"Spellcasting" on PFATT Marketplace

OK, first, TWO blog posts in one day?!? Hehe...

Sorry, but I just have to share this little homage to one of my all time favorite books and movies, "Practical Magic". I'm offering this piece on tomorrow's PFATT Marketplace (update at 10AM pacific time)...

The edges are adorned with rosebuds and vines, so there's no need for a frame (additional photo on tomorrow's listing)...

Back very soon with new work, and further ramblings...

♥ Carolee

♪ ♫ It's the MOST Wonderful Time of the Year...♪ ♫

Nooooo, not back to school (although there WAS a time when that was so, hehe)...

I'm talking about Autumn (yes, I capitalize it, because I feel it deserves special reverence) - and especially about *HaLLOwEeN*!!

It may still be summer outside, but here in the studio, it's full-on fall; pumpkin scented candles burn, the blog playlist provides a magical soundtrack, and witches and black cats adorn just about every surface, as preparation for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering kicks into full swing.

Etsy has been keeping me busy as well - the prints have been a huge success (just a few are left!) and originals are going quickly. This pair are up for grabs at the moment...

The first Halloween cats of 2011, they're sold individually, but if anyone wants to purchase both, I'll refund shipping. There are a few prints left in the Etsy shop as well. ;)

Look for a Practical Magic inspired painting on the PFATT Marketplace tomorrow too! (Nothing listed there at the moment, but it updates at 10AM Pacific time on Wednesday the 10th). :)

Plans and preparations also continue for next year's Road Dust and Wanderlust Tour (scroll down for details)...Getting VERY excited!!

And as if all this isn't enough, we're driving into the city tomorrow for brunch with Courtney and a visit to the Philadelphia Magic Gardens. Can't wait!!

That's about it for now - back to painting!!

Have a happy and *creative* rest of the week!

♥ Carolee

A New Blog!!!

As you may remember, a road trip is the works. A fabulous, cross country adventure, Thelma and Louise style (but without the guns and driving off a cliff thing)...Read all about it HERE, and when you get there, please do click "follow" to keep up with the adventure. :)

Happy Travels!

♥ Carolee

"Celebrate!"

It's that time again - the EHAG Emporium update!!

I've created a very special piece this month, an original, one of a kind lazy susan - perfect for a Halloween party centerpiece...

Acrylics on wood composite, with a clear, acrylic varnish. I love how it features different scenes as it turns...

This one is quite large, measuring a full 18" in diameter...

It's up for grabs on a first-come basis for $295 plus shipping, which will vary by location. To purchase, please email me at carolee@kingofmice.com UPDATE: ~SOLD~

Thanks for looking, and look for more Halloween goodies on Etsy!!

♥ Carolee

The Best Birthday Present EVER!

As some of you know, my husband John has been through the wringer health-wise these last couple of years; two heart surgeries, after which complications followed, then a recurrence of non-hodgkins lymphoma, and subsequent radiation therapy at Temple University hospital.

Well, yesterday was his post-treatment follow up appointment, and while all this needs to be confirmed by the regular oncologist and further blood tests, the radiation oncologist told us yesterday it "appears to be" a full remission!!

Following the appointment, John was sideswiped by a truck while driving on the PA turnpike, but was uninjured (and a highway patrolman caught up with the driver, who kept on going!) I am so thankful no one was hurt.

So you see, I feel doubly blessed today. And while financial circumstances preclude the purchase of birthday gifts around here, I feel as though I've been presented with the best gift in the world - time with my husband, and best friend!

I am truly blessed. ♥

~ Carolee

A Little "Practical Magic" Inspiration...

As the downside of summer continues (although you wouldn't know it by the heat here - yikes!) and my thoughts turn to autumn, it's time for another viewing - or two or three - of one of my all time favorite movies (based on an all time favorite book) "Practical Magic".

Which of course leads to painting inspiration! This original 8" x 8" acrylic on gallery canvas (up for grabs on Etsy now) features one of my all time favorite quotes...


"My darling girl, when are you going to realize that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage!"

Words to live by, eh?

I love the Owens sisters, I love their daughters, and I absolutely adore the aunts! But I think of all the characters on the movie, my very favorite has to be that HOUSE!

Oh, to live in a place like that, by the sea...herb garden, greenhouse, aga range in the kitchen. It's like someone read my mind and created a movie set. There's a wonderful site called "Hooked on Houses" where you can read more about it. I'd read it last year, but didn't bookmark the link, so had quite forgot about it when a friend shared the link the other day. Total house porn. ;)

And lucky me - this piece isn't the end of it! I have a commission for a Practical Magic insipred chair, and one more 8" x 8" painting, probably including one of those lovely toads from the movie! Hey, maybe I can use this guy as a model. He lives in our pond, and after much help from facebook friends, he now has a name...


Meet "The Frog Formerly Known as Prince". Or "Sherman" for short.

That's Dave, the pond guy holding him. John won't go near the pond, and would give away the fish and fill the whole thing in with cement given half a chance. What can I say - I like aesthetics, he likes low-maintenance. ;)

Where was I?

Yes, Practical Magic. If you haven't seen it, you must, and if you haven't read the book, you must. Inspiring and enchanting!

That's about it for now. I'll be back very soon with more on next year's road trip, which is becoming known as the "Road Dust and Wanderlust" tour, hehe. Love that.

Stay tuned, and in the meantime, try to stay cool!

♥ Carolee

Sew Many Blessings (Reprised)

This is the second sewing chest I've created this month - "sew" much fun, hehe. :)

Choosing and arranging the embellishments on top was almost as much fun as the painting process. If you look carefully, you'll spot tiny scissors, a sewing needle, three spools of thread, and even a tiny sewing machine among the buttons and trinkets and crystals.

It's up for grabs on Etsy now, where you'll find additional photos, including the interior, which includes a decoupaged tray.

I've also replenished the print supply on Etsy, so please do take a peek.

Next up is a clock, and then I'll be spending a few days painting for the upcoming Ghoultide Gathering show - just a few weeks away now, teehe!

Back very soon...
♥ Carolee