*We're All Mad Here!*

Just popping in to show you the latest, this whimsical "Mad Catter" box...

A cross between the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter, he soars through the air bestowing heartfelt blessings on those in Wonderland below. The Dormouse and Flamingo are along for the ride as well. I love the little surprise message inside...

So true, hehe!

Perfect for storing treat, treasures, keys, jewelry or hairclips - almost anything, really. It's listed on Etsy now, and I'm hoping it finds a good home.

(Update - I hadn't even noticed several print listings had expired - eek! Thanks to the heads-up from a facebook friend, they're back in the shop as well!)

I'll be back very soon with new work, and in the meantime, there are commissions in progress, and a relaxing weekend to spend with John, who is finally home after nine days in the hospital. It's nice to have him back, and he feels much better - thanks in part to all the support and encouragement, prayers and positive energy sent his way - We're so grateful!

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

♥ Price Reduction ♥

It's not often I do this, but in the interest of continued income as I spend time at the hospital with John this week, I've reduced the price on two originals in the Etsy shop ("Baba Yaga" and "Valentine") by about $40 each. I do hope they find good homes. :)

On a personal note, John is feeling a bit better this morning, and his doctors are working to find just the right cocktail of medication which will keep him out of heart failure, while maintaining a health level of potassium (which has been dangerously low).

Must add, many thanks for the kind comments and notes of support both here and on facebook. Your support and encouragement mean the world to us.

Much love,
♥ Carolee

Baba Yaga and Other Witchy Work to Come...

The fascination with folklore continued last week, as I painted one of my favorite characters, the old witch, Baba Yaga, from Russian folk tales. (You can click here to read more about her, or google her and read one the many versions of the story.)

She took quite a while to paint, but I'm so pleased with the finished piece - one of those I wish I could keep for myself, hehe.....But sell her I must, so she's up for grabs in the Etsy store now. ;)

There's more witchy work to follow, as I begin stocking up for the 2012 Ghoultide Gathering! Since I'll be on an extended vacation for a couple of months this year, starting early is a must!

And in the meantime (I'm sending you all over the place, hehe), there's the PFATT Markeplace tomorrow at 10AM pacific (1PM eastern) - where I'll be offering a couple of Valentine's Day treasure boxes.

Off to work I go, but not before brewing a pot of tea, and putting some music on. Oh - almost forgot - I just updated the playlist (on the right sidebar) with some inspiring January painting music. Do give it a listen and tell me what you think!

Until next time,
♥ Carolee
PS - another giveaway coming soon...

A Wintry Work in Progress

Just popping in to share a few in-progress pics on a wooden tea tray. It began with a good base coat of ivory acrylic paint, then a checkerboard border, blocking in the figures, and doing a bit of detail on the trees...

By this time, I was feeling the need for color, so began with some vibrant reds, then dressed the gnome, and gave the polar bear a face...

Finally, after lots more detail, and a bit of varnish, the finished piece...

If there's such a thing as a "zen" kind of piece, this was surely it. Such a blessing to paint, so relaxing, and took me back to childhood folk and fairy tales.

Look for it on Etsy very soon. :)

Until next time,
♥ 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

♪ ♫ 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

Sew Many Blessings (Reprised)

This is the second sewing chest I've created this month - "sew" much fun, hehe. :)

Choosing and arranging the embellishments on top was almost as much fun as the painting process. If you look carefully, you'll spot tiny scissors, a sewing needle, three spools of thread, and even a tiny sewing machine among the buttons and trinkets and crystals.

It's up for grabs on Etsy now, where you'll find additional photos, including the interior, which includes a decoupaged tray.

I've also replenished the print supply on Etsy, so please do take a peek.

Next up is a clock, and then I'll be spending a few days painting for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering show - just a few weeks away now, teehe!

Back very soon...
♥ Carolee

Mt First Treasury!!

Sometimes I get excited by the silliest little things. Like creating my very first Treasury on Etsy. Treasuries are a way of sharing your favorite items, and also helping fellow artists. Isn't that nice?

Click here, and you'll be transported. :)

The more people who visit (and click on each item, or "heart" it, or "heart" the entire treasury), the more visible it becomes.

Anyway, it's such a gorgeous, sunny day out there, I thought I'd share a little sunshine and smiles. Please visit, and do let me know what you think!!

Back very soon!
♥ 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

"Wicked Good Brew"

Flying in to share the latest Halloween piece, a large plate/platter I just finished this afternoon...

Sooooo much fun (and hard to believe the Halloween countdown has already begun!) It's up for grabs on eBay now.

Lots of new pieces in the works as well - for eBay, for Etsy, for the EHAG Emporium, for the PFATT Marketplace, and for the Ghoultide Gathering. And of course playing catch-up on commissions. ;)

That's about it for now, but I'll be back soon with another update. In the meantime, have a *magical* and creative rest of the week. :)

♥ Carolee
PS - if you click on the link for the EHAG Emporium (above) you'll find a fabulous giveaway to enter!

Flying In....

....Very quickly today, to share the latest piece - "Butterfly Blessings", a wooden birdhouse, up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace on the 10th (tomorrow at midnight, Pacific time).

I so wanted to keep this one, and hang it from the flowering crabapple overlooking our pond. It's in full bloom now, right outside the studio window..

But sell it I must, to the first person to email me after it lists. :)

In the meantime, I'm working on a couple of goodies for the Esy shop, which I hope to update tomorrow (my little cupcake painting is getting lonely over there, hehe)...

Back very soon, and in the meantime, wishing you all the blessings of spring!

♥ Carolee

♫ Hippity Hoppity ♫...

♫ Easter's on it's way ♫ ...(Whether I'm prepared or not!)

I'll tell you what, it really snuck up on me this year...Most years I have an entire menu planned by now (or occasionally reservations made, hehe). But this year time got the better of me and the upshot is that we've decided to take advantage of the absolutely perfect springlike weather here, and throw something on the grill. Probably salmon. With lemon dill sauce and steamed asparagus. I may even bake a carrot cake, although that will depend on how productive I am with the painting. Yes, I'm afraid I'll be painting tomorrow - no rest for the wicked, eh? ;)

It's been true insanity lately, as I try to catch up with commissions and still keep offerings on eBay, Etsy, The EHAG Emporium and the PFATT Marketplace. But it feels so good when a favorite project is finished, and I can send it out there into the world. Here's a peek at what I've been working on the last couple of days - a table/bench shown here in progress:

And here all finished:

It was quite literally a dream to paint (as in, it came to me in a dream last week) and I'm hoping a bit of the dream magic stay with it wherever it ends up traveling. As of this writing, there's a "buy it now" option on the eBay auction at a price well below (by about $240) the regular commission price for a piece like this.

The barn owl is still listed on eBay as well, inspired by Molly and McGee of live owl cam fame. If you haven't checked out the owl cam, you really must - it's truly amazing! The picture is in color during the day (California time) and goes to a night vision camera at night. Feeding time is not for the squeamish, but it's truly fascinating to see this wonderful owl family up close. Fair warning though, it can be addictive, hehe. :)

That's about it for now. I'll be back very soon with tales of tea and springtime, and hopefully a few more pieces to share...In the meantime, whether you celebrate Easter or Ostara, I wish you a *joyous* day tomorrow!!


♥ Carolee
PS - Be careful with those jelly beans! I bought what turned into THE most expensive box of jelly bellys EVER this week, when they caused a crown to come loose, resulting in an emergency visit to the dentist - ouch! :-)

Bracing Ourselves

Like just about everyone here in the mid Atlantic region, we're beginning to wonder just WHERE another snowfall can possibly go? That is, we know it can go where Mother Nature darn well pleases...but where on earth will we put the shovels full (or is it shovel fulls?) as we dig out? It boggles the mind...Yet, here it comes. Another "major snowstorm" expected to deposit another foot of the fluffy white stuff, beginning Tuesday night and throughout the day Wednesday.

We're as prepared as possible - plenty of comfort food, lots of tea and honey, hot cocoa, warm jammies, blankets and duvets, good books to read, knitting to be done, scrabble...and of course, painting. Lots and lots of painting. What more could anyone ask? :)

As I write this, there is still one item listed on eBay, but I want to share a bit of Etsy goodness too. I finally managed another update, listing four new trinket boxes, all up for grabs in the Etsy shop. Here's a peek at just a couple...

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I had hoped for a more extensive update, as the Etsy items tend to go rather quickly, but with commission work pending, and a storm on the way, well....let's just say I'm keeping very busy, hehe.

I hope everyone in the path of this latest storm is faring well... I'm sure I'll be back with photos very soon. In the meantime, I plan to make the most of it, by way of cooking and creating....

Wishing you all a magical week, and wishing those here in the mid Atlantic states warmth and safety as you weather the storm!

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

EHAG Emporium Debut!

I wanted to create something truly special for the grand opening of EHAG's new online marketplace, and hope I've succeeded....This original, one of a kind apothecary chest is hand made of birch wood here in rural Pennsylvania, originally designed as a replica of old colonial "salt boxes".....


But I wouldn't put salt in it.....Noooooo, I think it would be put to better use holding perfume, or jewelry, or perhaps stationary supplies and notecards....almost anything really.

If ever a piece was infused with creative magic, this it it, hehe - I enjoyed every minute of it!


The moon perched high atop the scrollwork is sculpted for a three dimensional effect.


The interior is decoupaged with vintage look, burnished edge papers.



At $345 (no eBay fees, yay!) it's up for grabs to the first person to email me at carolee@kingofmice.com, and comes to you signed and dated, with a certificate of authenticity. (I'm open to two payments on this one too).

I have to add a big thank you to Jen over at Gypsy Mare Studios for all the work she's put into the EHAG Emporium debut! Jen has selflessly donated her time and energy to create a place for EHAG artists to display their work online, and for collectors to browse the finest in contemporary Halloween art and collectibles. Thank you, Jen!

Look for the next EHAG Emporium update on March 31st, and look for more goodies from my little studio in a day or two. I think there's one lone ornament left on Etsy now, so it's time to replenish, and there's an echo over at eBay, so look for something there very soon as well.

In the meantime, thanks very much for visiting, and have a happy and *creative* week!

♥ Carolee

Monday Madness and a Recipe

Ah, who am I kidding? Every day is madness around here, hehe...(but in a good way!)

At the moment, I'm up to my ears in boxes - treat and treasure boxes, trinket boxes, tea boxes, candle boxes...


These are just a few of them. I'm not yet certain which will end up where....some for eBay, some for Etsy, some for the PFATT Marketplace and some for the Ghoultide Gathering show. I'm not even certain yet what direction most of them will take. As you can see, there's a bit of sketching, but for the most part they'll lead me where they will...

It's an absolute gorgeous, sunny morning here - the kind of morning that makes you feel like jumping right into it at 6AM, squeezing every single, productive second you can out of the day! Which is what I intend to do, but not before I've brewed up some tea and put some tunes on - something "up" sounding today - Santana, Jazon Mraz, maybe a little Corrine Bailey Rae...Isn't it funny how music can set the tone for the whole day?

Assuming I'm actually as productive as I hope to be, I'm also thinking I may throw together a batch of chai later on. LOVE it, especially iced. Do you want the recipe? It's dead easy, and soooooooooo yummy. And LOT cheaper than the kind you buy at the market. My niece Sarah gave me a canister of this for Christmas a couple of years ago, along with the recipe, and I've been hooked ever since! I use decaf tea....

Instant Chai Tea

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamer
2 1/2 cups white sugar
1 1/2 cups unsweetened instant tea (decaf or regular)
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
a pinch or two of white pepper if you like it extra spicy

In a large bowl, combine milk powder, non-dairy creamer, vanilla flavored creamer, sugar and instant tea. Stir in ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder.

To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons Chai tea mixture into a mug of hot water. For iced chai, stir the same measure into a small amount of hot water, then add cold water and ice.

Enjoy!

Doesn't that sound yummy? If you try it, let me know what you think :)

That's about it for today....OH! Almost forgot - I just started reading "Twilight". Coming on the heels of the last book I read, "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" (soooooo beautifully written, and by an alumni of the same college our daughter attended), "Twilight" is much simpler - but I knew this going in, so my expectations weren't that high. One friend told me to just keep an open mind, realize it was written for teens, and try to enjoy it for what it is. Good advice, and so far I'm enjoying it. When I'm finished, I'll check out the movie. I have a thing for never, ever seeing a movie until I've read the book. ;)

Okay, I've rambled on long enough - don't want to spoil my plans for a productive day!

Back again soon with photos of all these pieces completed...Until then, wishing everyone a happy and creatively mad Monday!

♥ Carolee

New Work and a Road Trip!

I've been busy as a bee these last few days - completed a commission, and listed four new pieces of art (two on eBay and two on Etsy!)

The first I have to share with you is a bit of a departure for me, and completely primitive. If only the pieces in this assemblage could talk....the homes they've graced, the lives they've witnessed....Very cool to work with materials so steeped in history!


The shutter still has it's original layers of paint, and the lettering is pieces of antique hardware. It's listed now on eBay. :)

The next two pieces are tiny trinket boxes listed on Etsy. Actually, only one is still listed. The siamese sold overnight.




Lots of fun these two! Their collars are Swarovski crystals.

And finally, the birthday canvas shown in the post below. Tempting as it is to keep this one, it's more tempting to pay the bills, haha...So it's listed on eBay now, with the offer to personalize the top layer of cake! I thought it would make a fun birthday gift if someone wanted to purchase it and have the recipient's name or number of years painted on for posterity....

That's it for new work, until the wicked cool stationary box I've been promising - look for it early in the week. ;)

In the meantime, I'm off on a little road trip today!! This one will be all by myself, as John is down with the plague this week (I'm pounding Airborne and echinacea tea in an effort not to catch it) Sooooooo, I'm off to the wilds of northern Pennsylvania all by my lonesome....

You may remember a mention here a few months ago about my favorite wood supplier going out of business - another casualty of this economy, and so sad. I bought everything I could before the closing of course, but supplies are dwindling. At any rate, after failed attempts to contact the former owner, I did a bit of sleuthing, and was able to contact their woodworker - a retired gentleman who lives a few hours north of here, who very kindly agreed to accept an order from me. (I was doing the happy dance for DAYS!) His work is just exquisite, and I'm thrilled to say I'll be picking up some pieces I thought I'd never see again, including the large chest shown on my banner, a couple of ornament chests, and several smaller boxes. (YAY!!)

I'm told the trip is a beautiful drive, much of it running north along the Susquehanna river, so even though this is technically a work related trip, I'm hoping it will feel like a real, live day off. And I couldn't ask for a better day - 70 and sunny - just perfect! :)

I'm off now to grab some tunes for the car....Hoping to take some photos too...

Wishing everyone a magical day today!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee

Happy Easter, Happy Spring!

It's been raining steadily all day here in Pennsylvania, but as I write this, the sun is finally peeking through the clouds, making every thing outside shimmer and sparkle - one of those "ahhhhhhh!" moments, where you have to stop whatever you're doing and just smile at the beauty of it all.

The most recent nod to springtime is this whimsical trio of tiny trinket boxes, listed just now on Etsy. They're selling individually, but I almost hate to break them up - I can just picture them on a dresser, desk or table all together.... *UPDATE* - SOLD


Tomorrow will be a quiet day for us, and very non-traditional in terms of Easter dinner. Between John's low salt diet and my aversion to eating meat, the Easter feast will be a pasta dish, accompanied by a fresh baked french bread and a glass of red wine. Not sure what to do about dessert. Those cupcakes (see previous post) are GONE - or gone from HERE anyway, hehe (dropped them off at a friend's house, lest like everything else, they show up on my hips!) So.....maybe some fat free tapioca pudding for dessert tomorrow. ;)

Okay, back to work for me now, but I'll leave you with this artsy little clip from my latest favorite CD, Neko Case's "Fox Confessor Brings the Flood"....Been listening to this one a lot as I paint, and need to pick up her latest, "Middle Cyclone" soon!

Wishing everyone who celebrates a Happy and Blessed Easter tomorrow!!

(¯`v´¯)
`*.¸.*´
¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ Carolee

Tile Art

I have this weird little wall in my living room, where a chimney used to be....Our house was built in 1892, and whatever woodstove or fireplace once existed in the long, narrow room is long since gone. But the wall covering the chimney remains. Actually, come to think of it, the chimney is probably still there too, under the wall somewhere.....But I digress...

What to do with such a weird, tiny wall? Since it's too small and narrow for anything but the tiniest painting or photograph, and too big and obvious to leave blank, I decided to adorn it with some of my friend Carol Harnish's wonderful tile art.

Carol not only creates these beautiful pieces, but also designs and makes the stamps she uses to impress the clay. I love the earthy, organic colors and the variety of textures in the glazes she's used...

Why am I telling you this? Because Carol has opened an Etsy shop! And although she's been creating these gorgeous pieces for shows and commissions for some time now, Etsy is a new venture, so she's priced these accordingly (seriously, you'll feel like you're stealing them!)

I love this dragonfly....

And this set of four leafy tiles....

There are some great little goddess pendants too. :) So do run over and take a look....

And thanks, as always, for buying handmade!

~ Carolee