Snowmen in August?!

Yep, yep, yep. ;)

Preparation for fall and holiday shows is in full swing here, so I thought I'd share something a little different than the usual "wicked and whimsical" art...

Having signed on to the Holiday Craft Show in Fairfax VA, I've been playing with welcome signs (old and new) and the upshot is these two designs...

"Let Heaven and Nature Sing" - two available (update - all sold)...


And "Winter Blessings" - three available (update - all sold)...


I'm told by repeat customers they make great holiday gifts, so I'll be heading to the show with about 160 of them! That's a LOT of painting, hehe. :)

And actually, these are probably a bit more detailed than large scale production will allow, so rather than take them along and confuse matters, I'll be offering them on Etsy tomorrow, unless they get snapped up first. ;)

They measure about 10 1/2" x 16 1/2", are painted in acrylics on solid pine, routed and stained, with a clear varnish suitable for indoor or outdoor display. $45 each plus shipping, which depends on location. If you'd like one or more ,just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com .

That's about it for now...Back to painting!

♥ Carolee

On a Very Personal Note...

I wish to extend the most heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who've followed John's journey these last few years through two heart surgeries and most recently, radiation for non-hodgkins lymphoma.

It's been a long road, but I'm thrilled to announce the official word from his oncologist is that the blood is now absolutely clear - a full remission!

We're filled with happiness and gratitude. :)

♥ Carolee

*Bewitching* Brew....

...Magical Potion...Enchanting Elixir...Intoxicating Infusion...Liquid Wisdom; that restorative wonder and general cure-all, liquid bliss and inspiration; a cup of TeA.

Loving tea as I do (and collecting teapots!), it's become a frequent subject in the studio, painting as I sip whatever brew strikes my fancy that day, perfectly content with every moment of the process. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something very Zen about the combination of tea and art, a sort of calm that washes over you, kind of like what happens when you sit down with a cup of tea and a good book. ;)

C.S. Lewis famously said "You can never have a cup of tea large enough, or a book long enough to suit me."

I ♥ that.

But I'm getting off track here...Aside from extolling the virtues and wonders of tea, I want to share what I've been up to all week. Well, half of it anyway.

This is a hand made, birch wood tea chest in it's original state, straight from the woodworker. So many possibilities, but of course, the one that leaps to mind is something illustrating the *magic* it contains. A black cat, a witchy little mouse, a *magical* Halloween tea set, and cupcakes that make you want to steal a bite or two...

And inside, room for boxes and boxes of your favorite brew. I'm running a tad low on teabags myself, or I would have added more for the photograph. Guess it's time to restock.

I'll be listing this one on Etsy tonight, where it can be directly purchased (I'm really loving that people don't have to jump through eBay hoops to get my pieces any more) and I was also thinking it would be fun to offer personalization on the inside of the lid - a name, a date, a quote - whatever makes it special. ♥

I think it would be perfect for a Witch's Tea Party - or even a tea party for one...

This was my very own solo party last October.

Which reminds me - veering off topic a bit here, but I have to tell you, there's a Practical Magic blog party coming soon! If you scroll down on the right sidebar, you'll see the banner, which will lead you to the hostess' blog, details, etc. As soon as I heard about it, I was IN! Can never have enough Practical Magic. ;)

Are you still with me? I know I ramble sometimes. At least, that's what John says ("Does this story have a POINT?")

Sometimes, hehe. ;)

Anyway, I'll be back soon with more new work. Things can get a little crazy this time of year as I divide my time between work for sale, work for the Ghoultide Gathering, and commissions. (Sleep is soooooo overrated, ha!)

Wishing you days of magic and bliss as summer draws to a close, and the first traces of autumn appear. I'll leave you with this video of one of my favorite folky autumn songs...



Until next time,
♥ Carolee

Little Ol' Me in Midwest Living!

Just have to share, I received the autumn issue of Midwest Living magazine in the mail today, and there in living color on page 69 is a photo of my art!

The "Discoveries" page features the fabulous Ghoultide Gathering Halloween art show, and includes work from myself, Scott Smith, Johanna Parker and Aron Lowe.

SUCH an honor to share the page with these amazing artists, and such an honor for Midwest Living to say such nice things about my art. :)

I'm floating, hehe...

♥ Carolee

New Prints Available!

After receiving many requests, I've had a few prints made of three recent paintings, and they're now available in my Etsy shop. The first two, "Spellcasting" and "Midnight Margaritas" were inspired by one of my all time favorite books and movies, "Practical Magic"...


The third, "Hubba's Halloween", was inspired by a beautiful ginger boy who used to live at our vet's office (but has since been adopted and gone to his forever home). :)

Isn't he a handsome fellow?

There are just eight of each print available at the moment, but I may order more before Halloween, not sure...

Back very soon with pics of a wicked cool tea chest in progress. Until then, happy Monday!

♥ Carolee

A *Magical* Weekend!

Well, it's almost that time again...

Just a few weeks until some of the finest Halloween artists this side of the Milky Way gather in Northville, Michigan for the fifth annual Ghoultide Gathering!

Five years, and I'm still pinching myself, wondering if it's all a dream...

Actually, not only is it REAL, but it's TWO days of magic this year, with so many enchanting details added I can hardly wait.

There's a total of thirty artists this year, and on Friday night, as Mill Race Village is aglow, collectors will be able to enjoy assorted treats at each of the artist's tables as they browse - kind of like twilight trick-or-treating, but with fabulous Halloween art to purchase! (Not sure what I'm doing yet, but I was thinking maybe some Lancaster County, homemade pumpkin fudge?)

There will also be cider and other beverages available in one of the buildings, and live music outside!! Yep - Scott and Stephanie (the amazing people who bring this show together every year) have booked the coolest band; The Apple Seed Collective. Sort of a mix of gypsy, folk and dixieland...Check them out here. :)

How perfect is THAT?!

Of course, as in years past, my favorite part of the show is meeting friends and collectors in person. Spending most of my time creating in a home studio, keeping in touch via email and facebook, I can't tell you how exciting it is to share my work and meet people in real life instead of cyberspace. It's just the best, and gives me the warm, Halloween fuzzies. ♥

Anywhoooo - if you love Halloween, and Halloween art..if you're close enough for a day trip (or farther away and in the mood for a weekend getaway!), you do not want to miss this show. You can visit the website for details on discounted accomodations, directions, etc., and in the meantime, I'll leave you with this video from the 2009 show (I know I've posted it before, but I could watch it again and again, hehe)...


Back to the studio for me - I'll be bringing lots of new goodies, and hoping to see you there!!

♥ Carolee

Four Fall Signs

...are looking for a new home...(update - all sold now)

I took a break from painting tea chests today to paint four of these autumn welcome signs, which will list on Etsy tomorrow, unless someone grabs them first. They measure 11" x 14" and are hand painted in acrylics on solid pine, with stained and routed edges. Sawtooth hanger on the back for display indoors or out.

They're $45 each plus shipping by location, and make great gifts. Just email me at carolee@kingofmice.com if you'd like one. :)

Back soon! ♥ Carolee

The Finished Painting

As promised, here's a peek at the finished painting of Hubba the Ginger Cat...

It sold before I had a chance to list it, but I hope to have prints available soon. :)

Next up - Ghoultide Gathering painting!! I'll post some exciting news about the show very soon. In the meantime, I'm off to make supper. Wishing everyone a happy and *CrEaTiVe* rest of the week!

♥ Carolee

I ♥ Ginger Cats

From the day I fell in love with my first ginger cat Maurice, I've always had a special affinity for these boys. I say boys because I think they usually are. I know there are ginger girls too, but boys seem far more common...

One of the current loves of my life is our big boy Arthur (weighing in at almost 18 lbs when last we checked)...

Isn't he beautiful?

Demanding too. When he wants to be fed, he knocks over the wooden screen surrounding the cat food bowls. Like a Hobbit, Arthur thinks morning mealtime includes "second breakfast". ;)

While Arthur is usually my model of choice for ginger cat paintings, I'm painting another handsome boy today. Meet Hubba Bubba...

This regal looking fellow was rescued by our vet, and now resides with one of the vet techs. But I couldn't help snapping a few reference photos before he went to his forever home, thinking with those markings, he'd make a fabulous painting...


The perfect autumn cat, I think.

Detail will be filled in today, and I'll share the finished product here and on facebook before listing on Etsy this evening.

Do you have a Ginger boy (or girl) in your life? Please do tell, and if you'd like to share a reference photo for future paintings (via email) I'd be honored!

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

A Day of Enchantment in the City: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

Sometimes magic is found in the least likely of places...

And sometimes it's created. ;)

Saturday found me taking the rare - and much needed - day off, as John and I ventured into Center City for brunch with Courtney and SarahGrace (our daughter and her BFF), followed by a visit to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.


We met at Mixto, a wonderful little restaurant on Antique Row, where we feasted on delicious and healthy Latin American inspired cuisine. Check out the Plantain chips and guacamole...


I was good though, staying away from the big basket of fried bread they brought, and opting instead for a vegetarian egg white frittata...


Sooooooo good.

After brunch, we walked a couple of blocks over to South Street to check out the Magic Gardens. It's been awhile, and I'd forgotten how much I enjoy walking around the city. We passed this lovely little park on the way...


And noticed the cool rainbow flags on city street signs (they recognize an area known as The Gayborhood)...


Turning a corner, we came upon our destination...


The life's work of artist Isaiah Zagar, the Magic Garden mosaics cover the indoor and outdoor space of about half a city block! Just incredible...

Here are a couple of details from the first room we entered. You can click on the photos for a larger view...


Stepping outside, we found a maze of mosaic pathways and staircases, adorned with everything from china, glass and mirrored pieces, to bottles, wheels, pottery and figures, and sometimes messages...



Magical, indeed! Another detail...

A perfect spot to sit and take in all the beauty...

Another detail...

We rested for a bit under this umbrella, where I thought the overhead "chandelier" was pretty cool...

A winding path...

The staircases were stunning, but I had to be a bit careful, as they're not for those (like myself) who are less than surefooted...

It is truly one of the most amazing places I've seen in a long time, and if you're within striking distance of Philadelphia, I HIGHLY recommend a visit!! I'm also told that it's not unusual to run into the artist (although we were not that fortunate). But I'll most definitely be back, and hope to do just that someday.

I'll leave you with just one more photo, and promise to be back soon with some art of my own...

Sometimes these little field trips are just what the soul needs - a sort of replenishing of the artistic well. Inspiration, indeed!

Until next time, wishing you magic and enchantment ;)
♥ Carolee

"Spellcasting" on PFATT Marketplace

OK, first, TWO blog posts in one day?!? Hehe...

Sorry, but I just have to share this little homage to one of my all time favorite books and movies, "Practical Magic". I'm offering this piece on tomorrow's PFATT Marketplace (update at 10AM pacific time)...

The edges are adorned with rosebuds and vines, so there's no need for a frame (additional photo on tomorrow's listing)...

Back very soon with new work, and further ramblings...

♥ Carolee

♪ ♫ It's the MOST Wonderful Time of the Year...♪ ♫

Nooooo, not back to school (although there WAS a time when that was so, hehe)...

I'm talking about Autumn (yes, I capitalize it, because I feel it deserves special reverence) - and especially about *HaLLOwEeN*!!

It may still be summer outside, but here in the studio, it's full-on fall; pumpkin scented candles burn, the blog playlist provides a magical soundtrack, and witches and black cats adorn just about every surface, as preparation for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering kicks into full swing.

Etsy has been keeping me busy as well - the prints have been a huge success (just a few are left!) and originals are going quickly. This pair are up for grabs at the moment...

The first Halloween cats of 2011, they're sold individually, but if anyone wants to purchase both, I'll refund shipping. There are a few prints left in the Etsy shop as well. ;)

Look for a Practical Magic inspired painting on the PFATT Marketplace tomorrow too! (Nothing listed there at the moment, but it updates at 10AM Pacific time on Wednesday the 10th). :)

Plans and preparations also continue for next year's Road Dust and Wanderlust Tour (scroll down for details)...Getting VERY excited!!

And as if all this isn't enough, we're driving into the city tomorrow for brunch with Courtney and a visit to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Can't wait!!

That's about it for now - back to painting!!

Have a happy and *creative* rest of the week!

♥ Carolee

A New Blog!!!

As you may remember, a road trip is the works. A fabulous, cross country adventure, Thelma and Louise style (but without the guns and driving off a cliff thing)...Read all about it HERE, and when you get there, please do click "follow" to keep up with the adventure. :)

Happy Travels!

♥ Carolee