ULLABENULLA

Russian Cuteness...

I don't often go for cute, but these images are just irresistible!  Can't you just imagine yourself as one of these little guys?  And I sure wish our town looked like the one in the last image!  Found via the amazing Kidpix.  Go Here to see more!

Masks of Marvels!

I ADORE these masks created by Isabelle Thibeault!  Her whimsical Photography found on her blog harks to anthropomorphic fairytales and stories of delight!  It would be very very difficult for me to chose just one, but perhaps you can find your own alter ego amongst her creations...

Via  Marie Claire Idees Blog.   

    

 

Polly's Wreath

This charming poster is available Here!

Via

 

Free Christmas PDF's to Create and Inspire!

 

I just LOVE this little Snow Baby on a Snowball Box designed and created by Karima, the owner and Queen of Castle In The Air!  Best of all, there is a FREE PDF HERE so you can make your own!  You can also buy a kit Here, which comes with everything you need to create your own delightful little Snow Baby Box!  I'd like to make a whole family of these, just to put around the house!

 

Here is another amazing FREE PDF from the wonderfully creative Ann Wood!  I have always loved her magnificent paper ships, and now she has generously shared her pattern and instructions for making a enchanting paper boat just in time for you to sail away on Christmas time dreams!  Complete Instructions can be found HERE!  Can't you just see a family of Snow-babies riding away on one of these? 

I think this little 3-D town calendar from Canon is delightful too!  I love how each month gives a new scene, and yet you can see all of them at a glance!  You can print your own calendar for free here!  

And just for fun, I found this wonderful old 'Cook Book' illustration!  Doesn't it make you want to cook a holiday feast?   Link 

 

St Lucia Day Blessings...

Tradition tells us that Saint Lucy was born of noble, wealthy, Christian parents in Syracuse, Italy. Lucy had few memories of her father, for he died when Lucy was an infant. As a young girl, Lucy took a secret vow to consecrate her virginity to Christ. Thus her mother was quite dismayed when Lucy, as a teen, refused marriage to a young pagan. When Lucy's mother developed a hemorrhage, Lucy persuaded her to visit the tomb of St. Agatha to pray for healing. When her mother was healed, Lucy revealed her vow of virginity and asked permission to bestow her fortune on the poor. Joyful at her cure, Lucy's mother agreed, but Lucy's pagan suitor was incensed. With the persecution of the emperor Diocletian at its height, the jilted young man accused Lucy, before a judge, of being a Christian. When Lucy refused to relinquish her faith, the judge ordered her to a brothel. However, guards who attempted to drag her to the house of sin were unable to budge her. Similarly an attempt to burn Lucy to death failed so she was dispatched by thrusting a sword into her throat. The date of Lucy's martyrdom was December 13, 304.

According to the Julian calendar, December 13th was the shortest day of the year. The change to the Gregorian calendar altered the date to December 21st, but did not change Lucy's feast day celebration, and she is forever associated with lengthening days and more sunlight.

As early as the sixth century, Lucy was honored in Rome as one of the most praiseworthy virgin martyrs, and her name was inserted into the canon of the Mass. Possibly because of her name, which means "light," Lucy was invoked by those who suffered from eye trouble or blindness. Due to this connection, various legends arose. One legend claimed that her eyes were put out by a tyrannical government official or by her jilted boyfriend. Another declared that Lucy tore them out herself to discourage her pagan suitor. In every story, however, the Lord restored her eyes to her, more beautiful than ever.

More on St. Lucia day and link HERE!

 

Winter Whimsy...

I found this delightful little card while in Minnesota over Thanksgiving.  Wish I knew who the artist was... Off to the Castle today to partake in some Christmas Selling!

Christmas Decorating When There Are 2 Women In The House - Part 1

 

At this time of year, my Husband, Daughter and I have an on-going argument about WHEN to start Christmas decorating.  Being Danish, My preference has been to wait until the day before the 24th, (OK, a week before would be tolerable).  My Husband's family is Swedish, but as transplants to Minnesota, the Tree went up in early December.  My 14 year old Daughter wants Christmas to start the day after Thanksgiving! What to do?  Compromise...  Last week I had the idea of agreeing on getting a tree on December 13th, which also happens to be St Lucia Day, a fitting start to our holiday season.  Truth be told, I love having a tree and green garlands in the house - its the rest of 'Christmas decor' that sets my teeth on edge.  

With the big date set, discussions have already begun on HOW we will decorate, and with WHAT.  A few of you may remember THIS POST about Halloween Decorating with my daughter, well let me tell you, Christmas is no different!  She, bless her, has a very definite idea of what Christmas should look like. Lately her favorite line is having a 'Catalog Christmas'.  What is a 'Catalog Christmas' to a 14 year old?  When all of the ornaments and decorations are color coordinated, and look like they came out of pretty gift boxes from a favorite shop in the Mall.  At times like these I truly wonder "Is this MY daughter?"  Five huge boxes sit in the rafters of our garage - all labeled Christmas.  Each is filled with Nostalgic Scandinavian Jul Decor, Little Red Tomte's, Hand-woven wheat ornaments, Flying geese, crystal icicles and plenty of hand-made delights.  No Catalog Christmas in sight.  

Today, tired of being sick and a little bored, I decided to jump the gun on Christmas decorating.  Ok, the reality is I am also claiming a little bit of 'Christmas Territory' in our tiny house, before the big guns come in on the 13th.  I have fantasized about a WHITE CHRISTMAS for years, with lovely white furniture, simple crystal candleholders, and a breath of French elegance.  I'm afraid my tastes are too 'Worldly' and 'Eclectic' for this fantasy.  Digging out some splendid spangled trees gifted to me earlier this year by Nancy made me smile.  Who could sit under these eye-popping trees placed to either side of my mirrored Arts and Crafts sideboard?  A Lovely Antique Chinese Embroidery from the equally lovely Nicol sets the stage beautifully. Ten sweet little paper-mache dolls from China, two ducks and a big blue 'Star' crafted by the Castles own John McRae, have created a Ulla Inspired Creche Scene like no other...  I love how everything looks together here, the spangled trees framing the hand-sewn treasures. Like an exotic Asian Fairy-tale come to life...  I Wonder what my daughter will think???

Cobbled and Fair...

Oh how I wish I had a pretty pair of slippers like these to hobble around in these days...  Still fighting this cold, and hoping for Holiday Cheer.

LINK

 

"Sweetly At Home"

This beautiful hand carved and hand painted door header graces the enchanting home of fellow blogger Anita of Castles, Crowns and Cottages in Minnesota. Lovingly created by her husband Ruben, chief scribe of the blog  Rattus Scribus, who also happens to be the brother of Nancy of Fete et Fleur it set the stage for a delightful day spent with this wonderful couple!  These are the JOYS of Bloglandia!  Anita is a Fourth grade French Teacher in a French immersion school, and her home is pure Provence!  Filled with lovely hand made touches and treasured antiques, that sing of 'Castles', 'Crowns' and 'Cottages'!

Both Anita and Ruben are self taught musicians, Anita on the harp and Ruben on the guitar.  My husband, who ended up staying for a couple of hours talking with Ruben, and I were serenaded with lovely music filled with joy and friendship!

Anita and I had planned a day of antiquing but ended up staying in her home and talking all day!  We had so much in common and so many things to chat about, time just flew by!  The hand colored photo below, is Anita's Grandmother, obviously true beauty and style runs in the family!  

 

This delightful 'Castle Theatre' below, designed by Anita and created by Ruben, has been the place for a number of inspiring tales told on Castles, Crowns, and Cottages, and will surely continue to keep us all enthralled!

 

And look closely below, and you'll see a wonderful tiny velvet slipper crafted by Anita, in front of a enchanting bouquet also created by her hands!  Truly their home was FILLED with treasures such as these...

 

As you can guess, their Christmas Tree was also a true work of art, nestled in a corner, covered in glitter, feathers and romance!  

  

THANK YOU DEAREST ANITA AND RUBEN for a lovely day, and dreams of many more! 

THANK YOU NANCY for making this day happen!

Shadowplay... Betwixt and Between...

I am feeling a little forlorn and lost today, having come home with a wicked cold...  Hope to be back to normal very soon!  Until then, enjoy this delightful art work by Hans Peter Feldmann called Shadowplay.  I love the play between the actual objects used and the shadows shown - just like dream time!