tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19124319652025661042024-03-18T12:59:27.028-07:00Musings from Behind the EaselCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.comBlogger810125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-91759650122901622612023-10-20T18:16:00.001-07:002023-10-20T18:16:55.287-07:00<p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> Christmas Cards!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">The 2023 design is ready, and they'll be on the way very soon!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Unfortunately, I'm having trouble uploading images - something to do with cookies and settings, and I hope to have it fixed asap. In the meantime, please visit King of Mice Studios on Facebook for the latest updates...</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Back soon!</span></b></span></p><p><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">♥</span></b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> Carolee </span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><br /></p>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-37635436026717387082020-11-15T09:49:00.000-08:002020-11-15T09:49:10.179-08:00"Embracing Hibernation"<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As my own sheltering at home passes the eight month mark now, painting this piece has been both blessing and therapy..</span></span>.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nD3yR-y5yTSn3RegD4ZH41lpUL6Bz1aEW6FYI3KKVBqYN0CbMrpwqDPCRKARSu94zaP7dDqxcK4wEnBwRPiHbi_h2ZCS0OWXcERTg9_QZioyc-gxX0Ujmd1QioQ8dYVUd__fiNgHiuCo/s1460/embracinghibernation1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="468" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nD3yR-y5yTSn3RegD4ZH41lpUL6Bz1aEW6FYI3KKVBqYN0CbMrpwqDPCRKARSu94zaP7dDqxcK4wEnBwRPiHbi_h2ZCS0OWXcERTg9_QZioyc-gxX0Ujmd1QioQ8dYVUd__fiNgHiuCo/w206-h640/embracinghibernation1.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With winter approaching, it's been a reminder to appreciate all the small comforts which sustain me; a knitted shawl, a stack of books, a hot cup of tea, a cozy blanket (see detail)...</span></span></span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz3ViXlKdvajsDl3equD9EkMj9wq1RaPneq7ER_AunsmvgBTLYFBO8ZMdBJPJWjSl16wfAO2OpvwxyCpIKfy0VD9_ohpwTNJ6gzLoVq9ahP13schy8TEdQ4u8oD1tJSmqt4NYVZeM46VI/s1671/embracinghibernation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1671" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigz3ViXlKdvajsDl3equD9EkMj9wq1RaPneq7ER_AunsmvgBTLYFBO8ZMdBJPJWjSl16wfAO2OpvwxyCpIKfy0VD9_ohpwTNJ6gzLoVq9ahP13schy8TEdQ4u8oD1tJSmqt4NYVZeM46VI/w384-h640/embracinghibernation3.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We can learn a lot from our friends in the natural world, who live in season, and adapt to circumstances, settling in for what could be a long winter, but still mindful of the promise of spring ahead (another detail)...</span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre3zeYc-o9ho3KsqxA3slf8L-3D4WhjHn62DJfuk_u7Dbfx8kIi4osjeQE7wtIHd0WIQy_JEue6yhkeGJTrrtdvlntGpAA7gkt6Y7af4aV4IP7f_VgP0OTJagOSa8lLQL0DTeQyUObDlu/s1834/embracinghibernation4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjre3zeYc-o9ho3KsqxA3slf8L-3D4WhjHn62DJfuk_u7Dbfx8kIi4osjeQE7wtIHd0WIQy_JEue6yhkeGJTrrtdvlntGpAA7gkt6Y7af4aV4IP7f_VgP0OTJagOSa8lLQL0DTeQyUObDlu/w358-h640/embracinghibernation4.jpeg" width="358" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Painted in acrylics on a 12" x 36" gallery canvas, the sides of the piece are painted a deep midnight blue, so there's no need for a frame. Not limited to just wall hanging, I think this one would also look wonderful on a door (I love hanging art on doors!). </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQWsz56FzvJpCNkYTsxkD6yE0s0MTgHEoZAtaFT3CBS0aKuwEdKMGaGXMitjqiUINCG9zP2k9FMzhaafq9NTlJ4NQrRPHYgRm1Eu6Rt4FF01yhkFdldUg12R7pc_Mf5VWgdGmGDlo2E6y/s1440/embracinghibernation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQWsz56FzvJpCNkYTsxkD6yE0s0MTgHEoZAtaFT3CBS0aKuwEdKMGaGXMitjqiUINCG9zP2k9FMzhaafq9NTlJ4NQrRPHYgRm1Eu6Rt4FF01yhkFdldUg12R7pc_Mf5VWgdGmGDlo2E6y/w304-h640/embracinghibernation2.jpg" width="304" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It's signed at the bottom, and will come with a certificate of authenticity. This one was truly a labor of love, and my hope is that all the positive energy infused in its creation will bless someone's home through this difficult time, and for years to come. <span style="color: red;">♥</span> <br /></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm accepting offers this weekend via email (carolee@kingofmice.com), beginning at $895, with shipping dependent on location.</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks very much for taking a peek, and I hope you and yours are staying safe and well!</span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: red;">♥</span> Carolee</span></span></span><br /></p><p><br /></p>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-40767964209251786042020-09-28T17:11:00.000-07:002020-09-28T17:11:02.471-07:00It's Showtime!!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> A week late, following a major computer crash, but here's the post that WAS TO BE. Everything sold directly via email (thank you!), but I thought I'd post this here in case anyone wanted to see pics and descriptions....</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Are you as excited as I am?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Well, maybe not AS excited as the for real Michigan show (where I get to meet you all in person!), but still, I'm pretty happy about sharing my work! So grab a cup of your favorite brew, and if you see something that strikes your fancy, please email me at carolee@kingofmice.com, and place the title of the piece in the subject line of your email to claim it. I'll do my best to mark pieces sold as as quickly as I am able, but I'm a one-man-band here, so please be patient. To be fair (and just like the in-person show), each piece will go to the first person to claim it.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So here we go... several new pieces of *magical* work, with the measurements and prices listed (before shipping, which will vary depending on location and insurance).</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I'll be shipping in a few days, as soon as the varnish is dry (most of these were photographed pre-varnishing to avoid glare), and ask that payment in full be made via PayPal within 24 hours of claiming the piece.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Thanks for stopping by to take a peek, and thanks for supporting the arts!</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #351c75;">♥ Carolee</span></span></p><p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IXyApE8GJw9nw5_Dgpp3GdoFjRKrK1bcgOV6F3gT_jo1s0B6g5sl6r4KkPuJf0TQ1S1EIN5x7TDUALjQ56W_6Q9jqAFf7tbdmoH-vQRWlrYe60t277j2k_rX8NGdQLz65CqKNKja9P-/s1024/mainecoon1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1024" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09IXyApE8GJw9nw5_Dgpp3GdoFjRKrK1bcgOV6F3gT_jo1s0B6g5sl6r4KkPuJf0TQ1S1EIN5x7TDUALjQ56W_6Q9jqAFf7tbdmoH-vQRWlrYe60t277j2k_rX8NGdQLz65CqKNKja9P-/w320-h288/mainecoon1.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"Maine Coon Magic"</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">This gorgeous fellow is all ready for Halloween, and has left his pawprint inside the box!</p><p style="text-align: center;">4 1/2" square x 1 1/2", acrylic on wood, SOLD</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3_wdNKgBTwXNwSzXwcMoTBvA5gYNUo0TNa1YPkhwJexqwDHj06GpcLjZqKU7R3XhTodWTHI9yf1q9WtcNjvIiiII_nL-wSUfCk35hZG-t65Q9_IxF2nrjzVNb9S0FRM8AMemUeuR9kOV/s1024/seekmagiccrow2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF3_wdNKgBTwXNwSzXwcMoTBvA5gYNUo0TNa1YPkhwJexqwDHj06GpcLjZqKU7R3XhTodWTHI9yf1q9WtcNjvIiiII_nL-wSUfCk35hZG-t65Q9_IxF2nrjzVNb9S0FRM8AMemUeuR9kOV/s320/seekmagiccrow2.jpeg" width="320" /></a> <br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYl83_-GpwXpx9fhuwWYGNGMtIz-gJnoqNXsqX1McTD-jOj-nPRYlbV8w_TJXQxYhc6yNqrhWvMyPS2xP7FbS34U8cVCqjz2zsogvlPnKKQaxcRm8LizB4zjhvsRmxcRXQgT6gUOoPqRl/s1024/seekmagiccrow1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYl83_-GpwXpx9fhuwWYGNGMtIz-gJnoqNXsqX1McTD-jOj-nPRYlbV8w_TJXQxYhc6yNqrhWvMyPS2xP7FbS34U8cVCqjz2zsogvlPnKKQaxcRm8LizB4zjhvsRmxcRXQgT6gUOoPqRl/s320/seekmagiccrow1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>"Seek Magic"</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">A mystical crow, with a reminder to always look for the magic. :) <b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">6 1/2" x 4 1/2", acrylic on wood, accented with a Swarovski crystal, SOLD.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpn3TgJIVHXb0R1Yb_4M0S5m-xVDrRK5bqigH959Sdv-ffsnocx04qmnE3CbV7iqPYRyvqoOrkVB-JAqbJPcI6LPOrQAN3J33RjRH5n-s0hveuWqoQT3Uny8PjfXOaVWbtenIJLI5O1W5/s1024/magicmouse1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpn3TgJIVHXb0R1Yb_4M0S5m-xVDrRK5bqigH959Sdv-ffsnocx04qmnE3CbV7iqPYRyvqoOrkVB-JAqbJPcI6LPOrQAN3J33RjRH5n-s0hveuWqoQT3Uny8PjfXOaVWbtenIJLI5O1W5/s320/magicmouse1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_mcWwP5mN2aJzaeo3ch0dt29K0QnHks1M__o0OWRem0gLTht6omXaNwvlS9fvCWIsQtIYtY-d_BvohHI_f_DdrECYdQqY5YapPGXSDCwmgbYSXEetpQWLr3RtWyY_A3r7RVe63_yTxO-/s1024/magicmouse2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_mcWwP5mN2aJzaeo3ch0dt29K0QnHks1M__o0OWRem0gLTht6omXaNwvlS9fvCWIsQtIYtY-d_BvohHI_f_DdrECYdQqY5YapPGXSDCwmgbYSXEetpQWLr3RtWyY_A3r7RVe63_yTxO-/s320/magicmouse2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b>"Magical Miss Mousel"</b> <p></p><p style="text-align: center;">This adorable little mouse is bestowing Halloween blessings on her friend the crescent moon (and on your home as well!)<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">6 1/2" x 41/2" x 21/4", acrylic on bentwood box, SOLD. <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUQCcUDHFNpiV-Wu8S6I7cLfyhiBuKDhDbltr5d09k5bOtp_HAI8pM68DgXT60PtdX9-H4_-wiFirqyv_xnYVWLouw04072bDTPQCMVXirecpfPb5N2Y-jBALm4gXvNpJrCMJRqzWz2JC/s1024/girlsnightout1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUQCcUDHFNpiV-Wu8S6I7cLfyhiBuKDhDbltr5d09k5bOtp_HAI8pM68DgXT60PtdX9-H4_-wiFirqyv_xnYVWLouw04072bDTPQCMVXirecpfPb5N2Y-jBALm4gXvNpJrCMJRqzWz2JC/s320/girlsnightout1.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINnfzoFyCFCT4FpRYyXWyvS53gyihovngC7JIZ4eJylL-KbpbVls2CLONim5k5gGJ7JVmaAZXASkckQFcJd2jpCcCW91UK9i8vc66oNLgBtztaf5nzgEZpgEufptPYIAbsnpXanBwsKtp/s1024/girlsnightout2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="999" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINnfzoFyCFCT4FpRYyXWyvS53gyihovngC7JIZ4eJylL-KbpbVls2CLONim5k5gGJ7JVmaAZXASkckQFcJd2jpCcCW91UK9i8vc66oNLgBtztaf5nzgEZpgEufptPYIAbsnpXanBwsKtp/s320/girlsnightout2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVDMI-dgWrxlcGBSgjYmVVdkPwt4bCRJo63r4kXDuHtMt2-DmNQ6bmcatrSJp-0eRdXKkzh7h_H0KujMqYJWuWTC0fGVOp6QjFWNBxH4F3vKjy575622dBXwwTPxrglEKMffICXGU-VJK/s1024/girlsnightout3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEVDMI-dgWrxlcGBSgjYmVVdkPwt4bCRJo63r4kXDuHtMt2-DmNQ6bmcatrSJp-0eRdXKkzh7h_H0KujMqYJWuWTC0fGVOp6QjFWNBxH4F3vKjy575622dBXwwTPxrglEKMffICXGU-VJK/s320/girlsnightout3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b> "Girl's Night Out"</b><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hayrides, a barn dance, and wicked good brew for the ladies of this Halloween village (and their familiars), as the Woman in the Moon smiles down!<b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">13" in diameter x 3", acrylic on large bentwood box. SOLD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAHe_2jS8mtCeACLENogSIYITrgM68jwI8p9Aml25ynoeBXgRefeak4SDATrBcb4Sv4MwXJhJ3MUMkNlgCQq8b1VFeUUxR6nGO2i-HyEyjtPsu6Tkn7uGdIcr3nYt_PDPaYwB64BHRfLr/s1024/catsith1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAHe_2jS8mtCeACLENogSIYITrgM68jwI8p9Aml25ynoeBXgRefeak4SDATrBcb4Sv4MwXJhJ3MUMkNlgCQq8b1VFeUUxR6nGO2i-HyEyjtPsu6Tkn7uGdIcr3nYt_PDPaYwB64BHRfLr/s320/catsith1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-sABMQvwSf-uiIM-YSvmZGucgQlnOm3L_MsDdZOOVpRytK-eOMGEbB702qdSndlVri00OqEl-bOE0SUnF66_FMYDnTOB2kmEiTtgAd5B-7DonGD6nXsRmhyGjJIkXvv-KFn22jJ3JJpV/s1024/catsith2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-sABMQvwSf-uiIM-YSvmZGucgQlnOm3L_MsDdZOOVpRytK-eOMGEbB702qdSndlVri00OqEl-bOE0SUnF66_FMYDnTOB2kmEiTtgAd5B-7DonGD6nXsRmhyGjJIkXvv-KFn22jJ3JJpV/s320/catsith2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"Cat Sith"</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Fairy Cat of Celtic legend roams the Highlands in search of souls to steal - or will offer your house protection if you share a saucer of milk on Samhain!<b> </b>(Celtic knotwork border.) :)<b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">17" at widest point, x 5 1/2", acrylic on hand turned, solid wood bowl, SOLD</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT1du5Erhu7oOzZRysakeJasCRuBqbNPOfx4PXox7JCryw8RvRJBNbyXfuMZbLEurxLt6uMkjL7LDtMpA26fD0fn6YjmUUAEM41yg31mba0AGkKP3LI1MPogdcpZ3-gzcr5LwhtfYViHE/s1024/magicalbrew1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT1du5Erhu7oOzZRysakeJasCRuBqbNPOfx4PXox7JCryw8RvRJBNbyXfuMZbLEurxLt6uMkjL7LDtMpA26fD0fn6YjmUUAEM41yg31mba0AGkKP3LI1MPogdcpZ3-gzcr5LwhtfYViHE/s320/magicalbrew1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eCCV16zxvwXBLbuUvWqVogtcxYNPyEPmIFRUJM31RmI3viXPpH_jiQdhkkb5AC632eIYs-PEpS75UqbnOcd1PS1HlDg__XCvOLFNyOy-5UcWBJRWzzSgoGnx72C2z-8641sCQY6SpV6V/s1024/magicalbrew2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eCCV16zxvwXBLbuUvWqVogtcxYNPyEPmIFRUJM31RmI3viXPpH_jiQdhkkb5AC632eIYs-PEpS75UqbnOcd1PS1HlDg__XCvOLFNyOy-5UcWBJRWzzSgoGnx72C2z-8641sCQY6SpV6V/s320/magicalbrew2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXrD51QHKm1mIxSN5_6ceVz0a7MvCBn85yj8GpjJJ57RmqxFfn0L9MaZ2tE1I7_XM4vHYV_F6u3Ob5ra8TKBOoC7BgTk-YPG4324llPPBMMT7uA-775pd70AW8ZZF78ajc0d19AIE4JG1/s1024/magicalbrew3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQXrD51QHKm1mIxSN5_6ceVz0a7MvCBn85yj8GpjJJ57RmqxFfn0L9MaZ2tE1I7_XM4vHYV_F6u3Ob5ra8TKBOoC7BgTk-YPG4324llPPBMMT7uA-775pd70AW8ZZF78ajc0d19AIE4JG1/s320/magicalbrew3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBWcOY2CH159GYVz-QwshfWP1N_TDemm8zmmTyTVvBcnEaInWy6Rdfr8Z36Y3jTx3bk5EbdAnc3IMzYaoGZ9vJBP41zToPiYlZNOqn6wz92VwozWiXV290TZ2CTam0ToU5F67PM6zgVw5/s1024/magicalbrew4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisBWcOY2CH159GYVz-QwshfWP1N_TDemm8zmmTyTVvBcnEaInWy6Rdfr8Z36Y3jTx3bk5EbdAnc3IMzYaoGZ9vJBP41zToPiYlZNOqn6wz92VwozWiXV290TZ2CTam0ToU5F67PM6zgVw5/s320/magicalbrew4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"Magical Brew"</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">A *magical* Cat and Mouse tea party, complete with cupcakes, is the perfect place to store your favorite brew (or jewelry, accessories, etc)...<b><br /></b></p><p style="text-align: center;">15" x 7" x 4 1/2", acrylic on hand made wooden Tea Chest with removable dividers. SOLD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-GHxlno1CThs62Xu8FcCiLfiuMzxtEoajvENtt8x6kLm_oFp0amXQF2WaQ9YwRAc3L295_oCakdRQorJiDRLDwjDr0-SqeCenS95xQODvjn7pdKRKj2TwwcFrdhkKnWSNILw_tOdFSAH/s1406/flyawayhome1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-GHxlno1CThs62Xu8FcCiLfiuMzxtEoajvENtt8x6kLm_oFp0amXQF2WaQ9YwRAc3L295_oCakdRQorJiDRLDwjDr0-SqeCenS95xQODvjn7pdKRKj2TwwcFrdhkKnWSNILw_tOdFSAH/w234-h320/flyawayhome1.jpeg" width="234" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkWEqfQOhD1EyTwu49-tzCo4vo6SoPxNN8OaUJrRJCVpAKgDv8AjcVGmo-wyCY0mICnfrhyGjIT4rZnwHFhJ5Gim3xoE2Cui-x3uUPmjsBrXBProEF62bhQxgOI-H5xmhU1dYsCHupW9g/s1569/flyawayhome2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVkWEqfQOhD1EyTwu49-tzCo4vo6SoPxNN8OaUJrRJCVpAKgDv8AjcVGmo-wyCY0mICnfrhyGjIT4rZnwHFhJ5Gim3xoE2Cui-x3uUPmjsBrXBProEF62bhQxgOI-H5xmhU1dYsCHupW9g/s320/flyawayhome2.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zUuOhfsmVl9DnDJ6jrK7E1-n6zREuskTOrofVlunlR6hqnx5I0LqKr6ekgT77mnS4UUHaMWwXN7OUAvNqg9RdpNFBLFTWaiTeVf4sD-4upwJ-BwwOqafXVHHxtJ_BXQxKb3i6rqAO6Tk/s1564/flyawayhome3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zUuOhfsmVl9DnDJ6jrK7E1-n6zREuskTOrofVlunlR6hqnx5I0LqKr6ekgT77mnS4UUHaMWwXN7OUAvNqg9RdpNFBLFTWaiTeVf4sD-4upwJ-BwwOqafXVHHxtJ_BXQxKb3i6rqAO6Tk/s320/flyawayhome3.jpeg" /></a></div><b><br /></b><p style="text-align: center;"><b>"Fly Away Home"</b></p><p style="text-align: center;">6" tall x 3" wide, acrylic on wood ornament, SOLD</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thanks again for stopping by and checking out my work! Find me on Facebook at King of Mice Studios, and @kingofmicestudios on Instagram! </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-37087706249176524372020-08-12T12:52:00.000-07:002020-08-12T12:52:00.771-07:00The Witch's Apothecary<p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Well, it's been a little while, hasn't it?</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm afraid I've been so immersed in Facebook, Instagram, and just LIFE (and now pandemic life) that blogging sort of fell through the cracks. I won't promise to get better about it, because well - I've tried that, hehe...But for what it's worth, I do promise to try. ;)</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you're visiting to get a peek at the new Witch's Apothecary Cabinet, you've come to the right place.</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYuEDVsBdLCmrbSesq8_ETiAn8s3r4fLB94e5CRXRLWoAP42SKc26QBnEZocUPeUDsD9ylVelY81g5bddOZL2efHE16la5mYEL1xnNmNAcXDLIdRP9GOfPKpaEXsa47Mi2wVuQpmzh9NO/s960/cabinet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="622" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYuEDVsBdLCmrbSesq8_ETiAn8s3r4fLB94e5CRXRLWoAP42SKc26QBnEZocUPeUDsD9ylVelY81g5bddOZL2efHE16la5mYEL1xnNmNAcXDLIdRP9GOfPKpaEXsa47Mi2wVuQpmzh9NO/s640/cabinet1.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This piece was truly a labor of love and inspiration, and the first of its kind I've painted in well over five years - since before John passed, in fact. It brought back a lot of memories of him checking on my progress, complimenting the outcome, and joking about how if I didn't stop obsessing and adding detail, I'd end up making about ten cents an hour on the piece, lol. :)</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiIS3jewYnKB4MqtezOqkZjVpUrHbDlxSwOe1PZrwFjt59I-bOpAoVbPg03I9wSlCkT8GJNziEqvrz22CLHkiCvUu8SU1CKAmRl2MtW-zKfu5xMQciSwtyrLaLu0gXQ9sOoP9pH3CqaMd/s960/cabinet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="608" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiIS3jewYnKB4MqtezOqkZjVpUrHbDlxSwOe1PZrwFjt59I-bOpAoVbPg03I9wSlCkT8GJNziEqvrz22CLHkiCvUu8SU1CKAmRl2MtW-zKfu5xMQciSwtyrLaLu0gXQ9sOoP9pH3CqaMd/s640/cabinet2.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This one has been a good couple of weeks in the making, and I'm really proud of it. I think he would be too...</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwDTMMNyhMe75UcYePa4dVRPFSyiYEAcoyuMHvzwNhAApzdormbdq_Ebj8uexCWTivFvNVUJ6I5z0qrr62Gaj6cqhf_wXRUwyHlA0VHN8bi2eLgteCQ1qPL8IZ5wDCjoQqUkKaOgy1S0d/s960/cabinet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwDTMMNyhMe75UcYePa4dVRPFSyiYEAcoyuMHvzwNhAApzdormbdq_Ebj8uexCWTivFvNVUJ6I5z0qrr62Gaj6cqhf_wXRUwyHlA0VHN8bi2eLgteCQ1qPL8IZ5wDCjoQqUkKaOgy1S0d/s640/cabinet3.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The cabinet itself is made of wood, hand crafted by an Amish woodworker here in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, painted in acrylics, and finished with a clear, acrylic varnish. You may find tiny imperfections in both wood texture and brushstrokes, as is the nature of hand made, rather than manufactured pieces, but I think that adds to the charm. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQmu7b23ZXnda1KIgdYgAEpURmeAkHgFTlzx_IJoEwwgcUcobCpUwQLEFyCj0HXPzVdjS5xGqhAME3z9QEjgBy-7Qa1Bp45XBS6_4GRBR8phDRrK1uyNA41Aw8wuTKvJ0ZgkHvUNhQVWa/s960/cabinet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="552" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQmu7b23ZXnda1KIgdYgAEpURmeAkHgFTlzx_IJoEwwgcUcobCpUwQLEFyCj0HXPzVdjS5xGqhAME3z9QEjgBy-7Qa1Bp45XBS6_4GRBR8phDRrK1uyNA41Aw8wuTKvJ0ZgkHvUNhQVWa/s640/cabinet4.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The piece measures 26 1/4" x 15 3/4" x 7". It's signed it on the bottom, and will come with a signed and dated certificate of authenticity. I think it would look wonderful mounted on a wall in kitchen, dining room or living room. <br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDCQsTu19Vh22nJVB1Qhmc-oSkI1mN17x4SqBni2Qf_EqSljv4lnY14O4F-a5yenBa8yIi3errBg3rBUZNakKV7l99MbCVkvdv3PtfkhfKbnaEQaoYElSnBc2CFzjGwt7-5yzZ7H8mz82/s960/cabinet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="704" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDCQsTu19Vh22nJVB1Qhmc-oSkI1mN17x4SqBni2Qf_EqSljv4lnY14O4F-a5yenBa8yIi3errBg3rBUZNakKV7l99MbCVkvdv3PtfkhfKbnaEQaoYElSnBc2CFzjGwt7-5yzZ7H8mz82/w375-h512/cabinet5.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Since there's been a good bit of interest in this one, to make it fair, I'm accepting offers, with a minimum of $950, via email to carolee@kingofmice.com. The best offer will capture the piece, and I'll leave it open until tomorrow evening (August 13th) at 8PM. Depending on the offer, I will consider splitting it into two payments (via PayPal). In the event there are identical best offers, I will contact the collectors and let them have the opportunity to revise. Shipping will vary depending on location, but it will come to you via UPS, professionally packaged and fully insured. Depending on the best offer, shipping may be included.<br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWlrFkmfkmOmfLufyYcbe07lV_BUSRGm9GUAB-9ORfSaILLgEObYqgn7KJy0u5Dca4ce68n-gmfik3dFVJfhlFFJDn05y_f2BiEzeYqmWa8m8zoLjVszTu9b_BfEzuw_TFgdh8GjRtkB-/s960/cabinet6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="610" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuWlrFkmfkmOmfLufyYcbe07lV_BUSRGm9GUAB-9ORfSaILLgEObYqgn7KJy0u5Dca4ce68n-gmfik3dFVJfhlFFJDn05y_f2BiEzeYqmWa8m8zoLjVszTu9b_BfEzuw_TFgdh8GjRtkB-/w326-h512/cabinet6.jpg" width="326" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Finally, thank you sooooooo much for all the kind words, comments and interest in this piece on social media. It's such a blessing to work on something I truly feel will be a future heirloom, and there's no better feeling in the world than thinking my work will bring a little *magic* to someone's hearth and home for generations to come. ♥</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6ZMkd2i0CAwpLBcc8cdJzxC__jAFYC862r5Xu6rlu9KfdyEbE58ln587aWOxSshu3ih5LS7MxtudCrVXj51uLjWuPqofrO2HeXubOKlcpMdX3CnYx7KM_KvDXITDhGKXBJiEFGDt8sQ/s960/cabinet7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="958" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUM6ZMkd2i0CAwpLBcc8cdJzxC__jAFYC862r5Xu6rlu9KfdyEbE58ln587aWOxSshu3ih5LS7MxtudCrVXj51uLjWuPqofrO2HeXubOKlcpMdX3CnYx7KM_KvDXITDhGKXBJiEFGDt8sQ/w409-h410/cabinet7.jpg" width="409" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">If you have any questions about the piece, feel free to email, or contact me on Facebook, and do feel free to leave a comment here - I love hearing from you! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDs_wbVPiIroukmXyQrlrpbYqNEtYJ8mQt4WZ0IAmlSlaJfLyTEH0Swb6gM0Vb9eDjGIndtIs_bHmN8VS7oEF8eJXcybae_SUyPYbt2UnsspYDNWUnZfKM4YGmkkn6KTg2faUYrOPfLQD/s960/cabinet8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="770" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUDs_wbVPiIroukmXyQrlrpbYqNEtYJ8mQt4WZ0IAmlSlaJfLyTEH0Swb6gM0Vb9eDjGIndtIs_bHmN8VS7oEF8eJXcybae_SUyPYbt2UnsspYDNWUnZfKM4YGmkkn6KTg2faUYrOPfLQD/w410-h512/cabinet8.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><p> </p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Artful blessings, much love, and stay safe...</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><span style="font-size: xx-large;">♥ </span></span>Carolee</span></span><br /></p>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-33261707757243654262019-04-14T09:04:00.001-07:002019-04-14T09:04:12.531-07:00Saint and Icons, Cats, Bees, and Loss.<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello there!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Yes, I'm back... sweeping off the cobwebs, dusting things off, letting some sunlight in... It's been awhile (six months maybe?) Apologies, but well....LIFE. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">And Facebook. I tend to forget that not everyone is on Facebook.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">I've been busy though, between LOTS of ornaments this past holiday season, trying to catch up on long overdue commissions, and these two new paintings...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, in yet another incarnation. I just love painting her, and what could be more perfect than a patron saint of cats and gardeners? I went a little crazy with the floral border on this one, but it was such a fun project. And I've heard from so many people who say this one or that one looks like their cat, which is pretty cool. :)</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOviEq75iP9OydMDWVJ20r7xGioIChqGgMK3uSGNkTtusCWmHYno7eWyflX45ZUxjN575nHMyWH9I4Fkp_mktAFIoOGWOfCZEci3qNLbbfWYj8592xCsqZuybN9w_xbsbW3S5mF38SMKpl/s1600/gertrudegardenetsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1247" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOviEq75iP9OydMDWVJ20r7xGioIChqGgMK3uSGNkTtusCWmHYno7eWyflX45ZUxjN575nHMyWH9I4Fkp_mktAFIoOGWOfCZEci3qNLbbfWYj8592xCsqZuybN9w_xbsbW3S5mF38SMKpl/s400/gertrudegardenetsy.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"> She's available as an 11" x 14" print <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/679689334/saint-gertrude-of-nivelles-patron-of?ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1" target="_blank">in my Etsy shop</a>, and will be drop shipped directly from the printer. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next project is Saint Gobnait - a sixth century Irish saint (hence the Celtic knotwork border) who is the patron of bees and beekeepers. And Lord knows, they NEED a patron saint right now, *sigh*...Seriously, we need to SAVE these magical creatures - our planet depends on it. Anyway, it was such a blessing to paint this one, and while the original found a good home right away, I'm hoping her prints will follow suit. I think a print would look fabulous in either a simple black frame, or maybe something in a honey colored wood...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sIOiD9zCOkRUvLwgRebb_yHmvNmZAwdVOWC7uUr_yBroqmob7rYgBxftbPpNMAoR5-pRoxZTTs3IE4Nxskkh-xbC1PtqFI_VhZitKPnWfPNBM8Q8vZ-GvEiKLctsUse87jcK0TsjC4g_/s1600/StGobnait2etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1278" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4sIOiD9zCOkRUvLwgRebb_yHmvNmZAwdVOWC7uUr_yBroqmob7rYgBxftbPpNMAoR5-pRoxZTTs3IE4Nxskkh-xbC1PtqFI_VhZitKPnWfPNBM8Q8vZ-GvEiKLctsUse87jcK0TsjC4g_/s400/StGobnait2etsy.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Prints of St. Gobnait are available in TWO sizes <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">in the Etsy shop</a>; 8" x 10", or 16" x 20"....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Spring and summer promise to be busy with both commissions and new work, and hopefully a bit of traveling in the fall... Which brings me to a sadder subject - the recent loss of my best buddy Cosmo the Wonderdog. The epitome of a BEST FRIEND, he was with me through all the years of John's illness, through our mutual loss, a move to a new home, and so many ups and downs I can't even begin to enumerate. He was my canine soul mate, and his loss is felt deeply for his own sake, and for one more connection to John that is lost. I like to think they're together now, both free from pain, and bringing each other joy. <span style="color: magenta;">♥</span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: magenta;"></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVm24qZCntMiBgnwqnAzQlBf_XP8cvTSCDwwrIw0Hpyd7tsD7BKYlJpVMb73ARROjB2rEokrkLkoQFMSxhDRsJotG0pUgyRowsB5jtA5LneQsC5_bRuI8BNHY4ut5fGzh6BzLUHBA6zkt/s1600/cosmolastday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVm24qZCntMiBgnwqnAzQlBf_XP8cvTSCDwwrIw0Hpyd7tsD7BKYlJpVMb73ARROjB2rEokrkLkoQFMSxhDRsJotG0pUgyRowsB5jtA5LneQsC5_bRuI8BNHY4ut5fGzh6BzLUHBA6zkt/s320/cosmolastday3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know I always say this, but I WILL try to be better about updating here. And I'm considering a blog sale this summer as well - something I haven't done in ages, and a way to make the work more accessible to everyone who's not on Facebook. Stay tuned. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until then, wishing everyone a Happy Spring, Happy Easter, and Blessed Beltane....</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">♥</span> Carolee</span></span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-16188684062776995252018-09-19T17:36:00.000-07:002018-09-19T17:40:47.496-07:00Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween!<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to believe the wheel has turned, four seasons have passed, and it's once again time for the most *magical* art show you'll ever experience...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm talking of course, about the <a href="http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween</span></a>, in Marshall, Michigan, on September 29th.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSNT4x5qmpEYJflsqBjUKygb4dnCJluZcuYHWJBxsMRKlrmXIGWcKXK3OyKi5ybzt6cIzE7rt98V8ZZ_gP6UpnkAOxKYYB0Y0lzf9iAQROlbu6yGkatoOpITFnFslLeKPFybP3J2ZoKYu/s1600/peddlerspostcard2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1280" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiSNT4x5qmpEYJflsqBjUKygb4dnCJluZcuYHWJBxsMRKlrmXIGWcKXK3OyKi5ybzt6cIzE7rt98V8ZZ_gP6UpnkAOxKYYB0Y0lzf9iAQROlbu6yGkatoOpITFnFslLeKPFybP3J2ZoKYu/s400/peddlerspostcard2018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In just a week's time, Dory (my little Mazda CX3) and I will be rolling through Pennsylvania and Ohio, and on up into Michigan to exhibit at what will be the second Peddlers, which debuted last year as the new incarnation of the famed Ghoultide Gathering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've been participating in this event since the beginning, back in 2007, and the magic just keeps getting better; inspiration grows, new artists join the Halloween art tribe, and excitement builds as more and more collectors come out to experience everything the show has to offer... Truth be told, I hesitate even calling it a show. I've been to, and participated in quite a few art shows - and have attended several Halloween art shows - but this is so much more. It's an experience. It's electric... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's <span style="color: orange;">*<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>magical</i></span>*</span>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My paintbrush has been flying for months now, and I'm pretty proud of the 2018 King of Mice Studios collection (Those who follow on Facebook and Instagram may have seen some previews!)... </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Whether you're returning (once you've attended, it's nearly impossible to stay away, hehe), or whether you're experiencing the magic for the first time, I know I speak for all of us when I say we soooooo look forward to seeing you! The best part about the show is not only reconnecting with old friends, but meeting new ones, so please do introduce yourself!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll leave you with a little teaser from last year's event, just to put you in that Halloween mood, but first, you might want to go get a cup of hot apple cider, or cocoa... something to set the mood...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There, wasn't that just too tempting?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Are you making travel plans now? Will we see you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I do hope so!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until then, <span style="color: #b45f06;">Happy Autumn</span> and <span style="color: orange;">Happy Halloween</span>!</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #e06666;">♥</span> Carolee </span></span></span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-73156559152640739252018-09-09T12:59:00.001-07:002018-09-09T12:59:33.801-07:00"The Collector"<span style="font-size: large;">A 16" x 28" acrylic and mixed media painting on gallery canvas.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Available at the <a href="http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/" target="_blank">Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween</a> show in September 29th...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide4ODbf7h6CNNzl5CN7dmOYsl-c8n7D4iHPaMJN6OWj36IrYbSOZ9j13Gzh7w4vG3Gin6c_WD3RvqQVRpX8j9YZYGpuCoMEgzijZeu8J2-D_ixwtvTtjaiekqM9DQonEJNsSTNL7mO0XX/s1600/collectorpaintingfb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEide4ODbf7h6CNNzl5CN7dmOYsl-c8n7D4iHPaMJN6OWj36IrYbSOZ9j13Gzh7w4vG3Gin6c_WD3RvqQVRpX8j9YZYGpuCoMEgzijZeu8J2-D_ixwtvTtjaiekqM9DQonEJNsSTNL7mO0XX/s640/collectorpaintingfb.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'd write more, but the annual pre-show painting panic is in full swing... </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hope to see you there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">♥</span> Carolee</span>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-74601988473474767142018-08-15T06:05:00.001-07:002018-08-15T06:09:49.146-07:00A Woodland Witch!<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes a commission comes along that is so inspiring, you just don't want the painting process to end. Such was the case with this woodland witch, who will soon be making a long journey to her new home in the wilds of western Canada...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3X5SeD5Bi0gwBqSJUVYaUVq4lenzBvnVPzcDivz1j1s7g2WTSUkQ8oFSSuONkNgM5gjIEPSubY2ihyOjgqebAEsXsyOrSH5Djp5TXrr69oet911GM0QZw0kmqZxPMxHwR2LjaENz2M6/s1600/woodlandwitchwatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3X5SeD5Bi0gwBqSJUVYaUVq4lenzBvnVPzcDivz1j1s7g2WTSUkQ8oFSSuONkNgM5gjIEPSubY2ihyOjgqebAEsXsyOrSH5Djp5TXrr69oet911GM0QZw0kmqZxPMxHwR2LjaENz2M6/s400/woodlandwitchwatermarked.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">She was painted in acrylics on a wood panel, but I loved her so much, I asked my friend Jennifer (of <a href="https://jmacneillphotography.com/" target="_blank">Jennifer MacNeill Photography</a>) to take a photo for prints, which are now <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">in the Etsy shop</a>. I'm ordering one for myself as well, to grace the walls of the Gypsy themed guest room here at Sparrow's Rest. :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'll be back soon with a peek at works in progress for the <a href="http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/" target="_blank">Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween</a> show (Sept 30th, in Marshall, MI), but in the meantime, it's nose to the grindstone - far too much work to accomplish and never enough time!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until then, thanks for visiting!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: magenta;">♥</span> </span>Carolee </span></span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-27885808824283477402018-07-31T19:16:00.004-07:002018-07-31T19:16:52.708-07:00"Old Soul"Just popping in to share the latest EHAG Emporium offering, titled "Old Soul". I adore owls, and barn owls in particular. Yes, I know they're predators, but they have such wise and gentle faces...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIKvQTCwffdRHw29_wELEOr6hNIUEW_44rMfo-lgTPCWNXKIXdy8-sNZPeqc3UBb-m0Pe2F3cPhFu5YB7xEnZqw3Kgp96dXUmaGMA7ecK3y1zuJXQWJ48aeLyM839ha_AlrSWItlVyUBt/s1600/barnowlbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="960" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIKvQTCwffdRHw29_wELEOr6hNIUEW_44rMfo-lgTPCWNXKIXdy8-sNZPeqc3UBb-m0Pe2F3cPhFu5YB7xEnZqw3Kgp96dXUmaGMA7ecK3y1zuJXQWJ48aeLyM839ha_AlrSWItlVyUBt/s400/barnowlbox.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This particular fellow adorns a wooden treasure box, and features a single feather accent on the inside. Details about purchase can be found in the listing at the <a href="http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-all-cats-are-black-in-night-july.html" target="_blank">EHAG Emporium</a>.<br />
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As always, thanks so much for taking the time to visit, and to view my work. I'll be back very soon with a peek at offerings and works in progress for the upcoming show. In the meantime, I'm hoping this guy finds a good home. :)<br />
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♥ CaroleeCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-83805360143292084812018-07-06T11:41:00.000-07:002018-07-07T07:39:09.186-07:00Of Mother Cabrini, Compassion, and a Very Good Cause<span style="font-size: large;">Moved by recent events, and what most reasonable Americans consider the shameful US policy of separating families at our southern border, I recently dropped everything I had pending (including a pretty full commission schedule) to work on this original painting...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA89yDAUkc3lrXIM5hgiOZdc7dqaJKKvxaMS15jD630mGlYi78qQg9gNui3Hvf6PEYaHFkgx58R3nG_4s9iYrT2XN-Y1POL_zFLSTYMqwCkEdnuKNoTaP3l3kktuvEqC5B5pg4zMhNEaWv/s1600/mothercabrinilorezwatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA89yDAUkc3lrXIM5hgiOZdc7dqaJKKvxaMS15jD630mGlYi78qQg9gNui3Hvf6PEYaHFkgx58R3nG_4s9iYrT2XN-Y1POL_zFLSTYMqwCkEdnuKNoTaP3l3kktuvEqC5B5pg4zMhNEaWv/s400/mothercabrinilorezwatermarked.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">St. Frances Xavier Cabrini - also known as Mother Cabrini - was the first American Saint, and an immigrant herself; a woman who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in New York, and spent her life establishing hospitals, orphanages, and generally serving the then largely Italian immigrant community. She was canonized in 1946, and is now known as the patron saint of immigrants.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">One wonders what she would think of US policy today?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have no doubt she would be in complete agreement with Pope Francis, who recently stated “Before the challenges of contemporary movements of migration, the only reasonable response is one of solidarity and mercy."</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Solidarity and mercy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's the thing. Immigrants do not detract from our country, they ENRICH it. From encouraging economic development (in creating a need for more services, jobs, infrastructure, etc) to serving in our military, to increasing the tax base (with US birth rates down, new citizens make a valuable contribution to programs like social security and medicare), to enriching us educationally and culturally. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I live and work in Lancaster PA, a city which has more refugees per capita than any other city in the US (about 20x more), and our city is THRIVING. We are the richer for these new residents' presence, and we welcome them with open arms. The organization largely responsible for serving the immigrant and refugee population here is <a href="http://cwslancaster.org/" target="_blank">Church World Service</a>. They provide help with resettlement, employment, housing, and legal services. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In painting Mother Cabrini, I wanted to donate a portion of the print sales to an organization here in my own community, because I believe in activism at the local level. To that end twenty percent of all print sales <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/609419538/mother-cabrini-8-x-10-print-of-original?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">from this piece</a> will be donated to Church World Services on a monthly basis. Further to this, there's a print sale in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> running for the entire month of July, where two or more prints are 50% off (although the donation amount will be the full percentage) - so if you're so inclined you can help a wonderful organization, and capture a couple of pieces of my art too. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(As a side note, the "King of Mice Studios" watermark does not appear on the print, it's only for copyright protection here.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for stopping by my blog, and I hope you'll join me in doing what we can to help out and to speak up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">#immigrantsareus #familiesbelongtogether #stopseparatingfamilies #endchilddetention #reunitefamilies #resist </span></b><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-6376424674634907022018-05-04T11:52:00.000-07:002018-05-04T11:52:10.915-07:00"Fifty and Other F-Words", by the Fearless, Frank and Fabulous Margot Potter<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Like thousands of other Creatives, I've known and followed <a href="https://www.margotpotter.com/about/" target="_blank">Margot Potter</a> online for several years, and always considered her a kindred spirit. We didn't meet in person until the summer of 2016, a few short months after the death of my husband, at a time when life was pretty much kicking my ass as I attempted to navigate a future without this man who had been my partner of over 36 years. We've had frank discussions about everything from art and creativity to politics, from feminism and raising strong daughters to empty nest syndrome, and through it all, she's been nothing short of an inspiration. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">Margot is self described as "Three notches too loud, five notches too sparkly, aging disgracefully, over 50 and fearless." (Although I don't really believe there's such a thing as Too Sparkly, but there's an artist's perspective for you, hehe.)</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj7MfO8DkGB-6wr4-94gjMJhK3wTU4PPv8Ne8FAFeGUVitC1wH0REuMMmhtqax_uFVnUyDIey1Cx5HICNOvubPGcRoidGiYKX2XQ-_6R8VG6Fc8htKfSNkxKyklsae6FiByWmD5YW_Ssa/s1600/margotbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDj7MfO8DkGB-6wr4-94gjMJhK3wTU4PPv8Ne8FAFeGUVitC1wH0REuMMmhtqax_uFVnUyDIey1Cx5HICNOvubPGcRoidGiYKX2XQ-_6R8VG6Fc8htKfSNkxKyklsae6FiByWmD5YW_Ssa/s400/margotbook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"> Margot's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fifty-Other-F-Words-Reflections-Rearview/dp/1454927968/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525399710&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AMargot+Potter" target="_blank">latest book</a>, "Fifty and Other F-Words; Reflections from the rear View Mirror" launched this week, and in her typical generous spirit, she's celebrating the book launch by interviewing seven "kick ass warrior women", in whose company I am beyond honored to stand (although I can't help but admit to an initial Wayne and Garth moment of "I'm unworthy!"). </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Find the interview <a href="https://www.margotpotter.com/blog/carolee-clark-flexible-free-spirited-feminist" target="_blank">here</a>, on Margot's blog - and do read on for further interviews; these women are truly inspiring, and shining examples of hitting our stride in our fifties and beyond. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">And DO pick up and/or order the book! No matter your age - whether fifty is still in your future, or in that rear view mirror, its humor and encouragement will inspire you, I promise. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Here's to redefining mid life, and to just getting started!</span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-33880477358142089402018-04-06T18:53:00.000-07:002018-04-06T18:53:48.659-07:00Knitter and The StashAs both an artist and a knitter, I was surprised to learn recently there were no knitting superheros out there. So of course, I had to fix that, hehe...<br />
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Introducing "Knitter"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxERY3sMvm2ATHv6Kp_bVXkBz17G0p_z8TtE85W7_yIBxaDuKmsDj0sqRyapbNDRuhczdFd_ST_TRwbuvWq21ByT2zrxEgjyyZpPLwX8CJqTBc9sETPnARuBgy9MhBitcr04tn5FvVWAa/s1600/KnitterEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1181" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxERY3sMvm2ATHv6Kp_bVXkBz17G0p_z8TtE85W7_yIBxaDuKmsDj0sqRyapbNDRuhczdFd_ST_TRwbuvWq21ByT2zrxEgjyyZpPLwX8CJqTBc9sETPnARuBgy9MhBitcr04tn5FvVWAa/s400/KnitterEtsy.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
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And "The Stash"...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOiHndSsnVwJwl_xMk9o1_Fcswp5wX7SE_8IrcAtzpU_YUzawpAitKJP8-7bRLFjh7cojRA5-3LFpGpLFBodirJRwojpkdRVYHkZRDYYW9AnUiNxD-ugBAME0lAvfM5w-CBHH9oVpLwt7/s1600/thestashEtsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOiHndSsnVwJwl_xMk9o1_Fcswp5wX7SE_8IrcAtzpU_YUzawpAitKJP8-7bRLFjh7cojRA5-3LFpGpLFBodirJRwojpkdRVYHkZRDYYW9AnUiNxD-ugBAME0lAvfM5w-CBHH9oVpLwt7/s400/thestashEtsy.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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I have both originals here in the studio, painted in acrylics on deep, 9" x 12" gallery canvas, and haven't yet decided if I'd like to part with them. So for now, prints are available in the Etsy shop (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">click here</a>). I think they'd make a fun gift for a knitter, so hope a few of them find homes. :)<br />
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In other news, there was a bit of a Facebook kerfuffle last month, after one of my St. Gertrude prints was appropriated by someone to make a meme - which turned out to be shared over 20,000 times before I finally got wind of it, and asked to be credited. The people I contacted graciously did so, and it resulted in quite a few print orders. But I can't help but think what it would have been like had credit been given BEFORE all those shares... All of this is to say, if you see my work - or any artist's work, really - and it is not credited, please inform the artist, and ask whoever is sharing to please give proper credit.(And I should add a huge thank you to all my friends who did just that.) <br />
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Lots of other pieces are in the works this month, including quite a few custom ornaments, and one or two more canvases. Please follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kingofmice" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a> to keep up with works in progress, studio happenings, events and the occasional giveaway. I try to post there every day or two, so it's updated far more frequently than my poor neglected blog here. ;)<br />
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Anyway, as always, thanks for visiting, and please do leave a comment if you're so inclined. I do love hearing from you!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
♥ Carolee<br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-88289424806485758572018-01-11T21:17:00.000-08:002018-01-15T15:08:24.819-08:00Woodland Magic!<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hello, there!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">I know it's been ages since I've posted, but between the holidays (all those commissioned ornaments!), and a rather full work and social schedule, well.... No excuse really, just LIFE. ;)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">But I'm so excited about these new pieces I wanted to share them with you...</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Woodland Friends", originally painted on a tea chest, and now available as a print...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEsXgwnvKjyBM8nsHS5ouAFjuP-69Sh0n06uYGkOtVH5VayKZwZJIeQIj4dQQnwo59ID3YSE6SoiNfTGZRl_FFQUIoS95xF9ByGXPJ0hx04PA3Mr7c7YkyV_MApkabN1ihfXPwcNsS_bM/s1600/woodlandfriendswatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="1000" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvEsXgwnvKjyBM8nsHS5ouAFjuP-69Sh0n06uYGkOtVH5VayKZwZJIeQIj4dQQnwo59ID3YSE6SoiNfTGZRl_FFQUIoS95xF9ByGXPJ0hx04PA3Mr7c7YkyV_MApkabN1ihfXPwcNsS_bM/s400/woodlandfriendswatermarked.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">And "Woodland Ceilidh", acrylic on canvas, also available as a print...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD7Jqqk_UzikErl94cdngpOW9ul3hjJfsN1KF1TzVMedhKqWQdsIHyMB0aPPjf_CJ70ATaBvU_ycQn6Z5J8ccAOjiljG8Ii0uxTkFSUmn9gFyzqkO-bJ_bFXgZZtmAHmK9yXkoJRRWxMj/s1600/woodlandmusicianswatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="478" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD7Jqqk_UzikErl94cdngpOW9ul3hjJfsN1KF1TzVMedhKqWQdsIHyMB0aPPjf_CJ70ATaBvU_ycQn6Z5J8ccAOjiljG8Ii0uxTkFSUmn9gFyzqkO-bJ_bFXgZZtmAHmK9yXkoJRRWxMj/s640/woodlandmusicianswatermarked.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">To purchase either, and to view other prints, click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm so pleased with these I'll be ordering a couple of prints for myself as well (the originals have both sold), and since I'm still having a bit of a love affair with this teal/turquoise/jewel toned palette, look for one more tea chest coming soon, inspired by "A Midsummer Night's Dream".</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;">♥</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">Until next time, wishing you all a Happy, Health and *magical* 2018!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta;">♥</span> Carolee </span></span><br />
<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-38584553272410853062017-11-01T14:02:00.000-07:002017-11-01T14:14:14.239-07:00Me Too?<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Me too.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hPJ90Q3JrDSUqUP7itFZ2APDlPXo8oj8V6fNw94G67eWhzN7OHk8RYSVW33kSFaOodwOdu3OL9HgMYQBwbjhMQ3-c74G-AqqMoULsaSPIUAC8SJeFCBPbdn7yw7nvUbWTFoCTOt5F6zw/s1600/caroleeretro.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="393" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hPJ90Q3JrDSUqUP7itFZ2APDlPXo8oj8V6fNw94G67eWhzN7OHk8RYSVW33kSFaOodwOdu3OL9HgMYQBwbjhMQ3-c74G-AqqMoULsaSPIUAC8SJeFCBPbdn7yw7nvUbWTFoCTOt5F6zw/s200/caroleeretro.jpg" width="122" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was sexually assaulted by my high school art teacher.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">It's
taken 40 years to admit that to myself or anyone else, to say it out
loud. To call it assault. To accept that I was manipulated in the worst,
most selfish way possible by a man three times my age. And even now,
the memory of that time is complicated. Because of that experience, for
most of my adult life, art has been a double-edged</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">sword; torturous and joyful.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Making art is all I ever wanted to do.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">As
a child, the sense of pure pleasure from drawing images on paper is one
of my earliest memories. In a time when parents didn't often</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> spend hard earned money on art supplies for small children, I coveted those pieces of white cardboard that came with my F</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">ather's new dress shirts. My M</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">other would tear open the packages, hand me the blank white paper</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
with rounded corners, so filled with possibility, and I would find
photos of people and animals to draw with a number two pencil. By grade
school I was quite good for my age, always the class artist, winning art
awards and contests, and enjoying both the process and the attention it
brought.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> By high school, art was what defined me. I could no more not draw and paint</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> than I could not breathe. It was like oxygen. W</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">hen
the chance came along to spend half my day studying Commercial Art at
the technical school adjacent to the high school, I jumped at it.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">art
teacher was a charismatic man in his late 40's, beloved by most of his
students and respected in the community. And owing to my artistic
ability (or so I assumed) I pretty quickly became a cliche; </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">the other kids called me "teacher's pet".</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Courted </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">(today, we'd call it <i>"groomed"</i>)
by this man I so admired, he approached me on the first day of my
junior year with the proposition that our relationship become "something
more.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">" I</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">f it didn't, he said, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">he would resign his teaching position. H</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">e couldn't bear to see me every day, and "not have me". I</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">f
he stayed, he "WOULD have me". Pretty heady stuff for a girl who'd just
turned sixteen. Flattered and terrified, I remember shaking
uncontrollably for most of that morning at school - teeth chattering,
trembling. And I remember him laughing and saying I was probably in
shock. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">What followed was a </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">two-and-a-half-year </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Svengali like relationship where </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">making</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">art became hopelessly </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">tangled u</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">p in this new</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">personal </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">relationship</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.
He mentored and encouraged me, and before long I was no longer making
art for the pleasure of the process, or the sense of achievement it
gave, but for his approval, his attention. It - and he - became all
consuming. With the excuse of doing photo shoots, or working on
community art projects, we spent a lot of time together outside of
school, which involved increasing physical intimacy. On one occasion
when things were progressing far too fast, I stopped him, saying I
didn't think I was ready yet; not in that setting, not there, not then.
His </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">reaction
was a mix of hurt and anger, and the expectation that I should be
grateful he didn't force me, because he was "a gentleman". It was my
first experience with a man feeling entitled to a woman's body, and
while I thought his irritation was unfair, it worked. I actually felt
bad. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">One evening during</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
my senior year, after we'd both consumed several glasses of scotch at a
local bar, he pulled the car over on a deserted road, and I gave in</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">.
The rest of the year was filled with drama and deception. While my
classmates were going to football games and prom, I was going to dark
restaurants and motels with a man 32 years my senior. In my teenage
naïveté and inexperience, I found it romantic and dangerous and
exciting. And he knew how to play that. The control he had over me was
absolute. I would have willingly and happily walked into a burning
building had he asked me.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> Soon after graduation, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">everything
came crashing down. Faced with warnings from several sources, including
school administrators who could no longer ignore the situation (some of
whom had known all along, reacting initially with an envious
nudge-wink, and a cautionary "be careful"), he ended it. Feeling very
much the fool, and unable to face the thought of life in the same small
town as this man, I moved 3000 miles away.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /> It was many years before I picked up a pencil or paintbrush again.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I fell in love with a good man, married him, had a child, and threw myself into home and family. Years passed - </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I worked a few part time jobs</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">, and eventually found a job doing crystal engraving. It was enough like making art </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">to make me want more. College enrollment followed, and I began taking art electives. I'll never forget the moment </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">in a well-known</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">watercolorist's life drawing class when </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I thought,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> "Yes! This is it! I remember this now!" </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Making
art felt good again. And it didn't hurt when this new teacher, someone I
respected and whose work and process I greatly admired (and still do),
quietly told me one day as we all drew from the model, "You have talent.
You can go as far as you want with this." I'm sure he had no idea how
much those words of encouragement meant. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm happy to say that while I haven't gone nearly as far as I'd like, I haven't looked back. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">More classes followed, more art related jobs, more drawing, more painting, just – more</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I was </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">back
at that point where I wanted to absorb it all, soak it all in. The best
way to describe the process is like awakening from a very deep sleep,
or rising to the surface after years underwater. And today, I make a
very modest, if uncertain, living as a contemporary folk artist.</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I'm
sure a therapist could have a field day with all this, but to be
honest, I prefer the therapy the creative process provides. Art is a
long-lost friend with whom I've been reunited. It listens. It heals old
wounds. It's my happiness, my refuge, my solace, my prayer, and my hope
for the future. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">With
that rather complicated back story, here's my small contribution to the
"Me Too" movement. It was cathartic and empowering to paint. The
message is presented i</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">n different languages, because sexual assault is universal. There is a </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">crowd of women, because solidarity matters. The </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">sunrise represents</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> hope. And I chose to use</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">
a photo of a dear friend's 11 year old daughter as reference; a child
who, like my own, I care a great deal about. A child who I hope and pray
will never in her life have to say "me too".</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoG6PrA3tgnOy6qHMNar8HMtbz84xbwOBupXSb3fRUXMe2gZz0870pln09tNkd1-4Ll-btsB8iLHk8tWI_jLDrECu9IKP4m2ZN319RVE5l-8Nh134TQzEfkGscVjqtebW364sUZoZ2K6R/s1600/metoowatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1273" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOoG6PrA3tgnOy6qHMNar8HMtbz84xbwOBupXSb3fRUXMe2gZz0870pln09tNkd1-4Ll-btsB8iLHk8tWI_jLDrECu9IKP4m2ZN319RVE5l-8Nh134TQzEfkGscVjqtebW364sUZoZ2K6R/s400/metoowatermarked.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-41654883953079388082017-09-27T11:04:00.000-07:002017-09-27T11:04:03.007-07:00Michigan Bound!<span style="font-size: large;">Today is the final day of prep and packing for Saturday's <a href="http://www.bewitchingpeddlersofhalloween.com/" target="_blank">Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween</a> show, up in Chelsea, Michigan this Saturday... And true to form, I've been doing little else but painting, so those pesky other details have been left to the last minute. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXbRNAsubzz0Qi74VUXP17JmgGQ8RIvAMDfc0GC2nBD7Om_vAjFrlgluXWWbgkAMjLDqJPPLo2DaAmoVmekG5cXLcU9r3h0mbJqPq34-OWE_Qq8GQgm137PdBeo6btDWxGA9rwJpDpLzY/s1600/peddlerspostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="770" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqXbRNAsubzz0Qi74VUXP17JmgGQ8RIvAMDfc0GC2nBD7Om_vAjFrlgluXWWbgkAMjLDqJPPLo2DaAmoVmekG5cXLcU9r3h0mbJqPq34-OWE_Qq8GQgm137PdBeo6btDWxGA9rwJpDpLzY/s400/peddlerspostcard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enter help, in the form of a couple of dear friends, and daughter Courtney, who is on her way as I type this (yay for surprises from thoughtful kids, right?)...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">In the meantime, I'm trying to contain my excitement. This show is the new incarnation of the always amazing Ghoultide Gathering, and it's the first time I've been able to attend/exhibit in person since 2014, so I'm absolutely over the moon about seeing old friends, and meeting new ones.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm also super excited about the collection of work I'll be sharing, so here's a little peek at a couple of the larger pieces...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Danse Macabre" includes a hand painted music stand, painted violin, and a 1929 copy of the sheet music for the title piece...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGeGgSZlEwx9rW8NNSQBwy9ipJ1HTxJf5BCsUEnMOp42ljJcFUN7GHZooGIZlipoaqfcirMMEwAK27nrcBJdrNszV3uk2RGZV4TaRTYWVJWP3qnTmWevzjfG0qVtzMTIHdG8s4tTst8Hn/s1600/violinstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="508" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGeGgSZlEwx9rW8NNSQBwy9ipJ1HTxJf5BCsUEnMOp42ljJcFUN7GHZooGIZlipoaqfcirMMEwAK27nrcBJdrNszV3uk2RGZV4TaRTYWVJWP3qnTmWevzjfG0qVtzMTIHdG8s4tTst8Hn/s640/violinstand.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Ghost Stories" is an original acrylic painting on a framed, wood panel. Reminiscent of childhood Halloweens and camping out in the backyard or woods, it's one of my favorites, and is already available in prints (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/546613014/ghost-stories-11-x-14-print-of-original?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">click here</a>)....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aqoxV5KpmxUvbXBuwqGzhFAA3RqnhQc8syTwEnHEQs76Rm0UCcUIl36z6UttY2Q-9K5TibwHoxXrEfAB1J-dFGjwftrqzlxUCPL-cTwVuaSpyrGyla03FJ8chxCenn6JFkQT3YaNkzvW/s1600/ghoststorieswatermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aqoxV5KpmxUvbXBuwqGzhFAA3RqnhQc8syTwEnHEQs76Rm0UCcUIl36z6UttY2Q-9K5TibwHoxXrEfAB1J-dFGjwftrqzlxUCPL-cTwVuaSpyrGyla03FJ8chxCenn6JFkQT3YaNkzvW/s400/ghoststorieswatermarked.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are plenty of other goodies too - trinket and treasure boxes, signs, paintings, treat bowls, ornaments... If you're withing striking distance, please do visit in person! My favorite part of the show is meeting fellow Halloween lovers and collectors!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK, back to work now... There are paintings to finish and a car to load. It won't be long now...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope to see you soon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">♥ Carolee</span></div>
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-22641591591993272322017-08-30T17:18:00.004-07:002017-08-30T17:24:10.195-07:00"Trick or Treat!"<span style="font-size: large;">I'm not quite sure how in sixteen years of painting Halloween art, I've never painted a full size treat bucket, or painted a full size piece of gourd art, but I think it's high time. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwnK7s-7vkkNmVDr6MlQ5QuxDjWgi_2c_k_T-UC2bcL2ZruzuESj5urEn1T31soER-eeZNUzQ0YP1DnOD2Lke4cPwJGpsGNZ4grQnux2eFLXn6NLxMurKUJch1Xbw5oBHV4y0kPVTXs0k/s1600/treatbucket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="940" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwnK7s-7vkkNmVDr6MlQ5QuxDjWgi_2c_k_T-UC2bcL2ZruzuESj5urEn1T31soER-eeZNUzQ0YP1DnOD2Lke4cPwJGpsGNZ4grQnux2eFLXn6NLxMurKUJch1Xbw5oBHV4y0kPVTXs0k/s400/treatbucket1.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This original, one of a kind piece brings back fond memories of childhood Halloweens, when we'd set out at twilight, treat buckets in hand, anticipating the best candy haul EVER. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKm1tS4Tk1Qgw7nbt0WaLX-4SEm2y-JJRfFcuLHTWFR0NZAH7akFO92TK64xZsB3KG49kHSyG7QZDd2S43fdNA0XDi1EVXD39YUQGYfaKK11YemHzdWquf_JqYOn4VcOlb4G3_TMvwRmW/s1600/treatbucket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="864" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKm1tS4Tk1Qgw7nbt0WaLX-4SEm2y-JJRfFcuLHTWFR0NZAH7akFO92TK64xZsB3KG49kHSyG7QZDd2S43fdNA0XDi1EVXD39YUQGYfaKK11YemHzdWquf_JqYOn4VcOlb4G3_TMvwRmW/s400/treatbucket2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> You can't really see them in these photos, but there's a dog and cat marching along with the kids too...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hand painted in acrylics, on a natural gourd, with twisted wire hanger attached, and finished with a clear, acrylic varnish, this piece measures 10" in diameter at the widest point x 5 1/2" tall.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It will be available on tomorrow night's <a href="http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EHAG Emporium</a> (as always, on a first-to-email basis)...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks so much for visiting, and do feel free to comment or email with any questions. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">♥ Carolee</span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-48010528240643989852017-08-06T15:07:00.000-07:002017-08-06T15:07:08.534-07:00On Reclaiming Our Time<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago, inspired by Elizabeth Warren, I created a piece which made me feel as though, after a truly hellish year, I too could persist. I am grateful that it seemed to resonate with people, and that (in addition to a dear friend capturing the original), prints of this work have now gone to live all over the world.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward to last week when I saw the now famous clip of Rep. Maxine Waters questioning the Treasury Secretary, and receiving a response that I think was best described as "every work meeting for women, ever". Ms. Waters repeatedly reclaimed her time, and in so doing, inspired me (and I'm sure many others) all over again.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">As women, time is probably our most precious commodity, and we all know the frustration of having it wasted. So this piece, "Reclaiming My Time" is filled with positive, feminist affirmations, and is for every woman who has ever endured mansplaining, condescension, and just plain being ignored.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q0yeNH6oRpeBm2hS7cj0rN7AyNkbMMx4jkDqMT9P1-m7l1tI2eWO8kjFnzeFRHLMhnnO-fWV4t6J0fP5HkEVNZuXKfqB-ER5YVtfCHMq9Il_WJ7HSDWTqr4x6Lclfrq5CtTxGkuwSvrM/s1600/reclaimingmytimeprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1276" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Q0yeNH6oRpeBm2hS7cj0rN7AyNkbMMx4jkDqMT9P1-m7l1tI2eWO8kjFnzeFRHLMhnnO-fWV4t6J0fP5HkEVNZuXKfqB-ER5YVtfCHMq9Il_WJ7HSDWTqr4x6Lclfrq5CtTxGkuwSvrM/s400/reclaimingmytimeprint.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was empowering to paint, and I hope others find it empowering to hang in homes and offices, or to gift to daughters and friends. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">As of typing this, both the original and prints are available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios?ref=seller-platform-mcnav" target="_blank">in the Etsy shop</a>. ♥</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for taking a peek, and I'll be back very soon with new work, and details about an exciting new show!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">Artful Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">♥ Carolee </span></span>Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-24240427276621254102017-06-30T18:21:00.003-07:002017-06-30T18:21:48.214-07:00FREE Candy ("Eeeek!")Just popping in to share this month's <a href="http://ehagemporium.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">EHAG Emporium</a> offering....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEfUHe6rfhMSa5-3Yn5rS1tJhnXQ7GxM9MZPmWHkBx5Y-0h8bR2RtPzCd6busQAmTh_Fu1k8x_Wnb3nWIDn4OwuFrAs-wKFQ9_4eoQdPLORIpX0BiDJxFrBJeG24j1LnrMDncYNBuAqEe/s1600/freecandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEfUHe6rfhMSa5-3Yn5rS1tJhnXQ7GxM9MZPmWHkBx5Y-0h8bR2RtPzCd6busQAmTh_Fu1k8x_Wnb3nWIDn4OwuFrAs-wKFQ9_4eoQdPLORIpX0BiDJxFrBJeG24j1LnrMDncYNBuAqEe/s400/freecandy.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
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Measuring 5 1/8" x 5 1/8" x 3 1/4", this hand painted wooden "treat" box, actually holds a different sort of surprise - the eight legged kind, hehe!<br />
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Fun for kids, grandkids, or just plain BIG kids, just set it out and watch the fun. ;)<br />
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Acrylic on a birch wood box, with a clear, acrylic varnish.<br />
$115 + $8 US shipping. To purchase, shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com<br />
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Thanks for taking a peek at my work, and I'll be back soon with more goodies. :)<br />
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xo,<br />
~ CaroleeCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-35505055215274317652017-04-25T12:21:00.001-07:002017-04-25T12:21:35.019-07:00"We Shall Be Knit Together"<span style="color: #6aa84f;">As many of you know, the last year has been a rough one.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">It's been a year of finding my footing again after experiencing a devastating loss. A year of navigating a world without my best friend and life partner. A year of profound change.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Through it all (and through much of the preceding time during his illness), one constant source of support and comfort has been that of friends - in particular, the group with whom I gather every Thursday evening at <a href="http://lancasteryarnshop.com/" target="_blank">The Lancaster Yarn Shop</a>, in the words of shop proprietor and all around Yarn Whisperer, Wendy Ellis, to "knit and natter"...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBuSGDo37YN3CV11MZD61dsGnEKdvquLIh93kwIoEc9bcZaBrICDQ_JHokia2TfNgeNMZ6r7XssFZWuSJR8_hJEZTsRjXKWcTFEjrwX6b5gYaAtEH3fr73hWOfELUhpK2GXDdfOevDJhE/s1600/knittingtogetherFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBuSGDo37YN3CV11MZD61dsGnEKdvquLIh93kwIoEc9bcZaBrICDQ_JHokia2TfNgeNMZ6r7XssFZWuSJR8_hJEZTsRjXKWcTFEjrwX6b5gYaAtEH3fr73hWOfELUhpK2GXDdfOevDJhE/s400/knittingtogetherFB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">From the beginning, sharing nothing more than a love for this beautiful hand work we do, these women welcomed me, as they have countless others.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;">We're a diverse group - some young, some middle aged, some older. Some mommies, some not. Some financially comfortable, some struggling. Some heavy, some thin. Some working outside the home, some not, some retired. Some liberal, some conservative. But we have this love of knitting in common. It stitches us together as surely as the projects on our needles are stitched.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">In a world of crazy schedules and electronic communication, these Thursday nights provide grounding, and a real connection. As it has been throughout history, knitting together is an act of friendship and community. It's done in a space devoid of judgement or criticism, where we can be ourselves, and receive encouragement. A place of safety and support.</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="color: #e06666;">I wanted to do something to honor this, and the painting above is the result. Some of the women are loosely based on the women in my group (some more than others, lol), and some are not. The scene in the background is loosely based on The Lancaster Yarn Shop, in Intercourse, PA - but perhaps also your own LYS (local yarn shop?)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">I'm thrilled and honored that the original will hang there in the shop - my happy place and home away from home. :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">And if you'd like to give it a place in your own home, prints are now available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">in the Etsy shop</a>. The printer will drop-ship in the US and Canada, which saves a bit of time (European orders may take a little longer, as they have to come here first).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">Thanks so much for taking a peek at my latest work, and please do leave a comment. I'll be back very soon with another piece to share.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">In the meantime, be well, and keep knitting. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e06666;">♥ Carolee </span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-50989179655130075692017-02-22T05:59:00.003-08:002017-02-22T18:45:08.484-08:00Prints Available!Prints are now available. Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/513998123/nevertheless-she-persisted-10-x-20-print?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">HERE</a>. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTWMT4hewZT0H-R8pJOhZ-hSxWWRP73yybu6uWhxdHTxNot1-BnfmbwLo_04Ku8AWSoARp5OB-Z9AgZL9aiJnf5_tumHcH-YJs9Ip0VgSvQb278wYg3_mkARoGdogarBTIdLBYNeDCAah/s1600/shepersistedFB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTWMT4hewZT0H-R8pJOhZ-hSxWWRP73yybu6uWhxdHTxNot1-BnfmbwLo_04Ku8AWSoARp5OB-Z9AgZL9aiJnf5_tumHcH-YJs9Ip0VgSvQb278wYg3_mkARoGdogarBTIdLBYNeDCAah/s640/shepersistedFB.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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Thanks for your support, your kind comments, and your shares crediting me with the original work.<br />
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♥ CaroleeCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-57787149366774406992017-02-19T20:26:00.001-08:002017-02-20T07:35:17.305-08:00"Nevertheless, She Persisted"<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A rallying cry if ever we heard one, eh? ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a rough couple of months since my last post, both personally and well, globally...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like many, I've been alternating between shock and heartbreak for the insanity that seems to have taken over our country on so many levels, and I've been spending time doing as the late Carrie Fisher said, by taking my broken heart and making it into art...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFGvno0Wt8fgy9AJpqwthX_XPJ1sTfTggGBEUVY8BOXOOlAp71RY975c-fw4CsOpSvp7jxQt4slmvxo9eMNmLYkdWFnL7XFO1kI8GfoPQk5-MNr8LKxbGmERqDbcy9YDmHOjqTJTf7DRl/s1600/nevertheless.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFGvno0Wt8fgy9AJpqwthX_XPJ1sTfTggGBEUVY8BOXOOlAp71RY975c-fw4CsOpSvp7jxQt4slmvxo9eMNmLYkdWFnL7XFO1kI8GfoPQk5-MNr8LKxbGmERqDbcy9YDmHOjqTJTf7DRl/s640/nevertheless.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I began in December by knitting several pussyhats to donate to women participating in the March on Washington, and have been gathering with others determined to resist, making posters, making calls, sending emails, postcards and so on...Then as soon as <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">we all</span> heard about Elizabeth Warren being silenced on the Senate floor - and the words spoken by the man who silenced her - it was inspiration for a piece of art.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I called on women friends (via Facebook) to share their own stories about every "warning", and every "explanation" they'd ever heard, from childhood on up. The idea was to make this "our" piece - something to which every woman could contribute and relate. Something universal and empowering. Something for the Resistance. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So here it is, a 10" x 20" canvas, done in acrylic and micron pen.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was cathartic, and maybe even a little empowering to paint, and if it inspires one women, or one young girl to persist - and resist - the patriarchy, it will have done its job.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As of typing this, the piece is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/513434647/nevertheless-she-persisted-original-10-x?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">available in my Etsy shop</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Finally, "Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every
chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own
dreams.” ~ HRC</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until next time, stay strong, and #resist</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">♥ Carolee</span></span><br />
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<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-50057936468838786842016-12-04T08:07:00.001-08:002016-12-04T08:07:15.501-08:00♥ Hygge ~ A Holiday Open Housewarming ♥<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It's been about four months since the big move to smaller quarters, and we're settling in despite waves of missing John terribly. He would have liked this little cottage, and I think he'd be pleased with the idea of all our friends gathering here to infuse the place with warmth and good cheer as winter approaches.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sF6WMTdSXRp052zbmaEWoyl9VGexEC40EZ_c4bSWNTAurJi9xID-q1_HHjfFibBz79eqw7siUW4wkFfiuU2-Hc6ShngC3_PMxCnjuVutllMA70V6B6FGnKBt1SfojkdjgBd6jUI_U3nL/s1600/housechristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8sF6WMTdSXRp052zbmaEWoyl9VGexEC40EZ_c4bSWNTAurJi9xID-q1_HHjfFibBz79eqw7siUW4wkFfiuU2-Hc6ShngC3_PMxCnjuVutllMA70V6B6FGnKBt1SfojkdjgBd6jUI_U3nL/s400/housechristmas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> The housewarming is aptly titled "Hygge" (pronounced "hue-geh") the Danish word, which (while there is really no direct English definition that does it justice), loosely translates to<strong> </strong><strong style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"></strong>the concept of coziness and camaraderie; the sense of feeling connected, and of taking
pleasure and appreciating the everyday things that stir our senses and
warm our hearts. The best description I've found so far is <a href="http://hygge.co/definition-of-hygge/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So the little retro kitchen will be busy over the next couple of weeks, as cookies are baked and soups are set to simmer, narrowing down the buffet style menu (which so far consists of both cocktail meatballs and vegetarian meatballs, a pasta salad or two, buffalo chicken dip with baguettes, a pomegranate salsa with chips, and assorted cookies and sweets)...</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jzqIDuGQZ3mI22VROCgRJ2b-ipc79Mga-vYx9SE-4Sb1TpE_l-UZmNDZZjtqDoM8T8t8XKUVHCd8MQNbqhNdCuA-miYvduVZWQENtVr6Lr3fnClRKuNa9CWVzQX80MJIFu6dYZnrATry/s1600/housekitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jzqIDuGQZ3mI22VROCgRJ2b-ipc79Mga-vYx9SE-4Sb1TpE_l-UZmNDZZjtqDoM8T8t8XKUVHCd8MQNbqhNdCuA-miYvduVZWQENtVr6Lr3fnClRKuNa9CWVzQX80MJIFu6dYZnrATry/s400/housekitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unfortunately, the piano hasn't been tuned since the move, but I do hope we can find a guitarist or two among the guests, and maybe even sing a few carols (Christmas carols = instant hygge). ;)</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdoX_c-tvAkwQ3YRCMm519tAboSWjN_RiZ09m67mEeTxedz5UlMloaNzNtiaoTOu9ekK0ynmP2EFA4MrUygqxCiXEhzu_EeMkNs1GF4A8l4B0gelTRTATsx4CJO-hR6BwXOMkNSpcfXtf/s1600/housepiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdoX_c-tvAkwQ3YRCMm519tAboSWjN_RiZ09m67mEeTxedz5UlMloaNzNtiaoTOu9ekK0ynmP2EFA4MrUygqxCiXEhzu_EeMkNs1GF4A8l4B0gelTRTATsx4CJO-hR6BwXOMkNSpcfXtf/s400/housepiano.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So many friends are scattered far, far away, and geography prevents them from attending, but I know they'll be here in spirit, and perhaps even visit one day. And those who <i>are</i> here - I look forward to seeing you!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the meantime, I'm holding everyone close in my heart, and wishing you all a season filled with all this warmth and friendship and hygge, and joy in simple pleasures wherever you find them.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Love and light,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">♥ Carolee</span></span></span><br />
<br />Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-52361473505566941802016-08-24T14:18:00.000-07:002016-08-24T14:18:21.521-07:00My New Front Door...This is what happens when an artist buys a new cottage...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5i7DkpElLkXXl-UrE5RW3NXuHcqq1KsjQPWy8lOnC0I8uuaSTTCeozVgy-blfhRKjR8OPwCd8pyffQc4Bb5EIlGEuBlGCC4iu6A0knxMQ00ZWw8xnILTdcvMeJu9MvSSJcmVCASl_rH4/s1600/frontdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX5i7DkpElLkXXl-UrE5RW3NXuHcqq1KsjQPWy8lOnC0I8uuaSTTCeozVgy-blfhRKjR8OPwCd8pyffQc4Bb5EIlGEuBlGCC4iu6A0knxMQ00ZWw8xnILTdcvMeJu9MvSSJcmVCASl_rH4/s640/frontdoor.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E-ue8a59l2bwf8_DqzbYYzzBvEhlEmJhl3tZTc1ODrkkd66JigSa7ywi5sjsISjAdBUGZwGiQYxjxMgw_0wd6quTq6eLBSW7tAuxdMT7YcvU97LxhCVDOaNYR-yztKIheM9wuyQ-V3An/s1600/frontdoor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E-ue8a59l2bwf8_DqzbYYzzBvEhlEmJhl3tZTc1ODrkkd66JigSa7ywi5sjsISjAdBUGZwGiQYxjxMgw_0wd6quTq6eLBSW7tAuxdMT7YcvU97LxhCVDOaNYR-yztKIheM9wuyQ-V3An/s640/frontdoor2.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
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Next up: the dining room table and a piano bench.<br />
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Stay tuned. ;)<br />
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♥ CaroleeCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-54517008164873629912016-07-30T18:17:00.003-07:002016-07-30T18:17:35.463-07:00Congratulations......Laura!<br />
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You've won my little giveaway. :)<br />
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I'll look forward to hearing from you, and in the meantime, anyone who'd like to participate in future giveaways, please visit and follow <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kingofmice" target="_blank">my Facebook page</a>...<br />
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Back very soon!<br />
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♥ CaroleeCaroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1912431965202566104.post-2071197579394841602016-07-23T04:55:00.000-07:002016-07-23T05:07:39.068-07:00Sometimes a Little Madness and a Little Giveaway.......And a tumble down the Rabbit Hole...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldNTNK4-DUeIF3ifB2PIfxvCnYjcVCwpwUnDObH_s3hQxMd1IfZrWtfVZFOn_ySRjww2DsfdWEs8YutEfH5qiTTnh7maOTjNq_6Zxt4Pq8pGY1qbCxpMGYYWFdOCEnn5h4JSMy89631pj/s1600/aliceprintblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldNTNK4-DUeIF3ifB2PIfxvCnYjcVCwpwUnDObH_s3hQxMd1IfZrWtfVZFOn_ySRjww2DsfdWEs8YutEfH5qiTTnh7maOTjNq_6Zxt4Pq8pGY1qbCxpMGYYWFdOCEnn5h4JSMy89631pj/s320/aliceprintblog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Is exactly what one needs to make the world not so topsy-turvy anymore. ♥<br />
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Do come in, and grab a cup of your favorite brew (mine is currently this lovely lemon chiffon!)...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_117wjHE4Pr5RwwjRqE9iqdByazUmH9O_ASTeUO3rWp8qJq0if-QjYWwpjPYMEAdcq9yYweGoPlFygZZ9ymN0GhVS-7pg5RnbgLIysRUT55-W5M34YvuHmA2gkuo_ndnuiEjBSHmgSi_/s1600/alicebirthdaytea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_117wjHE4Pr5RwwjRqE9iqdByazUmH9O_ASTeUO3rWp8qJq0if-QjYWwpjPYMEAdcq9yYweGoPlFygZZ9ymN0GhVS-7pg5RnbgLIysRUT55-W5M34YvuHmA2gkuo_ndnuiEjBSHmgSi_/s320/alicebirthdaytea.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
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And choose one of these yummy cookies (actually a birthday surprise a while back from a very special friend and Alice collector!) This picture, and her thoughtfulness always make me smile. :)<br />
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To be honest, my world has been turned completely upside down recently, and in the most devastating way, so I'm afraid I haven't had time for really proper tea party preparations. But with the help of my friends, both real-life and online, I'm picking up the pieces and forging ahead with a new chapter...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZYbAdMip7BO4dn9Vt1jEpjIq4A63b9846ItsXQjwQdwxndJEaPhDDWWIfYZ1EOFfVu9WWg0fUmdCje7mqCwTY6zThJV8eDcA23H_fxiW7m1hGb9wga_OnucSkF8rx1yJpgHywqI0ZS4f/s1600/alicechapter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZYbAdMip7BO4dn9Vt1jEpjIq4A63b9846ItsXQjwQdwxndJEaPhDDWWIfYZ1EOFfVu9WWg0fUmdCje7mqCwTY6zThJV8eDcA23H_fxiW7m1hGb9wga_OnucSkF8rx1yJpgHywqI0ZS4f/s320/alicechapter.png" width="320" /> </a> </div>
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In the midst of all these changes, I'm back in the studio, and working on - what else? - a new Alice inspired piece...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-ur95Tk895HTFpPZe2O4aysP8H4lJqDihvMtx0KDagrCP-TwidjhUvKPwTiEFm8Swh52OlsLo8YB3RaBxBI97fs8YTJ5Q-hIXxqwIlUYP6bRclP16F40UjFiNVtX6wXElTMZaho3Lwsj/s1600/alicesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-ur95Tk895HTFpPZe2O4aysP8H4lJqDihvMtx0KDagrCP-TwidjhUvKPwTiEFm8Swh52OlsLo8YB3RaBxBI97fs8YTJ5Q-hIXxqwIlUYP6bRclP16F40UjFiNVtX6wXElTMZaho3Lwsj/s320/alicesign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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(A hint - there will be a very LARGE White Rabbit involved.)</div>
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Anywho..</div>
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I'm sorry this is so short, and probably less than super imaginative....But I thank you ever so much for visiting, and if you leave a comment, I will draw a name in a few days (say next Saturday?) and the winner can choose their favorite print from my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/kingofmicestudios" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. I think Alice tumbling down the Rabbit Hole may even be there, but you can have your pick!</div>
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Much love, and Happy Tea Partying...</div>
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xoxo,</div>
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~ Carolee</div>
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Caroleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13073291932262018795noreply@blogger.com39