The Witch's Letters

Letter writing, *sigh*...

A lost art, some believe - but then, so are many other old-world things I love; tatting, hand embroidery, baking bread without a machine....Sometimes shortcuts aren't such an improvement after all. Sometimes doing things the old fashioned way brings more satisfaction, more warmth.

A cup of tea, a fountain pen, a piece or two of beautiful stationery and tales to share with a dear friend...what could be better, or more heartfelt?

As much as I love writing letters (which admittedly I don't do nearly enough), I love receiving them even more...sitting down in a comfy chair, aforementioned cup of tea within reach, sunlight or lamplight, savoring every word, every bit of news. And wanting to write back immediately, although it doesn't always work out that way. ;)

I've been thinking a lot about letter writing this week as I painted "The Witch's Letters", a combination lap desk/stationery box, whose drawer will contain a crescent moon stamp and several shades of blue and purple sealing wax...

The drawer's interior is decoupaged with beautiful French script paper and stamps...

What a blessing it was to paint this piece, and I'm happy to say it's already found a good home.

I read recently that many schools are actually dropping penmanship for their curriculum! I know I sound very old here, but how perfectly awful! Can you imagine? The possibility that we're just a generation or two away from old fashioned writing becoming a thing of the past...It makes me sad for those children growing up without knowing the joy of having a penpal, or receiving their first hand written love letter.

I know I can't be alone in this - please tell me that some of you still write letters, still enjoy written correspondence? I do hope so....

Finally, I suppose there's a certain irony in railing against technology while using a computer, and please don't get me wrong - I do love the computer, and it has it's own blessings. I just think it needn't be one or the other.

I'll leave you with Emily Posts guide to writing longer letters, circa 1922. ;)

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

EHAG Emporium and "Springtime Blessings"!

I wanted to create something special for the first EHAG Emporium of the New Year, something witchy and wonderful, and something to welcome the season to come...

This original, one of a kind plaque is perfect for Imbolc (the first day of spring in the Celtic calendar) and also for the March spring equinox. It features a beautiful witch in silhouette, dancing among the fairies, a bird perched on her outstretched arm. A crescent moon and stars complete the scene, and the piece is framed by words of blessing, and a black and white checkerboard border.

Made of solid pine, with stained and routed edges, it's painted in acrylics and sealed with a clear, acrylic varnish. It measures 10 1/2" x 14", and comes with a sawtooth hanger for easy display indoors or out.

$95 plus shipping, which varies by location. Please email me at carolee@kingofmice.com to purchase. UPDATE - SOLD.

Thank so much!

Happy Imbolc and Happy Spring!!

♥ Carolee

Park your Broom and Sit for a Spell....

Oh, I just adore Halloween parties, don't you!?

Even Halloween parties for one, which is of course what is happening in the studio this beautiful October morning, as I join the annual Fanciful Twist Halloween Blog Party festivities....

Would you like to join me and make it tea for two?

I would have baked, but we Halloween artsy types are in such a tizzy with our work this time of year, there are times we need to improvise - thus the biscotti. ;)

Sooooooooo good though. Do try a bite...

Chocolate for breakfast. Wicked, hehe. ;)

I must share, the wonderful little teacup and saucer were a gift from a collector - so sweet of her! And the Halloween tea cozie was a find from a local shop. Love my tea cozies, and they really do keep the witch's brew nice and warm.

Not to eat and run, but as soon as this yummy little repast is finished, I'm off to make the party rounds in bloglandia...But before I do, I'll offer up this 8" x 10" print from my Etsy shop for a giveaway...

Some people say it makes them feel dizzy, but in a magical sort of way. ;)

If you'd like a chance to win a copy, just leave your name (and contact info if you don't have a blog where I can reach you!) and I'll throw it in the magic cauldron on All Hallows Eve, when I'll draw a name.

Wishing you a magical day, a Happy Halloween, and a Blessed Samhain!

¸.•´¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´ .•´ ¸¸.•¨¯`• ~ 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 Available!

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


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

Isn't he a handsome fellow?

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

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

♥ Carolee

"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

"The Magical Pantry" !

It's that time again - the EHAG Emporium update! My offering this month is a *magical* witch's pantry...


If you click on the photos, they should enlarge a bit. Lots of detail in this one, right down to tiny labels on the herb jars (cat's claw, belladonna, valerian and witch's broom) - and all the books have titles. :)

I had a lot of fun painting the copper cauldron and marble mortar and pestle...

Purple exterior with a witch reading her Book of Spells on one side and a black cat on the other. And if you peek inside, you'll find a tiny surpise, hehe...

Measures 10 3/4" x 7" x 4 3/4". Up for grabs on a first-to-email basis. $185 plus shipping, which varies by location. Signed and dated, with a certificate of authenticity included. UPDATE - SOLD.

Thanks for taking a peek, and don't forget to check out my current eBay auction (a magical mending box and pinkeep). :)

♥ Carolee

"Maiden, Mother, Crone"

Having experienced two of the three stages, or aspects of the feminine journey - and being well on my way to embracing the crone years - I thought it would be fun to paint a triptych depicting all three...

I suppose I could have painted these as Goddess rather than Witch, but I wanted them to have a bit of a magical feel...And the figures could have been painted in full light (which I may still do at some point), but I think keeping them in silhouette gives them more of an "every woman" feel, don't you?

These three little paintings are now up for grabs on eBay, and I hope they bring blessings and smiles to their new home. :)

More are goodies coming soon, although I find myself ever so slightly slowed down by another nasty head cold this week. And with snow falling as I type this, I'm thinking tomorrow may just be a homemade soup kind of day. ;)

(See? I'm sounding like an old crone already!)

Which aspect do you find yourself immersed in, and are you enjoying it? I do hope so. I think we are meant to enjoy the seasons of life every bit as much as the seasons of the year.

It's all a blessing, isn't it?

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

"Black Cats Prowl" on the EHAG Emporium...

"Black cats prowl and witches fly, Hallowe'en is drawing nigh"....


Here's my offering for this month's EHAG Emporium; a whimsical treat or treasure box, painted in acrylics on a birch wood box, which was hand made by a craftsman here in rural Pennsylvania.


I've added four wooden feet and a handle on the top, jack-o-lanterns all...

And inside, you'll find a shooting star. :)

The piece measures 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" and has been finished with a clear, acrylic varnish.

$185 plus shipping, which will vary depending on location. Please email me with questions or to purchase at carolee@kingofmice.com *UPDATE* ~ SOLD.

Thanks for taking a peek, and I'll be back with new work very soon!

♥ Carolee

Tea With the Girls :)

For years now, I've been wanting to host a Witches' Tea. I mean, not only do I love cooking (and I'm pretty good at it!) but it would give me the chance to use some of the many teapots I collect. It would be in October of course, AFTER the Ghoultide Gathering (when I can take a breath, haha) and we'd sip tea, eat finger sandwiches and scones, wear pointy hats and shoes, and cackle like old hens...Doesn't that sound perfect?!

Until then, I can dream. And make more art, hehe....


This one will list on eBay tonight at 9PM eastern, unless someone wants to purchase it directly before that ($160, just email me). At 21" x 11" it's a pretty good size - large enough for a door crown. :) UPDATE - SOLD

Next up is a tall display stand, perfect for showing off a jack-o-lantern or favorite collectible.

In the meantime, there are errands to run, so I'm off! I'll be back very soon with more photos though. Wishing everyone a *magical* Monday!

♥ Carolee

Blog Sale and PFATT Sneak Peek!

It's been awhile since I've had a sale here on the blog, and I thought it would be fun to try some smaller pieces. By saving on listing fees, I'm able to offer these a bit less than the eBay or Etsy prices, and considerably less than commission prices.

These pieces are available on a first come, first serve basis, via email to carolee@kingofmice.com, and payable via immediate paypal or credit card only. A brief description, dimensions, price and shipping information follows each item. Please click on the photos for a larger view. :)

And don't forget to scroll all the way to the bottom for a sneak peek at tonight's PFATT Marketplace listing, "Butterfly Blessings". :)


"Eek!", hinged wooden box, 3" x 3" x 3", $35 + $7 shipping anywhere in the US. SOLD



"Magic Moon", hinged wooden box, 3" x 3" x 3", $35 + $7 shipping anywhere in the U.S. SOLD


"Seek Magic", wooden box painted in acrylics, 6" x 3", $39 + $7 shipping anywhere in the U.S. SOLD


"Starlight", wooden box painted in acrylics, with magnetic closure. 6" x 3", $39 + $7 shipping anywhere in the U.S. LISTED NOW ON EBAY

Spring "Welcome" Signs on light sage green background, with free personalization offered at the bottom of the sign ("The Clarks", "Friends", etc) Two available, $39 each with shipping in the US anywhere from $7 to $14 depending on your location. LISTED NOW ON EBAY

Thanks for looking, and again, just email carolee@kingofmice.com with questions or to purchase. :)

Finally, a peek at tonight's PFATT Marketplace update. I've painted this magical birdhouse with blue butterflies against a celestial background...

It lists tonight at midnight (Pacific time, I believe) and is up for grabs to the first person to email. :) SOLD

♥ Carolee

Sketches and Paintings and Projects, Oh My!

Have you ever experienced such a rush of creativity you hardly know where to begin?

I'm not talking artistic creativity necessarily, but any kind of creativity - whether it's art or music, cooking or writing...knitting, sewing, tending a garden - whatever your particular bliss is. Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by it you completely lose track of time, of days even, and one idea sparks another until there are so many images swirling around in your head you feel breathless, and can't decide which ones to grab first?

It's been that kind of week here, completely inspired and exciting, - although there's also been a bit of sadness too, but I find that even that can fuel creativity. Self expression in any form is good for the soul, don't you think?

I have three pieces to share...the first is a sea witch treasure box, my version of a magical mermaid of sorts. It was inspired in part by music I was listening to last week; "Atlantic Driftwood" by Norland Wind - always the perfect inspiration for something from the sea - and Blackmore's Night, "Ocean Gypsy" in particular, (although this one is more of an ocean witch). Wonderful imagery in their music. The shell handle atop the box is one I found on a beach in Freeport many years ago....

The next piece is another painted from an aerial perspective (soooo fun painting things from a different vantage point), "Merlin's Magical Flight", an acrylic painting on gallery canvas....

Does it make you feel like you're flying?

And third, "Wisdom", an owl plaque inspired by the now famous Molly of the San Marcos owl cam. Yes, I admit it, I'm completely addicted, hehe....

Owls are such magical creatures, aren't they? I've been sketching Molly all week, and can hardly wait until the owlets are a little bigger - I'd love to paint the whole family, or at least Mom and a baby or two. This one will list on eBay tomorrow night.

As if all this isn't enough (insert loud fanfare of trumpets) tomorrow is the day the door opens on the March EHAG Emporium (at 9 PM eastern)! I have a super fun piece for this one, something completely different for the yard and/or garden, so check back tomorrow (March 31st) at 9 for details.

In the projects department, I have something very exciting to share which I hope will make at least a few collectors happy. There have been several requests over the years to illustrate a deck of cards, and I'm thrilled to report the opportunity has finally presented itself! The very talented Lunaea Weatherstone (who readers of Sage Women magazine will know as a contributor and former editor) approached me recently about illustrating an oracle deck she is in the process of writing. What fun! Working these illustrations into the regular schedule will be a challenge, and probably result in a limit on new commissions, and in getting a much earlier start on Ghoultide Gathering pieces, but I'll work it out. ;)

Next up (just a few more days) is a truly special piece for eBay; a table or bench, painted with mystical imagery from a recent dream. I often dream I'm painting something, and the subject is so vivid I wake, thinking it was real, and want to run to the studio to continue the painting. Is that crazy? Don't answer that, hehe...

In the meantime, it's another cold, rainy night here, so I'm off to warm a kettle of leftover soup, and call it a day.

Back tomorrow with details on that Emporium piece....

♥ 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

Coming Up for Air...

Has it really been over a week since I've poked my head in here??? Surely it can't be more than a day or two....

No excuse, I know, except to say I've been completely IMMERSED this week. In this....

and this...

and this...

It all began with a little orange and black base coating on a wooden sewing chest. Some cloudy swirls, a checkerboard....

More checks, more color, a bit of lettering.....

Then it was time to get carried away with detail. Some silhouettes. A few buttons and baubles, ribbons and sparkle, tiny paintings....and voila...

"Wicked Stitches"

I can't begin to tell you how much fun this piece was (and how tempted I am to keep it, hehe)...But there's that pesky matter of bills and such, so sell it I must. It will list on eBay this evening at 9PM, and will probably have some kind of reserve, given the time involved. ;)

Today will be spent working on commissions, and then there are some heart shaped boxes calling my name....

And all these red buttons and ribbons...

I think they'd make great trim for the boxes, yes? They'll probably end up on Etsy, but I'm not sure yet.

Oh! And speaking of hearts, if you're a collector, and haven't already, scroll back a few posts to the Valentine's Box giveaway and leave a comment. I'll be drawing a name on Feb 1st.

That's about it for now....I will truly try to pop in more often. And thank you, thank you, thank you all for your kind comments here and on facebook. I don't always have time to respond individually, but please know how much I appreciate your visits and kind words. They mean the world to me. :)

~♥~ Carolee ~♥~

Tales to Tell and Work to Share and Photos Near the End...

Warning, this could get long, hehe....

There's been sooooooo much going on in our little world here, I hardly know where to start. I suppose I'll just do as the King said to the White Rabbit: "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop."

For starters, I've been dividing time between painting and doctor and hospital visits...

If you read here regularly, you know my husband John has had two major heart surgeries in less than two years. Well, that kind of invasive procedure - twice no less - can apparently wreak havoc with the heart's rhythm, which is just what happened; his heart rate at rest was far higher than what most people experience with vigorous aerobic exercise - YIKES! So after trying several meds to no avail, they decided to shock his heart. Like you see on TV, with the paddles. Just like a clock, they re-set it.

Scary, but I'm happy to say it worked, and John is on his way back to work this week. The doctor's recommendation was early next month, but he does feel better, and after a letter from his employer (a large corporation) saying they would no longer hold his position, he decided to go back tout de suite. Aren't big corporations wonderful?! Don't even get me started....

I've also had my own issues with an old ankle injury - well, three old injuries actually - which have left tendons and ligaments destroyed, and the recommendation is either surgery (with about a 50% chance of making it worse) or wear a brace for the rest of my life. Big fun, yes? On hearing the news, I had a good cry for about five minutes, then snapped out of it (remembering how blessed I am to be mobile at all) and decided I needed to lose weight and find a really cool cane. Which I did. Find a cane, that is. One with butterflies. (The weight loss will take just a wee bit longer I'm afraid.)

Do you suppose they make Halloween canes? Someone should paint one, don't you think? ;)

On the painting front, things are just AMAZING, with (as usual) more ideas spinning around in my brain than I know what to do with. The question is never "What to paint?", but "What to paint FIRST?!"

This one is listed on the PFATT Marketplace now, up for grabs to the first person to email me. Painting it made me want to abandon all thoughts of a diet and bake a batch of cupcakes instead, hehe....*UPDATE* - SOLD

And this one is up for grabs on eBay this evening at 9PM (eastern). I credit my black cat Merlin with inspiring it - he always wants to "help" me knit, haha...

Speaking of knitting, I've made so many scarves and wraps lately - yummy purples and pinks, deep charcoals, soft ivory....

I can't show you more than a peek because they're post-holiday gifts and the recipients read my blog. I'll share complete photos on Ravelry later, after I've gifted them.So warm and cuddly, and just the thing to keep me busy when we have movie night around here. Which reminds me, have you seen Julie and Julia? Loved it. :)

Oh! And I have two VERY exciting things to share. First, there's a new Marketplace opening soon, where I'll be offering one very special piece on the 31st of the month.

You can imagine a fanfare now - trumpets and flags, confetti and lights - TA-DAAAA!:

The EHAG Emporium!

I've been a member of this incredible group of Halloween artists for several years now, but this is our first foray into the world of blog sales. Kind of exciting because it gives collectors a chance to snag a one of a kind original without having to go through the bidding process on eBay. So stay tuned, and check the blog for updates, sneak peeks, etc.

The NEXT exciting thing I have to share is the 2010 Ghoultide Gathering!!

The date is set - Saturday, October 2, in Northville, Michigan. I'll be there with bells on (um, OK I'll be there with a new brace on) and I'm already giddy thinking of all the Halloween art goodies, meeting the other artists again, and MOST of all, meeting collectors (always the best part of any show!) So if you're planning a weekend getaway this fall, and you're withing striking distance, please do think about attending. I was reading last year that this one is fast becoming the country's premiere Halloween art show, and trust me, if you go, you'll see why. Truly amazing work, and truly amazing, supportive, FUN people. As the time gets closer, I'll post info on details, reasonable accommodations, and so on, so mark your calendar!

That's about it for now...Are you still with me, or did you fall asleep ages ago, hehe? Sometimes there's a little news and sometimes there's LOTS of news, and this was one of those times.

I'm off to make our very late dinner now - an extra spicy curry with basmati rice - yummmmm. I'll be back very soon with a peek at yet another piece - "Wicked Stitches"....

In the meantime, have a *magical* and creative week!!

♥ Carolee