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

A Bewitching Good Time!!

It was as if someone waved a *magic* wand, and a blanket of Halloween enchantment descended on Mill Race Village. The atmosphere before the show was electric - you could actually feel it, warming the chilly, Michigan air, as throngs of Halloween lovers lined up to capture work from their favorite artists...

Orange "Ghoultide Gathering" totes in hand, they waited in the rain for hours, and when the doors finally opened, it was one big Halloween party!


Cider and hot cocoa abounded, and to the delight of children and children at heart, the artists offered treats at their tables, both artistic and edible! (My own table included a platter of Lancaster County pumpkin fudge - yum!)

Sooooooo many Halloween goodies in one place, I imagine it was difficult to choose! Here's a bit of the Halloween goodness which greeted collectors (snapped just before the doors opened)...

Laurie Hardin of Monkey Cats Studio brought these wonderful characters and more...


Pam Gracia of Soft in the Head shared her imaginative soft sculptured goodies...


Will Bezek's amazing cast of characters included this beauty, teehee...


The absolutely stunning work of Scott Smith (check out the witch with the little pumpkin guy in a cage!) Soooooo cool...

Vergie Lightfoot's amazing treasures...

The fabulous folk art of Johanna Parker...

Deb Schoch's fantastic (and very full!) display...

Aron Lowe's gorgeous needlefelting...

Paul Gordon's magical work (truly stunning)...

Nicol Sayre's enchanting dolls...

The spooky cool work of Katherine Webber...

Sheila Bentley's wicked and wonderful witches...

The Whimsical Whittler (sooooooo fun, and so beautifully carved)...

"Trick" and "Treat", Joyce Stahl's *Little Enchanted Ones*, happy to join the party...

Judi Vaillancourt's vibrant chalkware (love her canvases too!)...

Kristen Beason's wonderfully whimsical characters...

The gorgeous work of Lori Ann Corelis...

And my own display...


There were quite a few other artists too, but unfortunately some of my pics came out with far too much glare to show any detail (a photographer I'm not, haha)...But you can easily check them out (and all the artists shown above) on the Ghoultide Gathering website! :)

There was music too, from the talented Appleseed Collective...

LOVED them, and we were lucky enough to listen as they played in the church's choir loft during the show!

SUCH an amazing experience, and I'd be remiss without a note of profound thanks to Scott Smith and Stephanie Rawson for all they do throughout the year to make the Ghoultide Gathering the finest Halloween art show in the world, bar none. We heard comments throughout the day from collectors and artists alike, expressing their absolute delight with every single detail. I can't tell you how much of a pleasure it is to participate in an event like this - Five years into it, I'm still pinching myself, hehe!

Finally, it was SUCH a pleasure to meet so many of you in person (always my favorite part of the show!) Collectors, blog readers, facebook friends - thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming out and introducing yourselves, and supporting your favorite artists!

I'm off now to play catch up now, after a week away from home (a bit of a snag on the way home with John's health found us in the Pittsburgh area for a few days)...Details on all this later, and details on an upcoming blog sale too! We very nearly sold out at the show, but there are a few pieces left, and a few more coming, so stay tuned. ;)

Until then, Happy Halloween season!!
♥ 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

Of Halloween, Home and Hearth

As you can imagine, it's absolute madness in the studio these days (September being high season for a Halloween artist and all)...

During the waking hours cider scented candles burn, and inspiring music fills the air - accompanied this particular week by near steady rainfall on the skylight, and punctuated by the occasional sound of the teakettle whistling. I've been listening to the soundtrack of Practical Magic for the last couple of days (a gift from a very special collector!) and am finding it truly puts me in a *witchy* frame of mind; all the better to paint by, hehe...

One of my favorite themes is the magic of hearth and home, the everyday "sorcery" found in all things domestic. This charming little mending box is a perfect example...

The top is a pinkeep, and the interior is perfect for needle and thread, extra buttons, a pair of small embroidery scissors, etc. I think it makes mending seem much less of a chore. ;)

Kitchen witchery has also been on my mind lately, as I work on a recipe box to be displayed at the Ghoultide Gathering. There's been a good bit of kitchen witchery going on in my own kitchen as well - as the weather cools, we've been enjoying the first butternut and acorn squash of the season. Sooooooo yummy, and truly tastes like autumn! If anyone is interested, I'll be happy to share the recipe in the comments section, but I warn you, it's super sweet. John calls it "candy squash". ;)

Looking forward to Halloween, I've also been painting a few pieces inspired by childhood. This one is reminiscent of trick or treating at the scariest house in the neighborhood, the one where we were SURE a witch resided...

I think it would be a super fun way to welcome trick-or-treaters, or welcome adults to a Halloween party. :)

The two pieces shown above will list on Etsy tonight, and I know they'll find loving homes. ♥

I'm frequently asked "How do you part with your work?" - which genuinely puzzles me, because there's truly nothing more heartwarming than to know something I've created is being sent off into the world to bring smiles to someone else's home. It just gives me the warm fuzzies. Truly, it's the best.

Well, that's about it for now. It's back to the work table for me, where I'll most likely be burning the midnight oil painting new signs and treat boxes. I'll be back soon with another update, and in the meantime, wish you all a happy and *creative* rest of the week!

♥ 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

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

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

♪ ♫ 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

"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!

Good News and Inspiration Overload

I'll begin with the good news. Yesterday (yep, Friday the 13th) was John's last day of radiation treatment at Temple University Hospital!

It's been a very long 11 weeks, with more than a few bumps along the way, but he came through it, and the doctors are optimistic. He's still home for another week, resting and getting his strength back before returning to work. And we won't know for another six weeks if he's in remission. But we feel like we're on the downside of the mountain at this point, coasting instead of climbing, at least for another few weeks.

Sooooooo, a HUGE thank you for the prayers, positive energy and healing vibes, and for all the encouraging comments here, and on facebook. I can't begin tell you how much they've meant. Whatever the outcome, we feel truly blessed. ♥

Studio news this week takes the form of a creative explosion of sorts, hehe...

It began with a rather stressed out dream, wherein I was painting the White Rabbit on a clock - with the White Rabbit himself serving as a model - and a highly annoyed model at that. Seems I wasn't painting fast enough. (Yeah, I know - no trouble interpreting that one, right?!) ;) At any rate, I always listen to creative dreams, so I wrote it all down and set to work the next morning while it was fresh in my mind. Here's the result, which is on it's way to live with a wonderful collector and dear friend...

Wonderland is still calling though, and very soon I hope to share a pair of canvas paintings; The Mock Turtle and Gryphon, and the Walrus and the Carpenter (remember them?!) I can't wait to get started, and although already spoken for, I hope to offer prints, and will share pics as soon as they're finished.

Further inspiration came in the form of an artistic challenge in the EHAG Art group - our latest creative springboard, titled "Familiar Friends", was suggested by the very talented Sweet B. Soooooo many possibilities there, but in the end I decided to paint a mystical cat, using my friend Lunaea's gorgeous boy Morpheus as a model. Here's the result...

Click here to visit the auction.

Of course, in the midst of all this, Halloween is still VERY much on the brain, as work begins for the fifth annual Ghoultide Gathering. At the risk of sounding like broken record, if you're within striking or traveling distance, and you love Halloween (the mystical, magical, "boo!" Halloween we remember from childhood!) this show is a must see. I guarantee you'll walk around absolutely drop-jawed. This is my fifth year exhibiting, and walking the show before opening, I still feel as though I were transported to some magical Halloween realm. Oh, and this year, it's a TWO day event!

It's also a super reasonable getaway, with discounted rooms for attendees at the Hampton Inn, which sort of becomes *Halloween Central* for a couple of days, and where you're likely to meet up with other collectors, some of the artists, etc...

I'll post more details soon, but if you think you can make it, book early - "Ghoulies" as my friend Joycee likes to call us, pretty much filled the hotel last year, hehe!

That's about it for now, except to add that a few Middle Earth pieces are also on the not too distant horizon; the Shire, Lothlorien and Rivendell providing most of the inspiration.

Until next time, thanks for visiting, thanks for your comments, and do check back soon (a giveaway is in the works!)

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

Gearing Up for a *Magical* Time Again....

....And this year, it's TWO day event!

Work has begun in earnest for the fifth annual Ghoultide Gathering, and I must tell you I'm still pinching myself at the thought of being included - I know I've said it before, but it's like the cool kids have invited me have lunch at their table, hehe. There are Halloween shows and there are Halloween shows, and there are folk art shows and there are folk art shows, but this one is simply the best of the best.

Seriously, every year after set-up, we all walk around with our jaws on the floor, and I know this year (with some fabulous new exhibitors!) will be no exception. Click here to check out the details and lineup of artists. Pretty amazing, yes?!

Oh, and if you haven't already seen this, check out the video from the 2009 show (things were so crazy busy last year I don't think a video was made)...


See? Pure *magic*! ;)

Aaaaaannnnnd, if you're within striking, or even traveling distance, you can mention you're attending the show and get a heckuva reduced rate at the Hampton Inn. (Book soon, though - I'm told last year we filled the hotel, hehe!)

Like some of the other artists, we'll be arriving a day early so as to get our bearings, touch base with friends, and be well rested before the big event. One of my favorite things about the show is running into other artists and collectors in the hotel lobby or local coffee places. So if you see me (I'll be the roundish, middle aged lady, dressed in black with a cross between a big grin, and a deer-in-headlights expression), please do introduce yourself. :)

Really, I know I sound like a broken record, but you do not want to miss this show. Grab your hubby or wife or significant other, grab some friends, get a caravan together, share a room or two (I mean, with room sharing we're talking like $35 or less a night - where else can you get a vacation for that!?)

OK, taking a deep breath and stepping down now, hehe...

And back to the studio, where all kinds of wicked and whimsical pieces are waiting to make their way to Michigan this fall...

Hope to see you there!

♥ Carolee

It Won't be Long Now, Teehee!!

Mark your calendars and start making travel plans - the bestest, most wicked cool weekend of year will be here before you know it...

And this year, it's a TWO day event, with an early buy for collectors on Friday night. How fun is THAT?!

Those of you who've been reading here for a while are familiar with my....let's just say *overwhelming enthusiasm* for this show, hehe...But at the risk of repeating myself, it is truly a "must see", one of those experiences you just don't want to end!

Click HERE for details. :)

In the studio, work has already begun, with the first piece well in progress, and many others in the conceptual and sketching stages. I'm particularly excited about a wooden train I picked up, hand made by a local Amish toymaker...It's just crying out to become The Halloween Express, or maybe The Enchanted Express, hehe...

I do hope to see many of you there - my favorite part of the show is meeting friends and collectors! In the meantime, it's back to work, but I'll leave you with this little video of a past show, just to whet your Halloween appetite...


See you soon!
♥ Carolee

PFATT Pfeature and Other Pfun...

Yes, the "P" in "PFATT" is silent, making it even more appropriate for some of us, *ahem*. ;)

Anywho, knowing I was to be the featured artist on the PFATT Marketplace this month, I decided to offer more than just a piece or two this time around, and can't remember when I've had more fun with Valentines Day...

These are all up for grabs at 9PM pacific/midnight eastern time tonight to the first person to shoot me an email about the desired piece (although since I turn into a pumpkin right about that time, I'll likely answer first thing in the morning). ;)

No orders will be taken on any of these, as many of them took waaaay longer than the price reflects, and I'm getting dangerously low on boxes (note to self - call woodworker!)

But I do have one more cat and mouse piece to share, a tea tray originally planned to be part of tonight's PFATT goodies, but alas, not completed in time. So it's destined for eBay tomorrow at 9PM eastern, and will be up for grabs there. You can see a bit of the pencil sketch here....

I'm having great fun with the concept of cats and mice as buddies rather than enemies, and expect I'll be running with it for Halloween too. Speaking of which...

Can you believe it's LESS than nine months until the FIFTH annual Ghoultide Gathering??! I'm giddy with excitement, and already looking forward to the BEST weekend of the entire year.... Yep, I said best - better even than actual Halloween, and THAT's saying something! Jaw-dropping Halloween art in a magical setting (still pinching myself to be included), nonstop fun with friends, giggling in the lobby of the Hampton until the wee hours - it just doesn't get any better. So if you're within striking distance (or heck, even within traveling distance) start planning now! This isn't just an art show, it's an experience. ;)

Okay, calming down now, deep breath...

In other news, I won a giveaway on The Hive. I'm very excited to say I'll have an ad appearing there all month (created by the talented Sandy of Sam I Am). How cool is THAT? Very generous of Ms. Melissa too (the Hive's Queen Bee) and by the way, if you're not already a member, please click here to join. It's basically an online community of artists, crafters and consumers, all coming together in one place, blogging, chatting, sharing and posting info on work, methods, materials, shows and just LIFE in general. I pop in as time allows, and have to say I've met some wonderful people there. :)

On the home front, things are a bit crazy as we try to schedule John's upcoming radiation treatment, and also scramble to take care of a few household things. I'm working some pretty crazy hours, so if I owe you an email or commission, I promise, it's coming, and I thank you for your patience. ;)

That's about it for now - I'll pop in again to share a photo of the finished tea tray, and next weekend, I hope to have some photos to share of what promises to be a wicked cool post-holiday Steampunk/Victorian formal party actross the river in NJ...stay tuned!

In the meantime, thanks for visiting, thanks for your thoughts and comments, and thanks as always for suporrting my work. I'm truly blessed. :)

♥ Carolee

My Head is STILL Spinning!!

What a weekend!!

The journey to the fourth annual Ghoultide Gathering was not without challenges, but in the end proved to be yet another amazing experience...

We awoke Thursday morning to discover the tropical storm which drenched most of the northeast had done further damage to our already shaky roof, resulting in a steady drip drip drip on the bedroom carpet....A quick trip to the attic, a few pieces of cardboard, and many towels later we were on our way despite the continuing storm. This was taken somewhere in central Pennsylvania (and yes, that's a sparkly tarantula on the dashboard of the Beetle, hehe)....


We arrived at the hotel around 2AM, were awakened by housekeeping at 8, and at 9 received a call sharing the news that a very dear friend had passed away the night before. More on this in another post. Danny was an amazing person, and deserves his own tribute. Needless to say I was shaken, but was also reminded by friends that Danny had spoken about my work just the day before, and in his typical theatrical fashion would have reminded me that the show must go on....

Before I post photos of the event, I must add that none of this would have come together without the extra mile put in by the amazing Scott Smith and Stephanie Rawson. I've been doing shows for more years than I care to remember, and the Ghoultide Gathering is head and shoulders above the rest - truly a magical experience! Scott and Stephanie, if you're reading this, you quite simply rock. ;)

For those who were unable to attend, Here's a little peek at some of the displays (and temptation for next year, hehe). It's far from complete, as I'm not comfortable taking photos without the artist's permission, and several of the artists had left by the time I shot these. I'll begin with three photos of Scott Smith's incredible work. I think my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw these, hehe..




This was the first time I got to see Vergie Lightfoot's amazing creations up close and personal, and all I can say is WOW! A shot of a portion of her table...


And a close-up of my own personal favorite, her dancing cat...


Wood carver Ed Pribyl (Exquisite work, and I especially LOVED his Poe!)


Deb Schoch of Hop Hop Jingle Boo's extraordinary work:


Pat Murphy's wonderfully whimsical bears...


My friend Pam Gracia, of Soft in the Head fame. How *FuN* are these??!..

Laurie Harden of Monkey Cats Studios (these pieces were practically flying out the door!)


Paul Gordon's work - just stunning (Check out the pumpkin gal on the piano!)

Nicol Sayre's elegant primitive dolls...


I need two photos to show you Sheila Bentley's work - she makes the rest of us look like slackers, lol...


It was such a delight to see Johanna Parker's work in person - her pieces always bring a smile...

Vaughn and Stephanie Rawson of the Whimsical Whittler - just gorgeous...

The uber-talented Will Bezek's creations (LOVE the vampire brothers!)...

The super gifted Allen Cunningham, who I had the honor of displaying along side. The detail in his work is just phenomenal....

And the extraordinary creations of Kristen Beason - not much was left at the end of the day, and it's easy to see why! LOVE her work....

And finally, my own display, or part of it. There's a large painting too, but I'll share that later. ;)

I'll post photos from some of the other artists as I find them and/or get the artist's permission. I just don't like to post someone else's work without their say-so, and always appreciate it when I'm asked as well.

There were other highlights from the show, but I was having too good a time to take photos, hehe....Some of the artists and collectors got together at Macaroni Grill for dinner Friday night, and WHAT a good time!!! I only wish the evening could have lasted longer, and that I'd had a chance to speak with everyone in more depth. And as if the necklace last week wasn't enough (I wore it to the show!), two of my collectors gifted me with MORE presents! Two charming paper cuts, one beautifully framed, and a whimsical, hand built ceramic tea pot from Washington State...You both know who you are, and I'm completely overwhelmed!!

A few of us also let our hair down Saturday night with Mexican food and margaritas - FUN, and we hope to do it again next year, teehee!

Finally, Scott and Stephanie presented all the artists with complimentary magazines and a bucket of goodies which included a Scott Smith postcard and a casket cookie made my Kim Short Herzog, who was also a participant. Due to the rain, I missed getting outside to see her yummy creations in person....What can I say, except when it rains I get a little like Madeline Kahn in Young Frankenstein ("the hair, the hair!") Hehe....

Soooooo, yes. That's about it. Except to say if you love art, and you love Halloween, start planning your trip for next year!!! You'll be glad you did and so will I. The best part of any show is meeting other Halloween enthusiasts in person. See you there!!

♥ Carolee