progress before I deliver to American Harvest so check back when you have a moment.

PS- Don't you think I would probably get more done if I didn't wear that silly mask the whole time?

: )

Unconditional Lapin Love? I'm Trying!!!

Every spring I look forward to making some wonderful things for Easter.

And the subject I love the most is The Bunny. All of the old images are so adorable and I have collected many over the years - rabbits dressed up, donning bonnets, carrying eggs, etc. So whimsically imaginative.

But oh, the image of this little renegade rabbit eating the tops off of all my flowers is really testing me!

Do you think if I followed him home down the rabbit hole he would have pictures of me in a clown hat and crepe paper collar?? 

~~ My Friend Colleen is a Cover Girl ! ~~

I am over the moon (make that a Harvest Moon) that one of my dearest friends is on the cover of Art Doll Quarterly.

Colleen Moody and I met just about 2 years ago and we have become fast friends.

Her heart and soul are genuine and kind and those qualities spring from her, right into her creations.

I fell in love with her Pumpkin Dolls so last year she was kind enough to make me this white one. It is one of my favorite things. I left it out way beyond Halloween! (I wish I had a close-up but she's tucked away and I couldn't wait to write this post- so exciting!)

You know how it feels so unexpectedly great when someone deserving gets recognized? This, for me, is one of those great "feel good" moments.

When you have a chance, go and see all of the other creations Colleen has conjured up. She has a great website as well as a blog.

Congratulations, Colleen!! My friend!

Now, back to the beehive! Bzzzzzzz....

~~ I'm BEE-HIND ~~

I'm busily catching up so I'll buzz back in a few days.