'OUR WORLD OUR ART' EVENT DATE REVISED: THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL THE SPRING...PLEASE VISIT THE LINK ON MY RIGHT SIDEBAR' THANK YOU!!!

THE TIME IS DRAWING NEAR FOR LISA SWIFTKA'S: 'OUR WORLD OUR ART' EVENT.  This event is a world wide blog endeavor hosted by Lisa to encourage the handmade art community.  TO VIEW ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND DETAILS PLEASE VISIT THE LINK BELOW AND POST IT TO YOUR BLOG IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING.  LISA WILL CONTACT YOU IN THE SPRING FOR PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT ONCE YOU HAVE POSTED THE 'OUR WORLD OUR ART' INFORMATION ON YOUR BLOG.  PLEASE CLICK ON THE 'OUR WORLD OUR ART' ICON ON MY RIGHT SIDE BAR TO ACCESS LISA'S BLOG FOR THIS UPCOMING EVENT.
Thanks so very much, and we will see you in THE SPRING as LISA HAS POSTPONED THE EVENT UNTIL THEN.

OUR WORLD OUR ART

POSTED BY TERESA
DECEMBER 25TH, 2012

'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK' BY TROY HOWELL

'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK' is a tale you won't want to miss reading!  To view more about the book, please go to my brother Troy Howell's blog 'Penchant', which the link can be located on my right hand side bar (WITH THE ILLUSTRATION OF THE DRAGON, OF COURSE!) for a fabulous review from Troy Howell himself!  There is also a Question and Answer session on the same post about mothers and daughters who read the book and who are in a book club begun by a book store in San Francisco. You will not be able to put this book down!  From the beginning, the book has 'Alice in Wonderland' innuendos which Troy Howell talks about in detail with the question and answer session which can be found on the direct link to that very special post about 'The Dragon of Cripple Creek'.  The book is in its second printing and would make a very lovely addition to the book collection of any young adult or adults who are caught up in the realm of fantasy.  We are hoping a movie producer will read it and 'run' with it to make it into a movie.
ENJOY!

Posted by Teresa   December 6, 2012

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT AVAILABLE ON AMAZON BOOKS, KINDLE, AND CAN BE ORDERED FROM YOUR FAVORITE BOOK STORE.

RHISSANNA'S DOLL BLOG

You must visit Rhissanna's doll blog.  She is a fabulous doll maker, with tiny details in every doll she makes.  Here are photos of me opening the parcel of a doll which I just recently purchased from Rhissanna.  ENJOY!

I OPENED THE PARCEL CONTAINING MISS RABBIT AND HER ALICE DOLL AND ON TOP OF THE PACKAGING WAS A TINY SOFT SCULPTORED RABBIT WHICH IS RHISSANNA'S SIGNATURE STYLE, WHICH BY THE WAY SHE OFFERS THIS FREE TINY DARLING RABBIT PATTERN ON HER BLOG SIDE BAR.

I just purchased her Miss Rabbit doll along with her tiny Alice companion doll.  I was astounded by the feminine delicateness of Miss Rabbit's features...her beautiful tiny yellow checked dress, her black pinafore with black lace, her adorable pantaloons and her blue stripped socks, all the way down to her darling black shoes.  And on top of that!!! If that was not all...Miss Rabbit had her own little companion dolly in the form of Alice in Wonderland.  Okay...this is a reversal of Alice following the White Rabbit...in this case...Miss Rabbit found Alice instead.  Soooo sweet!!!

MISS RABBIT JUST COMING OUT OF THE PACKAGE! SHE IS STUNNING!

HERE IS TINY ALICE!  SHE IS SO CHARMING AND PERFECT IN EVERY LITTLE DETAIL!

WORDS JUST CANNOT DESCRIBE THE PERFECT DETAILS ON MISS RABBIT AND ALICE.  NOTICE THE TINY HANDS ON ALICE.   BOTH OF THESE DOLLS ARE HAND SCULPTURED BY RHISSANNA.

TOTAL PERFECTION!!!   I LOVE BOTH OF THESE DOLLS!!!

You can visit Rhissanna via the link on my right side bar.  Just click on her Rhissanna blog link with the doll and two black flying bunnies.   She just sold her absolutely gorgeous 'Ella' Christmas doll.  She has other dolls for sale in her Etsy shop which link can be found on her blog.  Congratulations! Rhissanna for creating such timeless treasures for others to enjoy!!! Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart!!!

posted by Teresa

'PINK SCARF PROJECT' AT 2 BAGS FULL

 Vicki with 2 Bags Full blog is hosting a heartfelt project to support breast cancer awareness by reaching out to those she knows in her own immediate community who are surviving and/ or who are going through breast cancer.  The project is called the 'PINK SCARF PROJECT'.  If you desire to participate in the project by donating a pink scarf, whether it is made of lovely pink fabrics sewn into a scarf, or knitted, crocheted, or embellished with whatever medium you choose, please click on the link on my right hand sidebar for more information to participate.  The project will run for an entire year, from October 2012 to October 2013, so there is plenty of time to be included in this event.  Vicki requires that her link be posted on your sidebar.  Please link to her blog for more information.
Thank you!
Teresa

posted November 24th 2012

GATHERING UP BITS OF THE WORLD IS HAVING A JOURNAL AND GOODY GIVEAWAY!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.   THANK YOU FOR ENTERING. Join in on the fun and visit my left sidebar for a journal and goodies giveaway. Also known as 'My Life One Bit At A Time'. The giveaway ends soon!

NOVEMBER 4TH UPDATE ON 'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK'

'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK' just went into its second printing this week.  YAY! Just to let everyone know, my brother Troy Howell author and illustrator of the classic children's book 'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK'  has renamed his blog 'Troy Howell Etc.'   You can access his blog on either the left hand sidebar of my blog or further down on the right hand side, for easy accessibility.   Troy has long been a children's book illustrator.   His hopes are to have his book picked up by a movie producer.  The book is a fine read, non-stop exciting action, and surprises around every corner of the mining town the story takes place in. The book is full of rich detail and exemplifies scenarios that would make Alice in Wonderland blush! In fact the book is full of 'Alice' innuendos.  And who wouldn't want to meet a real live dragon in the depths of....of...well, that is for you to find out!  'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK' is available at Amazon.com and also Kindle.  It is a fabulous book for upper grade elementary school children and young teens.  Get your copy today!  Your favorite book store can also order copies for your convenience.  Amazon books.com has a fabulous write-up about 'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK'.
ENJOY!!!

'THE DRAGON OF CRIPPLE CREEK'  BY  TROY HOWELL

Reposted by Teresa 11/4/2012

PICTURE FRAME DOLL HOUSE ROOMS

 It is always fun to come upon a blog that is a delight to learn new creative ideas.  Well,  I did just that a while ago and I would like to introduce Joann from DIY DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES'.  Her link will be on my sidebar.  She had the brilliant idea to use picture frames to make doll house rooms or even doll theaters was my initial thought when I saw her instructions.  I would say, the sky is the limit as to what you could make with this inexpensive idea.  I see inexpensive frames in thrift stores, and second hands stores all of the time, even stores such as Big Lots, or the Dollar stores probably have suitable frames, and also yard sale finds as well.  I can envision all kinds of embellishments if you wanted to make doll theaters, using velvet and silk curtains, various French style braids as decorations, making an internal 'stage' for the dolls and maybe make puppets with strings if you put a top on the box.  Sounds like lots of  fun possibilities!

Here's to an enjoyable blog!  And for future reference, the post is Joann Swanson's October 2nd, 2012 post on her DIY DOLLHOUSE MINIATURES BLOG.    ENJOY !!!

LOOK FOR THE 'DIY DOLLHOUSE MINITURES' LINK ON MY SIDEBAR.

P.S.  For those of you who tried the earlier link I had posted, it is now available on my left sidebar.
Thanks a bunch for your patience!  Have a frabulous day!!!



          posted by Teresa    

CASTLES, CROWNS, AND COTTAGES ETSY SHOP

OH! MY! GOODNESS!!
I was just over at Anita's Castles, Crowns, and Cottages Etsy shop and I am in love with her latest paper mache creatures...a Cat wand, a darling Mouse, a Horse, and a to-die-for Rabbit all in her own unique paper mache style.  She also has gowns, an Eighteenth Century style Marie Antoinette dress, splendid paper shoes, a Black Swan Tutu wand (incredible!), and cards which showcase her creations of her paper mache animals, and also more Audrey Hepburn cards which are so feminine they leap off the Etsy Shop page!!! And several other card additions too!

I DO HAVE HER LINK ON MY LEFT SIDEBAR WHICH IS ABOUT THE 12TH LINK DOWN.  HERE IS WHAT THE LINK TO HER ETSY SHOP LOOKS LIKE:

CASTLES, CROWNS, AND COTTAGES ETSY SHOP LINK ON MY LEFT SIDEBAR.

 I know you will adore what she is dreaming up in that fantasy imagination of hers which abounds with such magical designs.

posted by Teresa

HOOLA TALLULAH'S BLOG

You must absolutely go visit Hoola Tallulah's Blog!   I just found her and she just had the most special giveaway skitchbook!  I missed out on the giveaway and the winner is sooooo lucky to have won the fantastically detailed felt book embellished with glorious threads and fun stuff!!!  The post about her giveaway and the tutorial for the felt skitchbook is the Monday, September 10th, 2012 post.
Here is a photo of the giveaway book! AND along with giving the skitchbook away she also has a tutorial for making your own! THE LINK TO TALLULAH'S BLOG IS ON MY LEFT SIDE BAR.

OH! MY!  LOOK AT ALL OF THIS LOVELY HAND STITCHING! 

 ENJOY!
posted by Teresa

MORE HOMES NEAR LAURELWOOD

I have more photos of homes in the area of Laurelwood and also a few more close-ups of the magical picture window with Alice and the White Rabbit.
ENJOY!

posted by Teresa

ANOTHER LOVELY VINTAGE SPANISH STYLE HOUSE.  I ADORE THE TOP CIRCULAR POP OUT ON THE ROOF.

NO, IT'S NOT 1600 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE...BUT IT IS A LOVELY SWEET COTTAGE STYLE WITH DARLING UPPER WINDOWS.  I LIKE THE SWEET AND SIMPLE GATE TOO!

YAY! HERE IS A BETTER CLOSE-UP OF THE WHITE RABBIT AND ALICE STANDING ON A GRAND PIANO!  HOW MAGICAL IS THIS!  I WOULD LOVE TO SEE INSIDE THE ENTIRE HOUSE!  THERE MUST BE A VERY MAGICAL FAMILY LIVING INSIDE!

I DO LOVE RED DOORS ON HOMES...AND THIS ONE IS CHARMING.

ANOTHER LOVELY HOME IN THE AREA WITH A LOT OF CHARACTER.  LOTS OF DETAILS ON THE WINDOWS AND SUCH A CHARMING FRONT DOOR!

I DO LIKE MYSTERIOUS GARDEN DOORS!  WHAT LIES BEHIND IS A MYSTERY.

WELL...YOU ALMOST CAN'T SEE THE HOUSE FOR THE TREE!  BUT THIS IS THE WAY MOST OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS...LOTS OF LOVELY HUGE TREES!  THIS IS A HUGE HOUSE, BY THE WAY...THE PHOTO DOES NOT DO IT JUSTICE!

ANOTHER LOVELY ROOF STYLE AND FRENCH STYLE WINDOWS ON SUCH AN EXPANSIVE PROPERTY WITH HUGE OAK TREES.

THIS IS THE STYLE OF HOME YOU WOULD SEE IN SOUTH PASADENA, CALIFORNIA OR EVEN NORTH HOLLYWOOD.  JUST A VERY LOVELY HOME WITH A FULL BALCONY, PROBABLY A MOTHER-IN-LAWS QUARTERS OVER TO THE LEFT OF THE HOUSE.  JUST DIVINE!

ANOTHER HUGE SPANISH STYLE HOME WITH A SPRAWLING FRONT YARD AND PROBABLY FIVE THOUSAND SQUARE FOOT INTERIOR. 

THE TYPICAL AMERICAN HOME HERE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA. YOUR BASIC WHITE WITH DARK GREEN ACCENTS.  TRULY A HOME OF COMFORT AND CHARM.

I HOPE YOU HAVE ENJOYED A SHORT TOUR OF THE LAURELWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD.
THANK YOU FOR STOPPING BY AND HAVING A CUP OF TEA WITH ME!

posted by Teresa

TIME FOR PHOTOS OF HOMES AROUND LAURELWOOD

The other day I took my camera on purpose to take photos of surrounding homes in the neighborhood of our beloved second home, Laurelwood.   There are huge oaks trees on most of the properties in the area and huge crepe myrtle trees which are breath taking when in bloom.  These homes will delight the eye.  And there are some whimsical details which I adore and will make comments about as the photos progress.
ENJOY!!!

THIS IS THE HOUSE CATTY-CORNER ACROSS FROM OUR HOUSE.  THE TYPICAL COLONIAL STYLE.

THIS IS A SMALLER COTTAGE-STYLE HOME WITH A SWEET PICKED FENCE AND SPRAWLING FRONT LAWN.  IT IS ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!!

I LOVE THIS SPANISH STYLE STUCCO TILE ROOFED HOME.  IT HAS SUCH GRACIOUSNESS WITH THE LOVELY LANDSCAPING.  THIS ONE IS ON THE NEXT STREET OVER FROM LAURELWOOD.

THIS SWEET COTTAGE STYLE HOME SITS ON A CORNER.  THIS IS THE SIDE VIEW WITH ITS STEEP ROOF LINE.  AND I LOVE THE WHIMSICAL SHADE OF AQUA THE OWNERS CHOSE TO PAINT IT!

THIS IS THE FRONT OF THE SAME AQUA COTTAGE STYLE HOME WITH ITS FAIRY TALE FRONT DOOR AND LEADED GLASS WINDOWS.  I ADORE THE CURVED SIDEWALK UP TO THE DOOR.  THIS HOME IS PRICELESS!!!

THIS IS THE SAME MAGICAL COTTAGE STYLE HOME.  AND I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES AND I HAD TO TAKE A DOUBLE TAKE AS ON THE LOWER LEFT OF THE HUGE PICTURE WINDOW IS THE WHITE RABBIT!!! AND IF THAT IS NOT ENOUGH FOR THOSE ALICE FANS OUT IN BLOGLAND, THERE IS ALICE TOO, IN HER BLUE DRESS STANDING ON A TABLE.  AND I DO BELIEVE THERE IS A GRAND PIANO TOO.  TALK ABOUT A FAIRY TALE HOUSE!!!   AND IN OUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD TOO!   WHIMSY AND MAGIC IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE!!!

I JUST HAD TO POST THESE LOVELY PHOTOS FOR ALL TO SEE.  I WILL HAVE MORE PHOTOS FORTH COMING...PLUS MORE INDOOR PHOTOS OF INTRICATE DETAILS NEVER BEFORE SHOWN FROM LAUELWOOD.

posted by Teresa

PHOTOS OF PILLOWS FROM MY PAST GIVEAWAYS

Well, I am going to post some photos of pillows I made for two giveaways, and another pillow which I made for a dear friend, Janice Moore-Petty of Cheeky Rose Boutique Blogspot.  Janice is a fabulous doll maker and has her own truly marvelous paper mache recipe she uses to create her Queen Anne style dolls. I will put her link on my sidebar so you can access her blog.

This pillow was won by Palomasea Blogspot and was the giveaway for my participation in Anita of Castles, Crowns, and Cottages Blogspot Paris Party.   It is an embellished handmade pillow handmade by me, and has lots of vintage lace, vintage buttons, a printed fabric Marie Antoinette inkjet 'photo' with a rich fabric for the pillow cover.

Here is a close up of some of the details on the Paris Party Pillow Giveaway.

Here is the top of the Alice In Wonderland Pillow for the Mad Tea Party hosted by 'A Fanciful Twist' back in July of this year.  It is embellished with vintage crocheted lace, appliqued smaller Alice in Wonderland characters placed around the edges of the pillow, and a vintage photo print of the Mad Tea Party. The fabric is vintage and has tea pots and saucers and flowers. The pink crocheted tea pot in the fore ground was crocheted by me a few years ago and added just the right touch for the tea party pillow.  Silly me...I forgot to take any photos of the completed pillow.!  But this gives you an idea of what it looked like.  When I completed the pillow the back side had a French stripe fabric and was embellished with a vintage doily in the middle of the pillow surrounded by more smaller appliqued Alice in Wonderland characters.  Dog's Mom Blogspot was thrilled to win this pillow in my giveaway.

Here is a close up of the smaller characters which surrounded the main Alice Mad Tea Party scene.  I was not quite finished with the embellishments in this photo.  I so enjoyed making this pillow.

The whimsical Cheshire Cat graced the top of the pillow.

This is the left side of the pillow with the White Rabbit and Red King appliques.

 And I must tell you, I had the most delightful time finding the printed Alice's Tea Party image, and also the Alice in Wonderland fabric which I snipped out the smaller Alice characters from.  I found these lovely items from Connie Hindmarsh of www.hindmarashstudios.net in her sweet Etsy shop: Bears, Hares, and Folk Art Dolls.
And I found by further communication with Connie that she was the original Romper Room teacher on televison, back in the day!  What a sweetie she is!

I found the Marie Antionette printed inkjet embellishments in Etsy too from Sherifairy's Etsy site.

This is the French Style pillow I made for my sweet friend Janice who has one of the most generous spirits. 

This is the skirt with French Style fabric and vintage braid on the side, with vintage buttons and a bow at the waist.  This isn't the best photo but it does show the details.

This is a close up of the pillow showing the vintage soft chiffon fabric roses, the vintage crocheted lace, and vintage heart button at Marie's bosom, and the tiny blue rose on her 'hat'.

It was a joy to make these pillows for my blogging friends!

posted by Teresa

I WON! SWEET GIVEAWAY FROM KATHY AT CREATIVE HOME EXPRESSIONS

I was so thrilled when I found I had won Kathy's giveaway on her Creative Home Expressions blog!
I love the color aqua and some of the goodies were in that lovely color.  Here are the items she sent to me.
Thank you again Kathy!

This is the BEAUTIFUL Bird's nest with three Robin's eggs!

A very sweet bird card was enclosed from Kathy to me.  Then there was a magnolia scented candle which has a divine scent;  and some adorable French Rooster cupcake holders; a sweet white photo frame (center).

There was an adorable aqua double pail tin pail I will use to put my doll making tools and markers in which is to die for!   There were three separate paper goodies which included a two note pad pack with a pen; plus sticky notes and sticky flags; plus an 8 invitation pack of chef cards.  And I adore the huge aqua clothespin to keep important notes on.

Thank you ever so much again Kathy!  I will post a link to her blog on my sidebar.  Please check out Kathy's blog as she has many amazing ideas for decorating found/purchased vintage items.  Check out her latest cutie as it is a suitcase transformed with vintage dolly fabric.

posted by Teresa

ALTERED ALICE BLOG --- MORE ALICE FUN!!!

Hello Everybody!
Well, I always feel a let down after the Mad Tea Party because I could stay in Wonderland all of the time!
So...I ran across a fantastic blog for creating Alice related paper goodies.  So please come with me as we enter the world of Alice and join in challenges that are fun to do.  It's all on the 'Altered Alice' blog which you can access on the link on my side bar.  There is a list of other blogs who also participate in Alice related fun!
Enjoy!

posted by Teresa

REMEMBERING DENISE CANGELOSI

It was a little over a year ago, July 31st, to be exact that I received news of one of my dear doll making friends passing away unexpectedly.  Denise was 57 years old and way to young to leave this life.  I am going to post some of the photos of her exceptionally detailed whimsical dolls.  She and I had a bond through doll making, both of us snail mailed each other various doll making fabrics across the 6,000 plus miles between California and France, and again when she was living in Germany for a time too.   We both enjoyed reading fantasy about fairies, hobbits, wizards, dragons and I think that is why we became fast friends over the internet.  She was initially from England and had a vast knowledge of Celtic lore and also medieval lore.  We would write very long emails to each other talking about everything from cabbages to kings.   Enjoy the photo tour of French photos she took and also of a few of her dolls.

Granny Weatherwax from one of Terry Prachett's books.

Virginie.   I love the rich fabric on this doll and her beautiful hair and those shoes!

An incredible winged Elf with the most amazing feet!

The expression on this forest Fae is amazing.  I love the belly button and the tail!  Denise was truly a fabulous doll artists.

France

Denise did not take this photo but I am including it as it really gives you the 'feel' of France.

Thank you for viewing these photos and hope you will share precious memories of friends you have lost.

posted by Teresa

AYALA ART IS HAVING A GIVEAWAY UNTIL TODAY, AUGUST 15TH

HURRY ON OVER TO AYALA ART BLOGSPOT FOR HER SWEET GIVEAWAY!
I was unable to put the link up for it so hope you can find her on a Yahoo! or Google search!
Thank you!

posted by Teresa

YAY!!! IT'S TIME TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER OF THE MAD TEA PARTY GIVEAWAY!!!

THE WHITE RABBIT SAYS ITS TIME TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER!!!

I tossed all of the names into a hat and swished them around three times to the left and then swished them around once to the right (like you would do to tea leaves if you were going to read them) and then I pulled one name out of the hat. (My camera was being obstinate as I DID have photos to show you of the UN-Birthday hat and the name I pulled out!)

                                          AND THE WINNER IS!!!   DOGS MOM

HURRAY!   CONGRATULATIONS!!!  DOGS MOM,  I WILL BE SENDING YOU AN EMAIL TO REQUEST YOUR SNAIL MAIL ADDRESS.

AND SO WE BID ADIEU TO ALICE AND THE RABBIT AS THEY FINALLY FOUND EACH OTHER AFTER THE PARTY AND ARE HEADING HOME UNTIL THE NEXT MAD TEA PARTY.

WONDERFUL THANKS TO LOVELY VANESSA AT HER GLORIOUS BLOG 'A FANCIFUL TWIST' FOR HOSTING THIS AMAZING BLOGLAND MAD TEA PARTY!!!

posted by Teresa