♥ Happy Hearts Day! ♥

A little variation on the blog giveaway today: the Facebook giveaway. Pop over to my art page to enter. :)

Happy Valentine's Day, all!

♥ Carolee

Beginning 2012 With a Giveaway!

I'm feeling very blessed this crisp, cool, January first morning, and feeling the need to give a little something back to the collectors and friends who've given me so much this past year.

Your support and encouragement have meant the world to me, and while I wish I could send a little something to each of you, I figure the least I can do is offer a giveaway - or three. ;)

Yep, three. All you have to do is leave a New Year's comment here, and you'll be entered to win your choice of any hand painted welcome sign, or any print in my Etsy shop. I'll draw three names next Saturday evening and notify the winners sometime on Sunday.

There's no requirement to share this, or re-post, or tweet, or whatever - but I so appreciate it if you do!

Wishing you magic, joy, and all good things in 2012!

♥ Carolee

A Giveaway!!

In a perfect world (one with no commitments or deadlines) I would send a gift to every single friend and collector. ♥

As it is, the best I can do is offer a little something via the occasional blog giveaway. And it's been awhile, so here we go. This one is a small pinkeep...

"Sew Magic".

If you'd like to throw your name in the hat, just leave a comment here. Oh, and I'll enter your name twice for tweeting or re-posting. I'll draw a name next Wednesday evening, May 4th. :)

Thanks for playing, and good luck!

♥ Carolee
PS - I almost forgot! There's a similar pinkeep (but larger) listed on eBay too! :)

Old Work, New Work, and a Giveaway!

I suppose I should begin with the "old" work...well, last week's anyway, hehe...

It's very seldom I set a reserve on a piece I place up for auction, but this little milking stool/footstool, rescued from the basement corner of an architectural salvage shop, was pretty labor intensive - it took literally DAYS to complete. I know reserves often scare off eBay buyers, but I just couldn't bear to see this go for a song. Alas, it didn't make the reserve, so here it sits...

I did however break down and drop the reserve price (from $250 to $195) in re-listing....soooooo, we'll see what happens. It's truly one of my favorites, and I wish I could have taken this as a sign and KEPT it, hehe - but with John out on disability (regular readers may remember he's in the middle of his first round of radiation) I must sell every piece I paint.

I've also removed this sweet, primitive, not-so-little (almost 2 ft long) garden sign from PFATT Marketplace and placed it up for auction as well...

Another one I would dearly love to keep, to set amongst all the bee-friendly blooms this summer, but again...must sell. ;)

Moving on to new work, here's one in progress (and quite possibly spoken for) but I just have to share it...

A child's chair, hand made by an Amish toymaker, which when finished, will be adorned with mice, rabbits and a hedgehog. Those leaves climbing the legs are the beginnings of blackberry brambles. I'm sooooo pleased with this one, and very much wishing I had several more of these chairs, but alas, said toymaker has discontinued this pattern, so I have just one more left.

I'll share a photo here when it's finished. :)

And last but certainly not least - a giveaway!!

I breezed right by my 500th blog post recently, so in honor of that, and by way of saying a heartfelt thank you to my wonderful collectors, friends and blog readers, here's a little trinket box...

Just leave a comment here, and you'll be entered to win it. Re-post on your blog, tweet, or share on facebook and you'll be entered again! I'll draw a name via random generator next Friday, the 25th.

Oh, and there's another giveaway happening over the EHAG Emporium blog! Check it out here. :)

That's about it for today...I'm off to finish that chair now. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, filled with magic and joy...

Give a big hug to those you love. :)

♥ 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

An Enchanted Halloween Party!

And you're ALL invited!!

Given my love for All Hallows Eve, for all things magical and enchanting, and for entertaining, it's not surprising one of my dreams is to invite all my friends and collectors over for a wicked good Halloween party; elaborate costumes, delicious treats, intoxicating spirits and brews, and all manner of revelry until the wee hours of the morning...

Sadly though, our little abode is just too small, not to mention too far away for most of you.

But thanks to Miss Vanessa Valencia over at A Fanciful Twist, we can all attend the next best thing; an Enchanted Halloween cyber party, right here in the blogosphere...

Click here to be magically transported to Vanessa's blog, where party details are fully explained. If you have a blog, do sign up, and if not, just mark the date, and when the time comes, grab a cup of your favorite brew and settle in for a bit of visiting!

And what would a party be without presents?

With that in mind, I'll be offering a giveaway here - not sure what yet, but something magical and enchanting, I promise. ;)

Won't you join me?

♥ Carolee

♥ ♪ ♫ That's Amore ♫ ♪ ♥

♫ "When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie, That's amore....
When the world seems to shine like you've had too much wine, That's amore"... ♫

Gotta love Dean Martin. ;)

So, Happy Hearts Day!

I can't help it, call me sappy, but I'm a nut for Valentine's Day. Not just because of the romantic implications, but I just love LOVE, don't you? I mean, LOVE in general, whether it's hubby or significant other, or your child, your best friend in the world, your whole circle of friends, your Mom and Dad, your cat, your dog...There's nothing like Amore. :)

I have lots and lots to share this Valentine's Day, beginning with a sort of joint labor of love called the Penny Tree....


You can go here to read all about it. The auction begins on Valentine's Day, and some lucky collector will win this gorgeous bronze feather tree with all the yummy ornaments shown below (mine is in there somewhere, a small tuxedo cat), with the proceeds benefiting the Alabama chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There are many truly amazing, nationally recognized artists who've contributed to this, it's a serious treasure!


This is also the last day to sign up for the One World One Heart blog giveaway. Here's a photo of my little trinket box up for grabs...


...and here's the post where you can leave a comment if you haven't already. I've had such fun visiting blogs for this event, and will probably be visiting them most of the year - I barely made it through fifty of the thousand plus participating blogs so far! Lots of visiting still to do.

It will be a quiet Valentine's Day here, just the two of us and five furkids. I'm making one John's favorites for dinner - shrimp scampi, and we'll have these yummy Very Vanilla cupcakes for dessert. Would you like the recipe? It's soooooo easy, not even a recipe at all, really. Just prepare a box of French Vanilla cake mix according to the package directions, including a teaspoon of vanilla extract as part of the liquid, then scrape the seedy contents of one vanilla bean into the batter. Mix and bake. Sooooooooo good with homemade vanilla and chocolate buttercream icing...

And easy-peasy. :)

Not to rush things, but having given Valentine's Day it's due, I want to share just one more thing before I run off - this one inspired by St Patty's Day, a lucky black cat piece, with a very old "charm" for invoking the good luck of a black cat, written around the top. It's up for grabs on eBay now.

That's about it for today, except to wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day! Whether you spend it in the company of your love, your friends, or yourself, I hope you pamper yourself a bit and do something fun. :)

I'll be back very soon with photos of two very special pieces in progress. Until then, I leave you with this song, which makes me melt every time I hear it...

♥ Carolee

One World ♥ One Heart

It sounds so hopeful, doesn't it? Kind of like a big lovefest....


That's because it IS.....

One World, One Heart is a worldwide blog event created by the enchanting Lisa Swifka over at "A Whimsical Bohemian". Beginning today, and for two weeks, we can jump aboard the magic carpet and be whisked away to bloglandia, stopping here and there along the way, meeting new friends, connecting with kindred spirits, and extending goodwill with our little *giveaways*.

Which brings me to my own humble offering for this year's event....


A wooden Valentine Box, hand painted by Yours Truly, and adorned with sparkly pink Swarovski crystals. There's a message inside too, from me to you....


Mon Ami. My friend. :)

In keeping with the event's guidelines, all you have to do to enter is leave a comment here (be sure to include your blog and/or contact info), and I'll draw a name on February 15th. Yes, it's the day after Valentine's Day, but I think this little box could stay out all year, don't you?


What would you put in something like this? Pennies? Candy Kisses? Needle and thread? Car keys? Jewelry? CATNIP?! Wherever it goes, and whatever use it's put to, it will arrive with my blessings, and my wish that it bring many years of enjoyment. :)

Thank you in advance for taking the time to visit with me! I'll try to make the rounds as I can, although I'm absolutely buried in commission work this week, so it may take awhile. In the meantime, please know that I LOVE hearing from you, and do sincerely appreciate you dropping by!

One World, One Heart....what a lovely ring that has. Maybe we can make it happen, one event like this, one creation at a time. ;)

Artful Blessings,
♥ Carolee
PS - If you're new to this event, just click at the banner up top and you'll be magically transported to a list of participants - some host giveaways for bloggers only, some (like myself) include everyone, whether or not they have a blog, or just visit. Have fun!

♥ ♥ ♥ Collector Love ♥ ♥ ♥

Yes, I know....we're still celebrating Christmas here (the fifth day today) but as usual I can't help getting ahead of myself, hehe.

Soooooooo, with Valentine's Day just a few short weeks away, I thought it was high time to share a little collector love....

I mean, collectors are the ones who enable us artists to Do What We Do. Where would we be without the wonderful people who support and encourage us, who treasure our creations and give them a loving home?

I truly wish I could create a little gift for each and every one of you, but I have just this one...


Remember back in elementary school when we'd make elaborate boxes from cardboard shoeboxes and construction paper to hold our Valentines? This box was inspired by those days - smaller than a shoebox, but much larger than my smaller trinket boxes, and perfect for holding your own Valentines or note cards, a few pieces of jewelry, keys, coupons, or whatever strikes your fancy.

If you're a collector, all you have to do is leave a comment here and I'll enter you in the drawing to win this piece. If you purchase a piece of my work from now through the end of January, you'll be entered twice (or more with multiple purchases). I'll draw the winner's name on February 1st and ship in plenty of time for Valentine's Day.

As usual, I'll be listing work on eBay and Etsy, and hope to pull together a blog sale next month as well.

In the meantime, there's just one new piece on Etsy, listed a few minutes ago - the last tiny trinket box until my supply is replenished later in the month. :)

While we're on the subject of *love*, I also have to tell you about the annual "One World, One Heart" event, coming up very soon. If you're new to this event, just scroll down on the right and click on the magic carpet banner for an explanation. Basically, it's a worldwide blog hopping cyber-party with lots of amazing giveaways (so I'll be creating another piece for this one). Here on this blog the giveaway will be open to collectors, bloggers and visitors alike, so stay tuned....

LOTS of new pieces are in the works, including a very special sewing or knitting chest with a built-in tray, and the first Halloween clock of 2010. I have notebooks all over the house with ideas and sketches galore, and only wish I had the time to paint them all, hehe. :)

I'll be back again on New Year's Eve, and until then I wish you all the blessings this beautiful season has to offer!

Much love,

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

A Little Blog Love Back Atcha...

It occurred to me the other day as I was blog hopping....

It's been the longest time since I've had a giveaway. :)

Sometimes life just gets in the way...the painting and sculpting, the commissions and shows and auctions, the email and errands, the cooking and cleaning. Craziness around here on a daily basis...

So I'm here to remedy that with this humble little trinket box. It's just 3" x 3" x 3", but perfect for a few teabags or maybe some catnip....or rings, or paperclips, or whatever tiny treasures you may want to keep in it.

I love the tiny mice running around the edge, and the little message inside. They make me smile. :)

All you have to do is leave a comment here about something that makes you smile, and you'll be entered in the drawing. If you follow my blog, you'll be entered twice. And if you have a blog and give this little giveaway a mention, I'll make it three times. :)

And if you don't have a blog which links to your post, be sure to leave me your email so I have a way to get in touch with you.:)

Names will be tossed in the hat one week from today (Monday, August 24th) at 9PM eastern, and I'll announce the winner. (Oh, and I'm fine with international entries!)

Thanks for playing!
♥ Carolee

New Work, New Tunes, a Little Craziness, and Much Love ♥

SO many things happening here at the moment, and just not enough hours in the day to keep up with it all...LOTS to share today, beginning with with a sneak peek at the new work. *UPDATE* - Listed on eBay now. :)

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this one was soooooooooo much fun (I can't help it - they're ALL fun!)...I love these chests because they're so versatile - in the kitchen for herbs and spices, on the dresser top for jewelry, in the studio for art supplies, in the bath for makeup and perfumes...endless possibilities for this one. :)

It's listing tonight at 9PM eastern, with a "buy it now" option, so stay tuned....

Oh - and before I forget, I updated the playlist. I seldom set it to start automatically (I just know some of you are reading this at work, hehe) but if you'd like to give a listen to some of the painting tunes, just scroll down to the purple playlist on the right.

You may have noticed I mentioned craziness? Well, yes....As those of you on facebook know, it looks as though another heart surgery is in store for John, and soon. The mitral valve repair done last year has tightened, leaving him short of breath and pretty exhausted most of the time. The minimally invasive surgery is not a option this time, so we're looking at open heart, and probably an artificial valve.

I know he's strong, his attitude is positive, and he'll come through this just latest challenge just fine...But it's going to mean a big lifestyle change for a while as he goes through another hospitalization and recovery. Assuming they schedule it sooner rather than later (there's one more test we're waiting for), I'll be dividing my time between the hospital and studio for a while, as painting, commissions and show preparation need to continue. So it's quite possible - likely in fact, that I'll be absent from chat and groups, and prioritizing emails for awhile.

I also want to thank all of you who've left comments here and on the FB page, for all the prayers and positive thoughts - you're all just wonderful to think of us, and I can't tell you how much it helps to feel so lifted up. :)

And to those of you who've been so generous with your bids and art purchases, I can't thank you enough! Your support sustains us in a very real way, in a very difficult economy. Sending you back MUCH ♥ collector-love ♥, and I promise as soon as I have a few minutes, I'll try to work in a giveaway as a more tangible expression of my gratitude!

That's about it for today....There's a commission and a whimsical Halloween cupcake platter calling my name, so I must run....

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

My 200th Blogspot Post and a Happy Valentine's Day Giveaway!

At first I thought I'd do a little Halloween giveaway to celebrate my 200th bloggiversary (I think that's what they call it?)....After all, I'm a Halloween artist, right? But then I noticed my next post would fall directly on Valentine's Day. Soooooooo, since I had some little heart shaped boxes...

And all this pink paint....


I thought I'd return a bit of the love to the people who collect my work. :)

I know, I know, by the time I do the drawing, Valentine's Day will have passed...But I think these little guys could be left out all year, don't you?


I think they're so sweet with sparkles on the outside and polka dotted goodness on the inside....

If you've purchased work from me in the last two months, you'll be automatically entered in the drawing. And if you've purchased work and leave a comment here, you'll be entered twice! If you haven't purchased recently, but have in the past, or have even placed an eBay bid on my work, you can enter too - just leave a comment. The rest of you can leave comments too, but this time around the giveaway is strictly for collectors. :)

In one week, on Saturday, Feb 21st, I'll draw three names. The first name drawn will have their choice of the three boxes, the second name drawn may select from the remaining two and the third name drawn will receive the remaining box.

I'll even throw in some of these candy conversation hearts...I read in the news the Necco company is thinking of updating some of the old messages...But I kinda like the old ones, hehe...

My own Valentine's Day will be spent - are you ready for this, it's just soooooooooo romantic......

DEALING WITH A ROOFER.

Yep. You may have read about the high winds Pennsylvania has been experiencing the last few days. Well, there's been a serious battle between said winds and our old metal roof, and I'm afraid the roof lost. Thank heaven for homeowner's insurance, and BOO HISS for deductibles, *sigh*.....

We had hoped to go see Coraline today, and still may if the roofing guy shows up early. Either way, John and I will have a nice, romantic dinner at home tonight, and at the very least we'll rent a movie and toast our almost 30 years together. ;)

So Happy Valentine's Day!!

However you're spending it, whether you're single or part of a duo, I hope it's filled with magic and bliss....Do something fun and spread the love....

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

Overwhelmed!

....But in a good way. :)

No new art today, as I'm a bit fuzzy from medication following a root canal earlier today....

But I thought I'd pop in to say a quick THANK YOU to everyone participating in the One World, One Heart event..... I never in my absolute wildest dreamed of such an overwhelming response to my little star box giveaway - over 400 comments/entries and counting!

The best part about this online event has been "meeting" new friends and discovering so many creative souls out there...I'm still winding my way down the list of participants (I think I'm up to almost 300 now!) and am entering many drawings, but am refraining from entering those that much as I love, couldn't use - I don't have pierced ears, so would rather those gorgeous earrings offerings go to someone who does, I don't do scrapbooking, so would rather see someone who can use scrapbooking supplies benefit from their use, etc...

But I am SO enjoying visiting each and every blog! It's both encouraging and heartening to see the amount of positive, creative energy out there in the world, and it gives me hope for the future. :)

So if you haven't already, please do drop your name in the hat by clicking here and while you're at it, click on the link to the "gypsy caravan" of participants and check it out - you'll be so glad you did. :)

Until tomorrow,
~ Carolee