Button, Button....

...Who's got the button?

Sorry, couldn't resist, and yes, I know I'm dating myself here. Do kids even play that game anymore?

I hope so. :)

Anyway, I just thought I'd share these little button pieces before listing them on Etsy tomorrow. If you'd like to purchase one or more, just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com. I'll take the first email I receive for each piece, and try to mark them sold asap...

Four little button paintings, measuring 5" x 5" with red polka dotted edges (no need for a frame). $45 each + shipping, which will vary by location...

Sleepy little mushroom mouse (UPDATE ~ SOLD)...

Bookworm mushroom mouse...(UPDATE ~ SOLD)

Beach Bunny (UPDATE ~ SOLD)...

Black Cat (UPDATE - SOLD)

Tiny tuxedo cat painting and easel (2" x 3" with 5" easel), $35 + shipping...

Tiny sleepy mouse trinket box (3" x 2"), $35 + shipping...

Tiny sleepy hedgehog trinket box (3" x 2"), $35 + shipping...

Thanks for taking a peek, and again, please email with questions, or to purchase. :)

♥ Carolee

Sneaky-Peeky

Just popping in with a peek at two sweet little treat boxes up for grabs on a first-come basis, on tomorrow's PFATT Marketplace...

As always, the update happens on the tenth of the month, at 10AM pacific - so 1PM eastern, and the pieces will go to the first email or emails I receive. (Regretfully, the Hershey's kisses are not included, their days - nay hours - being numbered, hehe). :)

I had so much fun with these two. There' something about the pink and red and white combination that just makes me smile. :) UPDATE - Both pieces have now sold.

That's it for tonight. But I'll be back very soon with something *WiTcHy*....
~ Carolee

Waiting For Santa and La Befana

As we anticipate the arrival of our favorite seasonal characters, my head is spinning with inspiration...There's Santa of course, and all his variations (my favorite is Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost). There's La Befana (more on her in a minute), and of course, there are more-legged characters as well - The selfless cat from The Cat Carol, Charles Dickens' Cricket on the Hearth...and who could forget all those reindeer?

One of the first seasonal offerings this year is a Christmas Mouse, and I thought it would be fun to share a bit of his progress. It begins with a simple pencil sketch on canvas...

Next, colors are blocked in, and a bit of detail added. You'll notice the mouse in the painting is considerably larger than the one in the sketch - an adjustment made during the painting process, to keep the mouse more in proportion to the mouse-hole.

Finally, the finished piece. I had such fun with the tiny details like the stocking and mistletoe hung with pins, and the swiss cheese gift wrap. ;)

I've titled this one "Waiting for Santa", and the little guy will be up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace, this Saturday morning at 10AM Pacific time (1PM EST).

The next piece on the studio table is another favorite of mine, La Befana, whose image will grace this large wooden plate. Right now, there's just this vibrant background...

The next step will be to hand letter a traditional Italian verse around the outer edge of the piece:

La Befana vien di notte
Con le scarpe tutte rotte
Col vestito alla romana
Viva, Viva La Befana!

The English translation is:

The Befana comes by night
With her shoes all tattered and torn
She comes dressed in the Roman way
Long life to the Befana!

Lettering accomplished (hopefully later today), La Befana will make her appearance.

This one will probably list on Etsy sometime in the next day or two. :)

So many other creatures and characters are whirling around in my brain, wanting desperately to escape to canvas or wood panel, box or bowl. (All I need is another couple of months before Christmas and Yule - is that too much to ask?)...

How about you? Do you have a favorite creature or character this time of year? A favorite childhood story or legend? Please share a comment - I soooo love hearing about how these stories shape our holidays and celebrations!

Looking forward to hearing from you, and in the meantime, I'm off to accomplish a few mundane household chores so I can get to that lettering before noon.

Wishing you all the blessings of the season, and time to enjoy them!

♥ Carolee

Living in Season, but Painting Ahead...

I find there's something very close to sacred when we live "in season", making a mindful effort to remain in sync with Mother Nature, tuning not only our minds, but our bodies to the wheel of the year...

Once upon a time (before the age of the thermostat and the supermarket) our food and our activities reflected the changing seasons. Gardening in the summer, harvesting and preserving in autumn, resting in winter, and planting again in spring.

Summers were spent cooking outdoors, sipping lemonade on the front porch, running through lawn sprinklers, or swimming at the beach, or a nearby lake or creek. Winters were spent sledding, building snowmen, cooking hearty meals, telling stories, reading good books and snuggling in front of the wood stove or fireplace.

I count myself fortunate to live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where the seasons are still very much a part of the culture, and try very hard to embrace each season for the blessings it has to offer. Today, for instance, will find me roasting batch of butternut squash (for soup later in the week) and planting yet another pot of mums in the front yard....

But it will also find me painting (gasp!) a Christmas piece, along with a couple of autumn commissions. ;)

Since people decorate their homes well before the actual arrival of the holiday or season, it means holiday artists must stay a step ahead. Winter pieces in autumn, spring pieces in winter, and so on. I suppose it would be easy to be thrown off-kilter by this, but I try to see it as a preview - a little inspiration and anticipation of what's to come.

To that end, I've just listed the first holiday box of the year on Etsy - Peppermint Polly, a little angel mouse...

A little early perhaps, but I'm hoping others will be anticipating the season right along with me, and she'll find a good home.

In the meantime, I'm off to work on the last of the Halloween commissions, as I wish you a happy and mindful autumn! May you enjoy all her blessings. :)

♥ Carolee

♥ A Trio of Teacup Mice ♥

Just popping in to share the latest Halloween paintings. Three witchy little Halloween mice...

Each is painted on 5" chunky gallery canvas, so there's no need for a frame.

I just listed the first two on Etsy, and the third....

Will list on eBay at 9PM Thursday. :)

In the meantime, the Mad Tea Party tray is still up for grabs...

I'll be back very soon with super exciting news!!

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

A Wonderful Weekend, and New Work!

I'll begin by saying we don't go out very often. Almost never, in fact. Between the budget and my crazy work schedule, it's a luxury in which we seldom indulge.

But today was Mother's Day, and a special occasion. Our beautiful daughter Courtney and her BFF SarahGrace (one of two honorary daughters with whom we've been blessed) traveled out here from the city (Philly) to meet us for brunch at what could easily become my new favorite place. Soooooo good, and my only regret is that as we were leaving, a group of Celtic musicians were setting up. (Note to self - make a much later reservation next time!)

After ordering, I was presented with a gift bag containing my favorite summer scent, a cookbook I've been wanting for AGES, and a box of truffles (I know, like I need them, lol).

It was altogether a perfect day, which I finished up with a little painting...


This magical little pair will be up for grabs on the PFATT Marketplace on a first-come basis, Tuesday the 10th, at 10AM Pacific time. I just LOVE these chunky canvases, because there's no need for a frame, and the little ones can fit almost anywhere (these are 5" x 5"). :)

At the risk of jumping all over the place with this post (yeah, I know, scattered artist syndrome) I'll close with a quick update on John. This will be his LAST week of radiation (yay!), followed by another week's recovery from the whole ordeal, and we should know soon after if he's in remission. If you're inclined to prayers and positive thoughts, they are, as always, most appreciated!

That's about it for now. I'll be back very soon with new work, and in the meantime have a wonderful, creative and productive week!

♥ Carolee

"Springtime" Box :)

What a joy to spend the "work" day painting pieces like this one....


No matter what the challenge (and there have been many lately!) there's something so zen and relaxing about the creative process, something so calming. It never fails to put things in perspective. ;)


That said, the challenges this week do necessitate some sales PDQ, so to that end, I'm offering this original, one of a kind bentwood box, here on the blog before listing on eBay or elsewhere...


It's a beautifully hand made piece, painted in acrylics with a clear, acrylic varnish, and measures 8" x 6" x 6". Signed and dated, with a certificate of authenticity. $225 including shipping anywhere in the U.S. Shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com to purchase. :) UPDATE - SOLD.

The schedule was thrown off a bit this week with John's hospitalization and tomorrow's trip into the city (oncology appointment, and I want to be there) but I'll be back with new work very soon (must finish a couple of commissions too!)

Thanks for taking a peek, and Happy Spring!

♥ Carolee

Of Critters, Colds and Commissions :)

It's only been a couple of days, but I have much to tell, so this will be one of those posts that's just all over the place (kind of like my addled brain lately, hehe) As some of you know, John makes good natured fun of me, describing my thought process as "X plus Y equals.....Oh look - a butterfly!"

Where was I?

Oh yes, Critters. I've been having so much fun painting cats and mice lately, I'm afraid I've neglected Halloween for Valentine's Day...I'll be back with a few spooky, witchy, wicked pieces very soon, but in the meantime, I want to share what I've been up to....

I had soooo much fun with this one, especially the outfits on the little mice - kind of like when I was a kid and would sit for hours drawing costumes for paper dolls. (Anyone remember paper dolls? Do kids still play with those? I hope so)...

And this one, similar to the trinket box you see in the previous post, which sold on the PFATT Marketplace. There was so much interest in the little teacup mouse, I painted one more on my very last box and listed it on eBay so everyone would have a fair chance to grab it...

It's titled "Sweet Dreams". :)

Which brings me to my not-so-sweet dreams of late, due to a nasty headcold I seem to have picked up from John, who's had a bad case of bronchitis for the last week or two. Ugh - I hate headcolds, and consider the most effective treatment to be a combination of Airborne, echinacea tea, zinc and DENIAL. And with a wicked cool Victorian Steampunk party at my friend Hugh's house this weekend, I'm determined to get over this. I want to party like it's 1899. ;)

Moving along, I want to add a few words about commissions. You may have noticed the little blurb on the upper right about the special order process, the beginning of a more in depth cautionary policy I need to write for new customers...You see, much as I love creating a piece with someone specific in mind, I've made a resolution of sorts this year to steer clear of repeating old designs. The fact is (and any artist will tell you this) the best work happens with fresh inspiration and the least amount of direction. It begins with the spark of an idea, a general theme, and from there it's a leap of faith on the part of the artist and the commissioner. So basically, if you're the trusting sort, and are OK with letting the magic unfold, I'll accept your order. If you want to manage the process and details, I'm probably not the artist you want. X plus Y equals "Oh look - a butterfly!" and all of that. ;)

Finally, I've had a few collectors send me photos recently, showing my work in it's new home!! I ♥ LOVE ♥ this!! It's such a blessing to know something I created is part of someone's holiday display or everyday world, but to actually SEE it makes me grin from ear to ear. It also gives me butterflies to see my work displayed with that of other artists I admire. :)

So next week I'll begin a series of posts sharing how some of you display your King of Mice goodies. To that end, if you'd like to join in the fun, please feel free to contact me at carolee@kingfmice.com for info on where to send photos (the kingofmice email address has limited space, so I'll shoot you another one).

Fun, yes?

That's about it for now, except to express my thanks for your support and encouragement and comments. I was so pleased that five of the six pieces on the PFATT Marketplace sold yesterday, and have received many kind comments about the article as well. The cupcake box is still up for grabs, and I hope it will find a home soon. :)

I'm off to have a very late supper of homemade chicken soup (I'm a very bad vegetarian when I'm sick) and watch the snowflakes fall.

Until next time,
♥ 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

Tea Time!

I think this is my favorite clock to date...full of whimsy, and that child's tea set you see on top is the last of my daughter Courtney's childhood china tea set (don't worry, she didn't want it, and understands that everything in this house is fair game for art, hehe!)

I'm just loving these little mice...

The sugarcube has a touch of sparkle, and the hours are marked by Swarovski crystals.

It's hand made by a local clockmaker of solid maple, measures 13 1/2" tall (including the tea set and feet) x 9" x 4 1/2", has a glass front, runs on one AA battery, and is listed now on eBay. :) UPDATE - SOLD

I'll be back very soon with new goodies...Until then, enjoy this beautiful weekend!

♥ Carolee

New Work and an Anniversary!

I don't know if it's the magic of springtime, or the upcoming Mad Tea Party event, or WHAT, but I've been completely immersed in the idea of an enchanted tea party with cats and mice. Apparently the inspiration for last week's tea chest was a little too much for one piece, and it spilled over to this week as well, hehe...

Fun, yes? You can't see it here but the sugarcube is a little sparkly. It's listed on eBay now. :)

And would you believe this little party is STILL whirling around in my brain? I think it wants to some out in the form of a clock, so stay tuned...

In the meantime, we're just a little belatedly (April) celebrating the fourth anniversary of the EHAG group, and the upcoming Emporium update with a little giveaway over on the blog. So if you love guessing games, jelly beans and Halloween, fly on over there and join the fun!

It's hard to believe EHAG has been around that long, mostly because time DOES fly when you're having fun! (You know, there's a reason for cliches like that, hehe)...At any rate, EBay groups tend to come and go (especially Halloween groups - sheesh, there have been a lot of them!) but EHAG has truly been the gold standard - not only amazing and highly professional artists, dedicated to creating absolute magic in their work, but a more supportive bunch of people you'll never meet. I'm just so proud to be a part of it!

That's about it for today...I'm off to put some tunes in the CD player, light a couple of candles on this rainy day, and begin work on that "Enchanted Teatime" clock...

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

Of Whimsy and Magic and Childlike Wonder...

Like the banner above suggests, I feel pretty strongly it's all about the whimsy - be it Halloween or faeries, critters or creatures, you can HAVE the "darker" side of things. I mean, really, you can have it. To paraphrase something a fellow Halloween artist/friend said recently, if horror movies and gory Halloween props disappeared from the face of the earth tomorrow, I'd be a happy girl. I'm sorry but I will just never see how murder and mayhem constitutes entertainment. Life is too short and too precious to dwell on the ugly side of things, don't you think?

For me, it's all about the magic - that wide-eyed sense of wonder we felt as children, dressing up on Halloween and setting out at twilight, treat buckets in hand....

Speaking of which, I have a bit of that magic to share with you now...six minutes of Halloween eye candy, beautifully put together by Scott Smith of Rucus Studio:


Wasn't that just magical?!

It has me absolutely giddy with anticipation, and it's only February! At the risk of sounding like a broken record, if you're within striking distance, this show is a MUST SEE. Sooooooooo much fun. And if you visit the site, there's a list of this year's artists posted (which even for the fourth year makes me feel like a little kid sitting at the grown ups table, hehe) :)

See you there?!

In the meantime, I have another bit of whimsy to share - a tea chest finished just yesterday, and listed now on eBay.

I love the little mousie-witch hanging on to the cat's tail, and am thinking I need to paint a few more cat and mice pieces. They're just too fun.

A couple of Easter pieces are in the works as well, and of course, more Halloween, because it's NEVER too early.

Right now I'm off to brew up some of my own tea, watch the snowflakes fly (yet again, *sigh*) and play with paint and glitter.

Wishing you a day of magic and whimsy!

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

Just a Peek....

I've been working on this Cat's Pantry piece all week, and just have to share before it lists on eBay this evening. I soooooo love painting all the tiny details; Chateau du Chat wine, Mice Spice, Catnip tea, and so on. Four cats, and six mice (check the auction later to see if you can spot them all!)



Back soon!!
♥ 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