Works in Progress!

Life continues at a frantic pace here, with the house in the usual state of holiday disarray, but I'm happy to say there are also several new pieces in varying stages of completion. I'm sooooooooooo excited about this new work, much of it bringing the Halloween theme (witches and black cats and such) into a mystical, wintery realm.

The first piece is the one shown above, listed on eBay now. The photos don't really show how it sparkles (LOVE that vintage glass glitter), but it's received several "oooohs" and "aaaah's" from visitors to the house. :)

Yesterday found me not decorating the tree as planned, but painting the last ceramic piece to be offered this year - a witchy pie plate, with words of blessing written around the edge; the perfect gift for the kitchen witch. :) Other new work includes a very large apothecary/pantry, which is also shaping up with a wintery yule theme - jars of assorted herbs and spices, magickal oils and elixirs, the Witch's books and grimoire, mortar and pestle, copper kettle, and of course, the requisite cat (or three, hehe)....

Then there's the Snow Queen's SLEIGH! Wait until you see this one....again, a very large piece, suitable for center stage almost anywhere in the house and large enough to hold your favorite Christmas dolls, several gifts, or even the largest card collection. This piece is in the sketching stages right now, so will take a bit to complete, but when it's finished it will be accented with vintage glass glitter and Swarovski crystals. Quite the showpiece. :)

I'm also trying to keep up with the many requests pouring in for new doggie and kitty welcome signs....

All of this, the holiday housecleaning and decorating, the baking and the knitting (another homemade Christmas for us this year!) will keep me busy until the wee hours for the next several weeks.

Throughout all of this, John is doing well, and making his way through the rounds of doctors, specialists and tests, in anticipation of the eventual surgery which will correct his heart problem. We're not expecting it to happen until early 2008, a blessing, as he'll certainly enjoy the season, and Courtney's visit more fully at home.

And as for next year, well - "sufficient unto the day", and all that....

For NOW, we're counting today's blessings. :)