Welcome, Spring!

Has it really been over a week since I've popped in here? Blame it on spring fever - or as the Mice President likes to call it, "shiny object syndrome". ...

What can I say, I'm easily distracted. ;)

Spring is sprouting all over here; super early daffodils and crocuses, and hyacinths too. But strangest of all are the lilac blooms! Unheard of in March...

Can you see them?

Our neighbor's forsythia is spilling over into our yard, and I just love it. Must plant one myself, I think...

The Old Lincoln roses by the front porch are already filling out nicely, and we should have blooms before too long...

Still no takers for the little bird roosts we hung, but they all love the feeder (especially the greedy little squirrels, hehe)...Of course, everyone scatters the minute I open the door to take a photograph, but you get the idea. And oh my, look at all the blossoms sprouting on the dogwood...

The kitties just LOVE watching all the activity from their perch by the front window. Must try to capture a shot of that. :)

Here's one of our cheery daffodils, out by the front fence...

They're such happy flowers, don't you think?

And I just love the early spring moss covering the bricks around the koi pond, and the ground cover beginning to spread (some sort of succulent, but I don't know the name)...

Even the fish - normally still dormant this time of year - are active! We've already begun feeding them their "transition" food, and soon it will be time to fill in the pond with a few annual water plants...

In the studio, I've been immersed in painting a spring pieces too - in progress at the moment is another St. Gertrude piece, a tri-fold wooden screen. She's coming along nicely, and should be finished later today...

I just love that there's a patron saint of cats and gardeners. There's also a patron saint of dogs, st Rocco - must paint him some time too. :)

Also in the works are two more Easter platters - one already claimed, and one up for grabs very soon. I'll be posting peeks on facebook as they progress, so do drop by (the link an be found on the right sidebar). And I'm so hoping to complete a piece for the EHAG Art Guild and PFATT Group's "Screampunk" challenge, but between the full studio schedule, and more health issues for John, I'm just not sure - wish me luck!

How about you? Is it spring in your neck of the woods? Are you distracted by flowers and birdsong? Or are you in the other hemisphere and anticipating autumn now? Wherever you are, I do hope you're finding time to enjoy Mother Nature's blessings.

Well, I'd best get back to the studio now - so many ideas and sketches, so little time to complete them all! But I had to take a few minutes to "visit" this morning. Like I said, shiny object syndrome, hehe...

I'll try to be back much sooner next time. :)

Until then,
♥ Carolee

"Midnight Moon Dance"

I had such fun with this month's EHAG Emporium piece - a wickedly whimsical fireplace (or kitty privacy) screen...

The witch is waving her magic wand to bestow blessings on her black cat familiar, and all the creatures of the forest, as they dance beneath the light of the Woman in the Moon. Notice the details like the little mice playing in the pumpkins. :)

Painted in acrylics on a hinged, wooden screen, with a tiny black and orange checkerboard border on the top edge. There are a few small flaws and imperfections in the wood, all nicely concealed within the painted design. Finished with a clear, acrylic varnish, and measures 44" x 22". Comes to you signed and dated, with a certificate of authenticity included. This is the only one of these screens I'll be offering outside of a show this year.

$285 plus shipping, which will vary by location. UPDATE ~ SOLD

Have to add, I have one of these in my kitchen (although not painted as cool, hehe) which surrounds the cat's dishes, and just love it.

To purchase, just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com.

Until next time, wishing you *magic and enchantment*!
♥ Carolee

Many, Many Things...

Have you ever felt completely overwhelmed, but in a good way? Like there are so many projects, so many people, so many groups and guilds and shows, so many friends, so much beauty, and so many ideas percolating that you just might burst with the excitement of it all?

I don't mean to minimize life's challenges here (and believe me, we've had more than a few), but the older I get, the more I believe that happiness lies in our focus. I can look at another heart procedure for John as "Oh no! Hasn't he been through enough!?", or I can see the miraculous technology and skill which allow his doctors to fix something that fifty years ago would have been completely unfixable. I mean, that's HUGE, right?

So yes, things are looking pretty amazing on the home front, I thank everyone for the prayers and positive energy once again - it means more than you know.

On the art front, things are pretty amazing too. First, there's work to be done for the sixth annual Ghoultide Gathering...

The show has a new home this year, with all the artists under one roof! The energy is going to be absolutely electric, and it will be so much easier for collectors too. If you've been, you know what a magical time it is, and if you haven't, please consider making 2012 your Ghoultide Year!

I'm so excited, there are a few pieces already in the works, hehe. ;)

There's also tomorrow's PFATT Marketplace, where this dapper fellow will make his debut...


He's rather large (18" tall), but I think he would look fabulous sitting on a dining table or mantle. This is just one side though - check the Marketplace tomorrow at 10AM Pacific/1PM eastern to see the other side. I know, I'm a tease.

In case you're not familiar, the PFATT ladies ("Primitive Folk Art Talk and Tea", pronounced with a silent P, hehe) are a wonderfully supportive art group - a sort of sisterhood of folk artists - and I'd be remiss if I didn't share the blog giveaway the group has going now...
Click here to be transported to the PFATT blog, where you can enter to win one of the many original giveaway items. I have a little mouse print in the mix. :)

I also have the privilege of belonging to the Eclectic Halloween Artists Guild - or EHAG, as it's better known - a juried group of some of the world's finest Halloween artists. Our monthly EHAG Emporium goes live on the last day of each month, at 9PM eastern. So there's a wicked cool Emporium piece in works too. More on this later.

Oh, and just by way of useless but amusing info, some of the EHAG artists (such as myself) are also PFATT members. We call ourselves the pfatt hags, teehee.

Commissions are in the works as well, both new and old, and I can't tell you how incredible it feels to know I have commissions scheduled for most of the year already! Like Sally Field at the Oscars: "You like me!! You really LIKE me!"

Ideas for new work are swirling around in my brain the February full snow moon has passed, but the Snow Moon Goddess piece is yet to be completed. There's also a Practical Magic footstool waiting patiently in line. And a St. Gertrude piece as well - the patron saint of gardeners and cats, whose feast day is March 17th.

Meanwhile, there's housework and cooking to be done, knitting and stitching, and I'm trying to squeeze in some reading time. I'll tell you, I do not understand how anyone could ever say they're bored! Sooooooo much to see, to do and to accomplish. A hundred lifetimes would not be enough.

That's about it for today. There are two Aussies here, nudging my left elbow as I type, wanting very much to go for a walk. I think they want to play in the snow before it disappears. ;)

I'll leave you with this beautiful, wintry song. I've been listening to the Wailin' Jenny's in the studio quite a bit lately. Such lovely harmonies....



Until next time,
♥ Carolee

Cute as a Button, Part Two. ♥

I'm having such fun with these button paintings! Here are two I finished today, which will be up for grabs tomorrow in the Etsy shop, unless they're snapped up first (larger than the previous ones, at 8" x 8", and $75 + $10 shipping)

You can't really see it in the pics, but there's a white rick-rack hanger at the top. Sooooo cute.

UPDATE - Both now sold. :)

I'll be working madly on commissions and a piece for the PFATT Marketplace this week, as well as catching up on a few things around the house, and applying for a new passport. Hard to believe the big road trip is just about 3 months away now!

Must run now, but I'll be back very soon...

♥ Carolee
PS - if you'd like one of the button paintings, just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com

Taking a Chance - The First eBay Auction in *AGES*!

As you may have noticed, it's been MONTHS since I've had anything listed on eBay...

Their new, higher fee structure, and policies favoring large electronic distributors over small artists left me feeling very frustrated - and I must admit I DO love Etsy...

But every once in a while there's a piece where pricing is unsure, and I'm willing to let the market decide.

Such is Baba Yaga, the old witch from Russian folklore. You can read about here here. She's quite a character with her chicken legged house, her cat and dog, and her fence of skulls! A wonderful folk tale though, one of kindness rewarded.

She was originally priced at $195, and I'm opening the bidding here at just $45 (eek!)...I was actually tempted to keep her, but sell her I must, so I'm holding my breath and taking a chance someone else will love her too. She's listed now, and the auction will run through Sunday evening. ♥

I must also add a BIG thank you to Lori Davis, leader of the Pfabulous Pfatt group, for making my auction look so good! (I'm completely clueless about graphics and html). :)

I'll be back very soon with four new chunky 5" x 5" canvases with button adornments. In the meantime, thanks for taking a peek!!

♥ Carolee

La Befana Revisited

Popping in quickly between batches of cookies, to share the latest piece - another homage to La Befana...

She's just so fun to paint, and I so love the legend, I had to revisit her. This one (a very close companion to the recently painted plate) is on a birch wood box, and I think would be perfect for either treats or treasures. The Christmas star shines inside too...

She's listed on Etsy now, up for grabs on a first-come basis.

Thanks for taking a peek, and I promise I'll be back soon with pics of new work - and possibly cookies too!

♥ Carolee

"Playing Through The Veil"

Legend (or modern invention) has it that there exists an obscure musical genre known as "funerary violin", active in Europe in the 19th century, and eventually extinguished by the Church.

Funerary violinists would compose haunting music, and play not only at the burial, but would remain at the deceased's gravesite through the night, playing their souls into the afterlife...

Legend or not (you can read more about it here), I found the concept so beautiful, and so compelling, it had to become art. And what better day than October 31st - when the veil between worlds is thinnest - to complete such a piece? ;)

The etching shown above - this month's EHAG Emporium offering - is a scratchboard; a black, inked board, etched with literally tens of thousands of lines. Some artists use a pin or etching tool - I prefer the finer line of an exacto blade.

The piece measures 5" x 7", and is priced at $125, with shipping in the U.S. included. It is unframed, but would look amazing "floating" on a white ground, with a gothic, black frame. UPDATE ~ SOLD ~

Thanks for taking a peek, and please email me at carolee@kingofmice.com with questions or to purchase. ♥

Winding Down, Anticipation, and the Wheel of the Year

One of the most meaningful things about being a "holiday" artist is the opportunity to focus deeply on each season as it approaches. In creating work for Halloween and Samhain, Christmas and Yule, Easter and Beltane, and so on, a connection is made to the natural cycle of the earth. There's harmony to be found in living and painting for each season, in letting Mother Nature take the lead, and celebrating each festival or holiday as it comes around.

For the last several months, Halloween has been the primary focus, and anticipation has been building. Now that it's almost here (just two weeks!) I'm anticipating a bit of a gear change. The days are already growing shorter, a reminder that soon the harvest season will be over, and winter will be upon us. A few Halloween pieces remain up for grabs as of this writing, and I do hope they find good homes before the season is out. To this end, I've added a little note to the higher priced piece allowing two payments (a little easier to manage in this economy).

The apothecary/spells and potions chest is available on Etsy, and there's also a trio of mending box pinkeeps on the PFATT Marketplace. This is the larger of the three...

Soon Yuletide work will be in full swing (but always with a magical twist). I'm very excited about a new Santa cutout, and am considering combining the best of both seasons by creating a "Harvest Santa". Stay tuned. ;)

Angels have been spinning around in my brain as well, but not the human variety. I'm thinking angel cats, angel mice, angel rabbits, and so on. I do believe our furry friends are angels in disguise, so I suppose it's a natural progression. :)

Commissions are winding down too, as I play catch-up over the next few weeks, and a new project focusing on the wheel of the year will begin in January. VERY excited about this one, and just know it will be a blessing to paint.

How about you? Are you anticipating the change of seasons, or doing anything special to mark the holidays or festivals? I just love hearing about other people's celebrations and observances.

That's about it for today. I have a very full week ahead, with a friend visiting, painting and errands to be done, and a few hospital tests for John (who facebook readers may remember was stuck at a Pittsburgh area hospital for a few days earlier this month).

But I'll be back soon to share the first few pieces of the new season! Until then, I wish you all the blessings of Autumn...

♥ Carolee

A Little Practical *Magic* Giveaway!

Apologies for coming to the blog party a wee bit late, but *magic* is abounding here in the studio as well, and sometimes it can be a wee bit...well, distracting, hehe. :)

But I'm so happy to take a break in honor of one of my favorite all time books and movies! In fact, "Practical Magic" inspiration has been swirling around in my head for weeks now...

"Spellcasting"...


"Midnight Margaritas"...

"My darling Girl.."...

I can't make up my mind which print is a favorite, so I thought I'd leave the choice up to the giveaway winner - you may choose whichever you like. :) All you need do to enter is leave a comment here, and I'll draw a name on Oct 5th. Be sure to leave me a way to contact you...

Back to the studio for me now (major show prep underway), but I hope to do a little blog hopping later. Until then, wishing you a day of magic and wonder!

♥ Carolee
PS - My Etsy shop is out of most of the Practical Magic prints now, but I'll be replenishing them after I get back from Michigan (the week of the 5th)

New Prints!

(UPDATE - All available prints are in the Etsy shop now!)

I'm soooooo excited about this print venture!

While a few of the last batch remain in the Etsy shop, I thought I'd share a few new ones from the print order placed yesterday. Most will be going with me to the show, but I did order just a few extra for those who can't make it, which I expect to list on Etsy later this week. In the meantime, I thought I'd offer them here first.

The first (four available, 8" x 10") is another Practical Magic inspired print; the Aunts, with Gilly and Sally, on the widow's walk of that beautiful house. The quote is one of my all time favorites: "My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!"

The second print (four available, also 8" x 10") is titled "Merlin" - a *magical* Maine Coon. I love the knotwork border...

And the final print (two available) is one of my favorites, a beautiful black cat with luminous eyes (a 6" x 6" image on an 8" x 10" sheet)...

The prints should arrive in the next day or two, so would ship by the end of the week. $18.50 each with $3 total shipping in the US, $6 international. :)

If you'd like to claim one or more, just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com. :)

Thanks as always for visiting, and have a happy and creative rest of the week!

♥ Carolee

The Final Stretch...

With less than two weeks until we pack up the Beetle and head to Michigan for the Ghoultide Gathering, well - insanity doesn't even begin to describe it. The studio looks as though a reporter should be standing in the center giving a damage assessment...

And the only thing keeping the rest of house even reasonably intact is my wonderful husband (or he likes to call himself, "the mice president"). Thank heaven for helpful husbands, eh? He's pretty much taken over housecleaning and errand running until after the show, God love him.

No more sneak peeks I'm afraid (aside from the partial in-progress photo above) - much more fun for collectors to be surprised at the show, I think!

But aside from show pieces, I did paint this little treat box, which will probably go on Etsy in the next day or two. A bit different, but the shape of the box so reminded me of a haunted house, I just went with it...


Those stones took forever to paint, but I think they look kind of cool. It says "Boo!" inside. :)

I'll be ordering a few prints tomorrow as well, and adding them to the Etsy shop Wednesday or Thursday, so stay tuned.

That's about it for now. I'm off to brew a pot of tea, and read a chapter or two before turning in. Just started this one...

Perfect to take to Ghoultide, yes?!

I'm giddy with excitement at the prospect of meeting some of you, so if you make it to the show, do drop by and introduce yourself!

OK, now I'm really going, hehe...

Until next time,
~ Carolee

Embracing Autumn ♥

There are so many things I love about the upcoming autumn season I hardly know where to begin...

♥ Big bulky sweaters, comfy jeans and Timberland boots.

♥ The scent of woodsmoke in the air.

♥ Pumpkins, mums and hay bales on front porches.

♥ Homemade applesauce

♥ A kettle of soup simmering on the stovetop.

♥ The crunch of leaves underfoot.

♥ Kids at school bus stops.

♥ Day trips to the mountains

♥ Cozy comforters

♥ Meeting new and old friends at the Ghoultide Gathering

♥ Halloween!

I could go on and on...

It's been autumn in the studio for a while now, as spicy, scented candles burn and musical selections lean toward the old and haunting. One of my favorite things about being a Halloween artist is immersion in this *magical* season all year long.

Last night we had the first acorn squash of the season (oven baked - I'm not a microwave kind o' gal) and Saturday we'll visit local farms stands for more - and probably pick up some of those pumpkins and mums as well. Today's projects (aside from painting like the wind for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering!) include changing the garden flag out in front of the house from summer to autumn, and filling the antique watering can with autumn branches (high quality faux until the real thing is available)...

Most of the painting these days is show preparation, but I'm also trying to work in a few pieces for those who can't make it...

I usually paint these pumpkin welcome signs on a dark green background, but wanted to try black, and must say I really like it. It makes a nice contrast to the golden orange. Just two of these available, and they're listed on Etsy now. ♥

I must get back to work now (There's a Gypsy Fortune Telling sign calling my name), but not before thanking all of you who've left such thoughtful comments here on the blog, and on the facebook page, and all of you who've emailed with such kind words about my work. The absolute, hands-down, best part of this *job* (feels funny even calling it that!) is knowing what I do brings a smile, or brightens someone's day. :)

Much Love and Autumn Blessings...
♥ Carolee

"Friends and Familiars"

Just popping in for a minute to share the latest black cat painting - a large Innkeeper's sign, perfect for the black cat lover (apologies for the slight glare - black is soooo difficult to photograph)...

In light of the economy - and truth be told, the need to generate a little cash for car repairs - I'm offering just two of these for direct purchase at $125 each, on a first come basis (The usual price is $195 via commission). If you're interested, shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com. :) UPDATE - BOTH SOLD.

Still madly painting Halloween signs, most for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering, but I hope to share at least one more here in the next couple of days!

In the meantime, I'm wishing everyone in the U.S. a happy and safe holiday weekend, and holding those still dealing with the aftermath of Irene's wrath close to my heart.

♥ 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

A Little "Practical Magic" Inspiration...

As the downside of summer continues (although you wouldn't know it by the heat here - yikes!) and my thoughts turn to autumn, it's time for another viewing - or two or three - of one of my all time favorite movies (based on an all time favorite book) "Practical Magic".

Which of course leads to painting inspiration! This original 8" x 8" acrylic on gallery canvas (up for grabs on Etsy now) features one of my all time favorite quotes...


"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!"

Words to live by, eh?

I love the Owens sisters, I love their daughters, and I absolutely adore the aunts! But I think of all the characters on the movie, my very favorite has to be that HOUSE!

Oh, to live in a place like that, by the sea...herb garden, greenhouse, aga range in the kitchen. It's like someone read my mind and created a movie set. There's a wonderful site called "Hooked on Houses" where you can read more about it. I'd read it last year, but didn't bookmark the link, so had quite forgot about it when a friend shared the link the other day. Total house porn. ;)

And lucky me - this piece isn't the end of it! I have a commission for a Practical Magic insipred chair, and one more 8" x 8" painting, probably including one of those lovely toads from the movie! Hey, maybe I can use this guy as a model. He lives in our pond, and after much help from facebook friends, he now has a name...


Meet "The Frog Formerly Known as Prince". Or "Sherman" for short.

That's Dave, the pond guy holding him. John won't go near the pond, and would give away the fish and fill the whole thing in with cement given half a chance. What can I say - I like aesthetics, he likes low-maintenance. ;)

Where was I?

Yes, Practical Magic. If you haven't seen it, you must, and if you haven't read the book, you must. Inspiring and enchanting!

That's about it for now. I'll be back very soon with more on next year's road trip, which is becoming known as the "Road Dust and Wanderlust" tour, hehe. Love that.

Stay tuned, and in the meantime, try to stay cool!

♥ Carolee

Prints!!

Sooooo excited here!! (as evidenced by two blog posts in one day, hehe!)

After literally years of hemming and hawing and waffling back and forth, I finally got decisive and came up with what I hope is a solution for those who've emailed saying they love my work, but just can't swing an original.

I'm thrilled to report that as of just a few minutes ago, ten different prints are now available in my Etsy shop!

There are only a few of each (anywhere from two to six I think), so if you'd like one, please do snap it up. As I become more familiar with the printing and ordering process, I hope to offer more variety in terms of giclees and canvas prints as well, but for now, I wanted to keep the cost reasonable.

Thanks so much to everyone who's nudged me in this direction over the years. I think this will be a "good thing", as Martha would say. ;)

Back again very soon!

♥ Carolee

Of Summer Bliss and Sew Many Blessings

Has it really been over a week since I've popped my head in here?? I'll blame a crazy-busy schedule, some long overdue commissions, and a very warm summer - which has been beckoning me to spend a bit of time in the kitchen, finding new and creative meals which do NOT involve heating up the oven. ;)

I know many of you are in the same boat, especially in this latest heat wave, so if you have any nutritious and cool summer recipes to share, please do! My entire culinary repertoire of late has been smoothies and salads, hehe. More on that in a minute.

First, I want to share the latest commissions - the first a large sewing chest similar to an angel chest painted this past winter. This one is mice in shades of blue...

I had almost as much fun choosing the embellishments for the top as I did with the painting.

Another one of these sewing mice chests is in progress too (in a different palette) and will be up for grabs on Etsy very soon - hopefully along with a few prints, which are expected to arrive any day now!

Here's a sample of a limited edition print which will be available soon in an 8" x 10"...

I may need to keep one of these for myself. ;)

Then there's this teapot - sooooooo much fun! If you're wondering about the "Zzzzzz", it's because this piece is being sent to another artist, who will add a sleeping dormouse soft sculpture. How adorable is that?!

Work is also in progress for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering, and excitement is building! I'll be posing more about this fabulous event very soon!

Finally, I have to share that a collector is offering a couple of pieces of my early work on eBay with a very low opening bid. These are tea trays painted around 2005, and you can find them by clicking here.

Now, back to *summer*! Lots of sunlight in the studio, and plenty of cookouts and casual get-togethers with friends; good company, good food, good wine, good music (well, OK, cheapish wine, but still not bad, hehe). Bliss. :)

Now about those recipe ideas. Please do share, and I'll share one with you too. This smoothie recipe has become a bit of a morning ritual for me, and is soooooo healthy (yes, I've turned over a new leaf - no more cakes and cookies from breakfast, hehe)...If you try it, do let me know what you think. The recipe is kind of vague, because I never measure...

Summer Smoothie

A cup or so of frozen fruit (tropical blend, mixed berries, etc)

A couple of good spoonfuls organic, lowfat or fat free vanilla yogurt (I use Stoneyfield Farms)

A combination almond, soy or 2% milk (I use vanilla almond milk) and fruit juice (cranberry, a tropical blend, etc) - enough to barely cover the fruit and yogurt in the blender

A few shakes of cinnamon

A tiny drizzle of vanilla extract

A tablespoon of honey

Blend until smooth, and enjoy!


That's about it for now. I'll be back very soon with that new sewing chest and details about the prints.

Until then, have a happy and *creative* week!

♥ Carolee

A New Path....

Have you ever felt like the universe is just pushing you to make a change, to move in a new direction? As though no matter how hard you try to hold on to the familiar, to that comfort zone, life has other plans?

Such is the current state of affairs with eBay. Like many longtime sellers there, I'm disappointed in the level of control, the ever increasing cost, and the distinct feeling as though I'm completely taken for granted...Basically, if eBay were a boyfriend, we'd have broken up a long time ago. ;)

Oh, I'll still maintain a presence there, and still list from time to time just to keep a foot in the water, and offer an option to those who prefer auction style listings. But the plan is to begin migrating the bulk of my work over to Etsy, where it will be offered for direct sale, on a first come basis. The Etsy site is wonderful, the fees are considerably lower (which means savings of as much as 10% passed on to collectors) and the checkout and communication process is quick and easy. What's not to love? ♥

But that's not all (drumroll, please)....

I'll also be offering my first prints there very soon! I'm so excited, and I hope this makes at least some of my work more accessible.

The first few will be listed just as soon as I receive them (hopefully in the next week) and I'm thinking they will probably be signed and numbered limited editions.

There's also a very special, and very elaborate sewing/craft chest in progress, which I hope to have in the Etsy shop soon, and possibly a clock.

As always, I'll give the heads up here on the blog and on facebook as to the approximate time new work will be listed, so please do check in. :)

Finally, a big thank you, and much love too all my amazing collectors. You've followed my work from eBay to Etsy, from blog sales and online marketplaces to shows...Without your support and encouragement, I would never be able to live this dream of being a full time artist. So I send you all much love, and many smiles. ♥

That's about it for now. I'll be back with details about those new prints, and in the meantime, I wish all those who celebrate it a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend!

I'll leave you with one of the images which will be offered as a print. ♥


♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ ♥ Carolee
PS - don't forget there's a giveaway in the previous post! I'll draw a name this Saturday. :)

♥ A Trio of Teacup Mice ♥

Just popping in to share the latest Halloween paintings. Three witchy little Halloween mice...

Each is painted on 5" chunky gallery canvas, so there's no need for a frame.

I just listed the first two on Etsy, and the third....

Will list on eBay at 9PM Thursday. :)

In the meantime, the Mad Tea Party tray is still up for grabs...

I'll be back very soon with super exciting news!!

♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ ♥ Carolee

A Little Halloween Nostlagia and the Semi-Annual Rant ;)

Remember childhood Halloweens? Back in the days when it was safe to roam the streets, and before cities and townships changed the date of holidays for convenience sake? We'd come home from school (or outside play if it was the weekend) in the late afternoon, and begin preparing our costumes...

Small children often wore those dime store costumes (sweaty Mickey Mouse masks with elastic string stapled in just the wrong place over the ears)...But once we hit about 7 or 8 we'd make our costumes; ghosts from old white sheets, spacemen from painted cardboard boxes and kitchen gadgets, gypsies and princesses adorned with Mother's scarves and jewelry...

We'd dress just so. And we'd sit. And wait. Because we weren't allowed out until it was at least Twilight. I remember the wait seeming like an eternity.

Finally, darkness would descend, and we'd set out with treat buckets or pillowcases in hand, and begin knocking on doors, yelling "trick or treat!", dreading the grown ups who would ask us to do a trick, and always saying "thank you" as we left with our loot (which in those days was often the big candy bars - that's how old I am, hehe).

When we returned home, pilowcases would be emptied into individual piles on the floor and the trading - and subsequent gobbling - would begin.

Such good times, and such fond memories. I'm going to stop here (before moving on to promised rant, lol) to show you a piece I completed yesterday, inspired by these childhood Halloweens...


It's listed on eBay now, where you'll find more pics. :)

Where was I? Oh, yes. The rant...

When did the childhood fun, the "Boo!", "Scared you!" sort of Halloweens become eclipsed by Horror movies, gruesome animatronics, and trick or treating at the mall? I soooooo love the magic and whimsy of Halloween, the childlike excitement, the fanstasy aspect of the whole thing, and it truly saddens me to see it co-opted by violence and gore - and to see parents taking their kids to the mall because it's "safer"(which I know is a whole other debate, and may even be true to varying degrees depending on the neighborhood, but I find it sad nonetheless).

I've seen the trend in Halloween art too, mostly on eBay - the scary-fun giving way to the sick and gruesome. The baby doll heads made into corpses...soooooo sad.

But there are still plenty of us hanging on fiercely to the magic and wonder of childhood Halloweens, trying our best to keep that anticipation and excitement alive...If you have a few minutes, check out the right hand sidebar of my blog, and visit sites like Allen Cunningham, Johanna Parker Design, Laurie Hardin, Rucus Studio, Retro Rudolphs, Soft in the Head, and of course all the Ghoultide Gathering artists.

This is what Halloween at it's best, what Halloween should be.

Do you have a favorite childhood memory or costume? A favorite candy maybe? Do jump in and share a comment - it helps keep the magic alive. ;)

Until next time,

♥´¨)
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(¸.•´ (¸.•´ ♥ Carolee