Snowmen in August?!

Yep, yep, yep. ;)

Preparation for fall and holiday shows is in full swing here, so I thought I'd share something a little different than the usual "wicked and whimsical" art...

Having signed on to the Holiday Craft Show in Fairfax VA, I've been playing with welcome signs (old and new) and the upshot is these two designs...

"Let Heaven and Nature Sing" - two available (update - all sold)...


And "Winter Blessings" - three available (update - all sold)...


I'm told by repeat customers they make great holiday gifts, so I'll be heading to the show with about 160 of them! That's a LOT of painting, hehe. :)

And actually, these are probably a bit more detailed than large scale production will allow, so rather than take them along and confuse matters, I'll be offering them on Etsy tomorrow, unless they get snapped up first. ;)

They measure about 10 1/2" x 16 1/2", are painted in acrylics on solid pine, routed and stained, with a clear varnish suitable for indoor or outdoor display. $45 each plus shipping, which depends on location. If you'd like one or more ,just shoot me an email at carolee@kingofmice.com .

That's about it for now...Back to painting!

♥ Carolee

On a Very Personal Note...

I wish to extend the most heartfelt THANK YOU to all those who've followed John's journey these last few years through two heart surgeries and most recently, radiation for non-hodgkins lymphoma.

It's been a long road, but I'm thrilled to announce the official word from his oncologist is that the blood is now absolutely clear - a full remission!

We're filled with happiness and gratitude. :)

♥ Carolee

*Bewitching* Brew....

...Magical Potion...Enchanting Elixir...Intoxicating Infusion...Liquid Wisdom; that restorative wonder and general cure-all, liquid bliss and inspiration; a cup of TeA.

Loving tea as I do (and collecting teapots!), it's become a frequent subject in the studio, painting as I sip whatever brew strikes my fancy that day, perfectly content with every moment of the process. I can't put my finger on it, but there's something very Zen about the combination of tea and art, a sort of calm that washes over you, kind of like what happens when you sit down with a cup of tea and a good book. ;)

C.S. Lewis famously said "You can never have a cup of tea large enough, or a book long enough to suit me."

I ♥ that.

But I'm getting off track here...Aside from extolling the virtues and wonders of tea, I want to share what I've been up to all week. Well, half of it anyway.

This is a hand made, birch wood tea chest in it's original state, straight from the woodworker. So many possibilities, but of course, the one that leaps to mind is something illustrating the *magic* it contains. A black cat, a witchy little mouse, a *magical* Halloween tea set, and cupcakes that make you want to steal a bite or two...

And inside, room for boxes and boxes of your favorite brew. I'm running a tad low on teabags myself, or I would have added more for the photograph. Guess it's time to restock.

I'll be listing this one on Etsy tonight, where it can be directly purchased (I'm really loving that people don't have to jump through eBay hoops to get my pieces any more) and I was also thinking it would be fun to offer personalization on the inside of the lid - a name, a date, a quote - whatever makes it special. ♥

I think it would be perfect for a Witch's Tea Party - or even a tea party for one...

This was my very own solo party last October.

Which reminds me - veering off topic a bit here, but I have to tell you, there's a Practical Magic blog party coming soon! If you scroll down on the right sidebar, you'll see the banner, which will lead you to the hostess' blog, details, etc. As soon as I heard about it, I was IN! Can never have enough Practical Magic. ;)

Are you still with me? I know I ramble sometimes. At least, that's what John says ("Does this story have a POINT?")

Sometimes, hehe. ;)

Anyway, I'll be back soon with more new work. Things can get a little crazy this time of year as I divide my time between work for sale, work for the Ghoultide Gathering, and commissions. (Sleep is soooooo overrated, ha!)

Wishing you days of magic and bliss as summer draws to a close, and the first traces of autumn appear. I'll leave you with this video of one of my favorite folky autumn songs...



Until next time,
♥ Carolee

Little Ol' Me in Midwest Living!

Just have to share, I received the autumn issue of Midwest Living magazine in the mail today, and there in living color on page 69 is a photo of my art!

The "Discoveries" page features the fabulous Ghoultide Gathering Halloween art show, and includes work from myself, Scott Smith, Johanna Parker and Aron Lowe.

SUCH an honor to share the page with these amazing artists, and such an honor for Midwest Living to say such nice things about my art. :)

I'm floating, hehe...

♥ Carolee

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

A *Magical* Weekend!

Well, it's almost that time again...

Just a few weeks until some of the finest Halloween artists this side of the Milky Way gather in Northville, Michigan for the fifth annual Ghoultide Gathering!

Five years, and I'm still pinching myself, wondering if it's all a dream...

Actually, not only is it REAL, but it's TWO days of magic this year, with so many enchanting details added I can hardly wait.

There's a total of thirty artists this year, and on Friday night, as Mill Race Village is aglow, collectors will be able to enjoy assorted treats at each of the artist's tables as they browse - kind of like twilight trick-or-treating, but with fabulous Halloween art to purchase! (Not sure what I'm doing yet, but I was thinking maybe some Lancaster County, homemade pumpkin fudge?)

There will also be cider and other beverages available in one of the buildings, and live music outside!! Yep - Scott and Stephanie (the amazing people who bring this show together every year) have booked the coolest band; The Apple Seed Collective. Sort of a mix of gypsy, folk and dixieland...Check them out here. :)

How perfect is THAT?!

Of course, as in years past, my favorite part of the show is meeting friends and collectors in person. Spending most of my time creating in a home studio, keeping in touch via email and facebook, I can't tell you how exciting it is to share my work and meet people in real life instead of cyberspace. It's just the best, and gives me the warm, Halloween fuzzies. ♥

Anywhoooo - if you love Halloween, and Halloween art..if you're close enough for a day trip (or farther away and in the mood for a weekend getaway!), you do not want to miss this show. You can visit the website for details on discounted accomodations, directions, etc., and in the meantime, I'll leave you with this video from the 2009 show (I know I've posted it before, but I could watch it again and again, hehe)...


Back to the studio for me - I'll be bringing lots of new goodies, and hoping to see you there!!

♥ Carolee

Four Fall Signs

...are looking for a new home...(update - all sold now)

I took a break from painting tea chests today to paint four of these autumn welcome signs, which will list on Etsy tomorrow, unless someone grabs them first. They measure 11" x 14" and are hand painted in acrylics on solid pine, with stained and routed edges. Sawtooth hanger on the back for display indoors or out.

They're $45 each plus shipping by location, and make great gifts. Just email me at carolee@kingofmice.com if you'd like one. :)

Back soon! ♥ Carolee