Winter Madness...

I'm torn.

One one hand, I'm ever so grateful for this mild winter we've been having, as it's kept heating costs well, if not low, then certainly lower that they could have been. And trust me, this is a big deal. ;)

On the other hand, I'm longing for a good old fashioned snowing-in. The kind that blankets everything in white and forces us to slow down and spend a few days enjoying the comforts of hearth and home; simmering soup and homemade bread, wool shawls and down lap duvets, quiet evenings spent reading and knitting and playing board games...

It's been a strange winter so far, with just a couple of dustings which were gone in a day or two. Nothing like 2010, when we had those back to back blizzards...

We called it "snowmageddon", remember?

Not that we need anything quite so dramatic - but one good snowfall before spring would be nice, don't you think?

Maybe I need to break out the snow wand? I have this fabulous little folk artsy piece by an artist named Brigitte Holsten, of Paint the Moon Primitives (whom I've since lost track of, and so wish I could find her work again)...

The wand hangs on the dining room hearth, beneath the far too dusty teapots, and there's a little spell card attached which says:

"God and Goddess that I seek
I hope this doesn't sound too meek
I ask of you to make it snow
and make the cold winter winds blow
Now that I have asked this of you
I will help you to make it true."

How fun is that?! You're supposed to chant the verse, and wave the wand in all four directions.

John says he'd much rather we had a wand for springtime weather, but I suppose that's because he's the one who gets to drive in the snow, and I'm the one who gets to watch it while sipping hot cocoa. ;)

How about you? Is it winter in your neck of the woods? Or are you missing it as I am?

Before I run, I must share one more little bit of winter madness, this newest eBay auction. I swore I was finished with eBay, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, and this week it means selling the Mad Catter box...

My favorite part is the message inside, which pretty much sums things up around here, hehe. ♥

That's about it for today. I'm off to work on commissions now, and perhaps do a bit of sketching for the new Practical Magic piece. I'll be back very soon, and in the meantime, I hope you're enjoying your day whatever the weather...

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

A Wintry Work in Progress

Just popping in to share a few in-progress pics on a wooden tea tray. It began with a good base coat of ivory acrylic paint, then a checkerboard border, blocking in the figures, and doing a bit of detail on the trees...

By this time, I was feeling the need for color, so began with some vibrant reds, then dressed the gnome, and gave the polar bear a face...

Finally, after lots more detail, and a bit of varnish, the finished piece...

If there's such a thing as a "zen" kind of piece, this was surely it. Such a blessing to paint, so relaxing, and took me back to childhood folk and fairy tales.

Look for it on Etsy very soon. :)

Until next time,
♥ Carolee

November Nesting

Despite the small pang of regret I always feel as we bid goodbye to October - and very soon to autumn - there's something very cozy and welcoming about preparing the home and heart for winter. November is a month for nesting, for settling in. The last of the autumn leaves will be raked, the pond plants cut back and put to bed, the outside water connection shut off, and the kitchen countertops rearranged to accommodate the crockpot. Lap duvets, afghans, and my favorite readers wrap are draped over the living room furniture, knitting and embroidery projects sit on the floor by my favorite chair, along side a large stack of books, and the tea cupboard and candle boxes are well stocked.

Art supplies will be purchased in larger quantities this time of year too, as weather can prevent a quick run to the store. The last wood order, and last clock order of the year will be placed, and picked up at the Amish woodworker's shop before the snow flies (OK, most years before the snow flies - I'm considering last week's October snowstorm an aberration).

In the studio, while Halloween and things *magical* are a constant, Christmas and Yule pieces will be added to the schedule, and a few personal projects will begin. Homemade, handmade gifts are perhaps the best part of this November nesting; painting, stitching and cooking mindfully for someone special. ♥

We're very big on handmade around here, on gifts that come from the heart. And while Halloween is a favorite holiday for all it's magic and enchantment, Thanksgiving and Christmas are at least equal favorites for the deep meaning they carry, and the time spent with family - more precious than ever after the health challenges John has faced in recent years.

So the season of nesting begins, and also brings new inspiration for 2012 (more on this next month!). In the meantime, may November help us all to slow down a bit and find enjoyment in the little seasonal tasks that make a house a home.

Until next time, much love,
♥ Carolee

Winter Magic

Since moving east some 17 years ago (having longed for ages to live where the cycle of the year was more apparent than it was in our California beach town) the change of seasons never fails to signal a change in my outlook. Spring is all about possibility and new beginnings. Summer is about abundance and productivity. Autumn is a time for harvest and reflection, home and hearth. And winter....well, winter is pure *magic*. :)

Since childhood, when my grandfather would sneak outside and ring sleighbells, and my parents would tell us tales of the elves at the North Pole making candy (this happened whenever there was a pink sunset)...when I would sit for hours reading the original Brother's Grimm and Andersen's Fairy Tales (a gift from my great aunt Marguerite) or see "the Nutcracker", I've always thought of this time of year as more magical than the other seasons.

The only detention I ever received was in high school, when the first snow of the year began falling heavily as I sat in Algebra. Now really, how are you supposed to sit in a classroom when there are angels to be made in a field of newly fallen snow? (Which is exactly what I did, along with a partner in crime who is still one of my dearest friends)...Magic like that cannot be ignored.

When my own child came along, I wanted her to experience the magic too, so the season became one of story telling, cookie baking, paint and glitter, and of course, The Nutcracker - which she not only loved as much as I did, but eventually grew to dance. She tells me now that this is her favorite season, and I feel as if in some small way, I've succeeded. And one day, I know she'll pass that magic on to her own children.

But for now, with no children in the house, I find the magic making it's way into my work...

An auburn haired angel with crystal halo....

A snowy owl, bestowing Blessings of the Season....


And a whimsical cat, soaring high above the clouds, pouring warmth and goodness from his magical teapot....

As of this writing, the angel is still up for auction, and the owl and tea chest have a "buy it now" option, so as to allow earliest possible shipping. :)

The magic continues tomorrow with painting of course, and hopefully a bit of cookie and bread baking. Our celebration is a bit more low-key this year, with John home recovering from heart surgery, and me hobbling around the house on an injured ankle (I've so far refused steroids, but am now re-thinking, haha).

Do you have a particular magical winter memory, or tradition? Please do share....

In the meantime, I'll say goodnight, and sweet dreams. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for dropping by, for taking the time to look at my work, and for your lovely comments. :)

Wishing you a season of peace, magic and joy,

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

A Winter Challenge

As many of you know, I'm a member of the online artists' group EHAG. Most of us are known for our Halloween work, but this month the group was challenged to create a "crossover" piece (something with both Halloween and winter holiday elements) using the theme "Wintry and Spooky Owls".....


"Moonlight Totem" is what I've called this handsome fellow. I was pleased with the way he turned out. Such magical creatures, owls....and a blessing to be visited by one! I've seen several barn owls, but have never seen one of these snowy beauties in person. I imagine they're quite impressive up close and personal.

This one will list on eBay tonight at 9PM eastern. :)

Look for more new work soon; a clock, a footstool, a table and a recipe box. I also hope to visit the ceramic studio next week, so barring any firing disasters, there should be a pie plate or two before the holidays.

Right now I'm off to forage for supper...It's been dark and blustery all day today, and I've been working madly while sipping copious quantities of Twinings Winter Spice tea (another new favorite!)...It's a good night for soup, or possibly apple cake if I'm feeling ambitious....

I wish you could join me. :)

Instead, I'll wish you a happy and creative rest of the weekend, and be back in a day or two with more goodies.....

~ Carolee

A Quick Update

Just had to share this one, listing tonight on eBay. It's similar to the last black cat sign, but a tuxedo this time, and lot of little kitties below. Can you tell I was listing to some magical winter tunes from my playlist as I painted?

I'll try to pop in with new Etsy offerings soon, but no promises. Life has thrown us a curveball this week, and John is back in the hospital with health challenges. (Prayers and positive thoughts much appreciated!) I'll be back with bells on as soon as I'm able....

~ Carolee