♥ A Mad Tea Party and a Mad Giveaway! ♥

It's that time again....

Have you been anxiously awaiting it as I have?

It's the annual *Mad Tea Party*, right here in bloglandia, hosted by the always enchanting Vanessa Valencia, and her handsome cohort, the Mad Hatter, at Vanessa's blog "A Fanciful Twist". For those of you not familiar, this is annual blog-hopping sort of event, beginning on the aforementioned blog, where all the Mad Tea Party participants are listed...

Visit any or all, as time allows, but I feel that more is always better, especially when it comes to madness. ;)

So let the party begin!

Let's see, we'll need a teapot...I love them all. You decide. ♥

Now let's see what's in the Mad Tea Chest...

Maybe a cup of herbal brew?

And what tea party would be complete without sweets? I've baked up a batch of pink lemonade cupcakes just for the occasion. And how fun is the tea cozy? It was a gift from a very talented collector friend. So sweet of her. ♥

I love, love, LOVE tea parties, don't you?!

I'm so glad you came to visit, and hope you come back again to have a further look around! But before you go, do leave a comment - any comment will do - and you'll be entered to win this whimsical little painting "Down the Rabbit Hole". This is an original, not a print, painted in acrylics on 5" x 5" gallery canvas, and signed by the artist (me). :)

The edges are painted too, so there's no need for a frame.

I'll draw the winner's name via random number generator next Saturday, July 2, at 9PM.

Until then, "Oh my ears and whiskers, how late it's getting!"....I must be off...

Happy Mad Tea Party Day!

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

♥ Happy Hearts Day! ♥

Wishing you and your special Valentine a day of bliss and pampering, especially if your special Valentine is YOU. ;)

(Back very soon with new work!)

♥ Carolee

Come In, Dearies....

I've been waiting for you....

I'm offering a wicked sweet giveaway to share in honor of Miss Vanessa's *fAbULoUs* and oh-so-magical annual Halloween party...

But first, would you like a treat?

I baked these myself - they're devil's food, of course (what else for a Halloween party?)

How about joining me for tea? There's plenty to go around, especially in cyberspace, hehe...

Do you love the mug? It's one of my favorites, a gift from a collector last year, and I love how it magically depicts the Owens sisters from "Practical Magic" when the mug is heated.....Which reminds me, it's almost time to put that one in the Netflix queue again. Much to John's chagrin, there are some movies I really need to watch during the Halloween season, and this is one of them. ;)

I think the Owens house is probably the best house-porn I've ever seen (with the cottage from "The Holiday" a close second)...I mean, how great is this kitchen???

*Drool*....

That's the fantasy. Here's the reality - complete with retro (read "old") range, and steaming kettle of soup...

Now, where was I? Oh yes - tea....But maybe you'd prefer a stronger sort of brew with your cupcake?

TeeHee....

Are you quite enjoying this Halloween blog-hop?

I must you the truth - as you read this, I'm actually out of town, so will have to do my visiting when I return. But I want to leave you with a little token of appreciation for your visit; this original, hand painted, Halloween trinket box...


No hoops to jump through, just leave a comment and you'll be entered to win. (If you don't have a blog, you need to leave your email so I can contact you!) The magical sorting hat (a.k.a. the random number generator) will pick a name next Saturday, October 23rd.

In the meantime, I'll be back very soon with new photos and new work to share...

Happy Halloween!!
♥ Carolee

Wicked Sweet :)

It's no secret I have a TERRIBLE sweet tooth...

And this has been the weekend to indulge it, artistically and otherwise, hehe...

This whimsical box was originally designed as a candle box, but I think it holds so many other possibilities as well; a treat or treasure box, a tea box, a desk accessory - or a place to store all those cupcake and cookie sprinkles!

It's up for grabs on eBay now. :)

I'm afraid this weekend I gave in to said sweet tooth not only with a paintbrush, but with a spoon.

This red, white and blueberry trifle was my little nod to the Fourth, as well as a nod to John's heritage (God save the Queen and all that). It's surprisingly light - made with diced angel food cake, sweetened light cream cheese and whipped topping, and fresh organic berries.


The recipe is here - I just lightened it up a bit with the cream cheese and topping choices, leaving out the glaze, and cutting the sugar in half. Perfection!

Soooooo, I'm curious. Do you have a sweet tooth? What's your very favorite indulgence?

I think mine would have to be creme brulee. Pumpkin creme brulee. Nothing better, and it's almost that time of year again - pumpkin EVERYTHING, haha.

Which means I'd better get cracking!!

I'll be back soon with another eBay piece. In the meantime, have a wickedly sweet week!

♥ Carolee

Ups and Downs, Highs and Lows, Smiles and Sadness

It's been a crazy week here....and has it really been a whole week since I've visited? Sometimes working at home (and largely in fantasyland) can completely throw you off...Not that I've ever had much of a sense of time or date. Don't wear a watch, don't really have any clocks in the house, except on the computer of course...Just not much of a schedule kind o gal, I guess.

So it's no surprise I completely forgot John's birthday until two days before, when a birthday card arrived in the mail (thanks, Mom!). Better get moving, right?

Yet once again time got away, two days became one, and I found myself here with no present (not unusual, we don't really do birthday gifts) no card, and no cake. I foraged in the pantry for a chocolate cake mix, unsweetened chocolate - anything chocolate really - and came up empty handed. But I did find a strawberry cake mix. And enough sugar and butter for icing. And strawberries in the fridge. And pink glitter sprinkles....I know, I know, not exactly a guy kinda cake, but it sure sounded good. ;)

Ten minutes later, pink cupcakes in the oven. In Mary Englebreit "Queen of Everything" cupcake wrappers, no less. Figured I may as well just go for broke, hehe.

The Fresh strawberries in the icing made it more of a glaze, but they're soooooooo good. Happy 53rd!

Cupcakes also made an appearance in the art this week, with these two little paintings. One sold right away, but one is still up for grabs, at least until this evening. I love the little red buttons as cherries on top of the cakes.

I'm also busy with commissions this week, and am VERY excited about a new illustration project waiting in the wings, which is a bit of a secret at the moment - actually for a while. But it has my head absolutely spinning with magical images and ideas, which tends to have a kind of snowball effect, one idea sparking another, sparking another and so on. I always marvel at people who say they run out of ideas. I mean, how does that happen? I've always found creativity to be exponential - it just multiplies indefinitely, on and on, ideas and images swirling around until you hope you can capture even a tiny fraction of what you dream....

Which brings me to another place of vivid imagination, the EHAG Emporium! This is only our second month, but we're all just so excited about this event, I can't even tell you. The update will happen on the 31st (next Wednesday) at 9PM eastern, with the absolute finest in Halloween art up for grabs on a first come basis. Can't wait!!

In the meantime, there are weekly giveaways on the blog - this week's being a wonderfully whimsical ornament from EHAG artist Linda Kennon, the Gourdqueen...

Be sure to drop by and enter.:)

Those are the ups....But unfortunately there have been a few downs this week as well.

It's with a very heavy, but still hopeful heart that I share a request for prayers and positive, healing energy. You may remember the Penny Tree Auction a few posts back....A beautiful feather tree adorned with ornaments created by the artists of the PFATT group, in honor of Penny McAllister, who has been fighting acute leukemia for the last several months. (Proceeds were donated to the Alabama chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society).

We all heard yesterday that Penny is fighting for her very life now, so I'm asking you to please send up a prayer if you're so inclined, for Penny's healing and recovery, and for strength for her family and friends.

UPDATE - Penny lost her very brave battle with cancer this past Friday. Please say a prayer for her family and friends at this most difficult time.

A dear friend of mine is spending time at her Father's bedside this week too, as this very good man spends the last days of his life with family and friends before joining his late wife. Again, if you're inclined to prayer, please send one up for my friend and her Father, for strength and comfort as he makes this last journey.

Overall, it's been quite a week - ups and downs, highs and lows, smiles and tears...and so it goes. As we celebrate John's birthday today, we'll remember how truly precious this life is, and how important is is to find magic in every single moment.

In closing, a little thought all the anger and animosity I've seen in the news and on the internet this week; life is too short. Rather than trying to tear something down, rather than anger and fear, let's focus on compassion and building something that truly works. We're all in this together, and caring for each other fiercely should be our first priority. :)

Until next time, wishing you much love, and many magical moments...
♥ Carolee

The Blizzard of 2010....

Also known as "Snowmageddon". ;)

I know, I know - I snickered a bit when CNN was throwing that term around last weekend. But I am snickering no more...

This photo was taken at ten o'clock this morning, looking up our street, with the worst yet to come; it's expected to continue (with stronger winds) until about two AM tomorrow. WHERE do you suppose we'll PUT it all?!?!

Here's the picket fence at the side of our house...

And the koi pond...

And one of the dogwood trees. Isn't it a miracle this will be full bloom in just a short while?! (I'm hanging onto this thought, hehe)

Completely oblivious to weather forecasts and dire warnings, Cadie and Cosmo are living in the moment, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Sometimes I think we should take a lesson from our furry companions and learn to purely enjoy the present. Not a bad way to get through weather, or life for that matter. ;)

I've been using this time to work on a couple of commission pieces, and a yummy Valentine cupcake box for last night's PFATT Marketplace debut. I was all set to tell you it's up for grabs, but it sold this morning. It was such a kick to do though, I may just have to paint an Easter version...and summer...and Halloween (of course!) So many ideas swirling around this snow addled brain, and so little time, teehee....

In the meantime, we're staying warm here with homemade hot cocoa (made with cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom - soooooooo good!)....


...and there are movies, scrabble, knitting...and of course painting. If you're going to be snowed in, this is the way to do it, yes?

I'll be back very soon with more goodies, and until then, there are a few trinket boxes still up for grabs on Etsy. :)

Warmest Winter Blessings,
♥ Carolee

A Wicked Good Party and a Giveaway!

Flying in to Miss Vanessa Valencia's magical Halloween Blog Party just a wee bit late, but I'm hoping you'll forgive me, as I come bearing treats....

Orange flavored cupcakey goodness, with vanilla and chocolate buttercream icing, and sprinkles and sparkles galore.....

Baked just last night in honor of the occasion, and they'll be going to a dinner party with us later this evening, hehe. :)

But not before I have one for breakfast with a cup of my favorite brew....

(This image is from a "Witch's Brew Cafe" sign painted many years ago - must remember to paint another soon!)

I've also come to the party bearing gifts! Well, OK - gift, hehe....This handsome fellow is painted on an 8" x 8" gallery canvas, and he's up for grabs at the end of the party!

Just leave a comment here over the weekend, and I'll draw a name first thing Monday morning. If you're a blog follower, I'll throw your name in the pointed hat twice.

Until then, it's time to mingle with other party-goers, so I'm flying back out again, leaving a trail of magic behind....

(I'll be back soon, though!)

¸¸,ø¤º.·:*¨¨*:·..·:*¨¨*:·º¤ø,..~ Carolee

The King of Mice and Queen of Painting Attend a Mad Tea Party!

Sound the trumpets, throw the confetti, raise the banners, release the balloons and begin the drumroll, please.....

Today's the day for the fabulous Miss Vanessa Valencia's "Mad Tea Party"!

For those of you not familiar, this year makes it officially an annual event; a magical cyber tea-party of sorts, where just like Alice, you can "begin at the beginning and go on until you come to the end: then stop." :)

Just click here, and you'll be magically transported to Wonderland (the beginning) and make your way from there to visit all the other Mad Tea Partiers, including yours truly!

The King of Mice and I had our own little Mad Tea Party this morning, attended by the White Rabbit in the form of a teapot. Three white rabbits if you count the sugar and creamer...

Don't the cupcakes look yummy?! They're French vanilla, with real vanilla beans and homemade buttercream icing. I topped them with sprinkles galore and sugared black raspberries....

The tea is called "Happiness", and was very kindly sent to me by a wonderful collector who makes these delicious blends herself - soooooooooooooo good! If you'd like to try some, you can visit her at Magical Momentz (I ♥ the Flower Power blend!)

And while we're on the subject of tea, isn't it absolutely liquid magic??!! I adore tea, and think there are very few day to day troubles that can't be assuaged by a deep breath and a cup of hot tea. Pure magic. ;)

I'll be spending the weekend "visiting" with the other Tea Partiers, as I put the details on an Alice inspired tea chest....

It's the very last one I have, and I've been saving it for something special. The piece itself is beautifully made by a local artisan. I love the brass piano hinge at the back. A little sketch, a little paint, and it's transformed....



Oh!! And silly me - in all the excitement, I nearly forgot. I have a little Alice in Wonderland inspired giveaway to share! Just a little trinket - a purple glass bottle, bejeweled and labeled "Drink Me". Fun, yes?! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment here, and if you're a blog follower (very easy to sign up), you'll be entered twice. Easy-peasy. I'll draw a name next Saturday morning. :)

Off I go visiting now, running as late as the White Rabbit.....

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

Cupcakey Goodness!

It's been awhile since I've painted cupcakes (aside from the Halloween cupcakes, some of you may remember all those yummy bakery signs many years ago!) but the inspiration is back full force...


Maybe it's all those gourmet cupcake bakeries popping up everywhere, maybe it's this year's birthday (the rapidly approaching half century mark!)....or maybe it's just that cupcakes make me smile. :)

One of my fondest childhood memories is walking home from school, opening the front door and finding Mom (who is truly June Cleaver, by the way) there with a huge tray of fresh baked cupcakes. The perfect "after school snack". Remember after-school snacks? Not store bought, but the kind made from scratch...yummmmmmmmm. Once my brother ate an entire pumpkin pie. I'm not kidding. He was about twelve years old, and Mom was out somewhere, and called to make sure everyone was home safely, asking what he had for a snack. "A pie", he said. "You mean a piece of pie?"...."No. A pie." And a gallon of milk as I remember, too. Twelve year old boys are bottomless pits.

So yeah. Cupcakes on the brain this week. :)

Strawberry cupcakes baked just today....with sprinkles....

And this sparkly cupcake candle box (which also has about a gazillion other uses) now up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace....*UPDATE* - SOLD.

Oh - and if anyone is in the general Philadelphia area, check this place out - cupcakey goodness down on the Main Line! The Chai Latte flavor is seriously amazing.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake? Inquiring minds want to know.....

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

PS - I'll be back soon with a few tiny trinket boxes on Etsy. In the meantime, if you haven't already, scroll down to the next post and read about all the giveaways, including the blog followers giveaway right here. (Five more days!)