ULLABENULLA

WIREWORK JEWELRY Class Sample!

The CASTLE's Summer Class Schedule is due from the printers any day now. First on the list will be my new 'Wirework Jewelry' class to be taught on SUNDAY JUNE 1st from 11:00 to 5:00! As you can see from my sample, we will be playing with a number of different wire techniques, including: basic wire-work; hammered wire links; textile wrapped wire beads; how to incorporate chain into your work, creating your own hook and eye closures; and incorporating found elements into your work (including buttons, felt beads, and vintage jewelry parts). I will supply base-metal wire, chain, beads and tools, but feel free to bring your own tools, chain, beads and vintage jewelry bits to add to your creation! Call (510) 204-9801 to reserve a spot!

'CASTLE IN THE AIR' is having a SALE!

We are having a 30% off sale at the CASTLE, for the next few days!!! Need Crepe Paper, Dresden, or Just Something Wonderful? Stop by and take advantage!!! (Sorry, does not include classes)
Castle image: A model Village in England - Beckonscot Village by William Tolliday. Thank you Judy for the Photo!

NOTE ON SHOPPING ONLINE: Apparently the online shop isn't functioning yet, but you can call 510-204-9801 with your requests...

Fortune Teller At The Castle!

I delivered the Castle SCRAPBOOK yesterday, and took some photos of the new window. John Mcrae has once again worked MAGIC, transforming one of the Venetian Christmas Ladies into a Fortune Teller!!!

Five Years And Fifty Pages Later...

I have finally finished (part 1) my big project for the Castle! For the last two weeks I have been creating a 'scrap-book' filled with 5 years of photos, letters, memorabilia and other ephemera. Truth be told, there was no way I could squeeze 5 years into 50 pages, so another book (part 2) is already in the works... Pictures below reflect a tiny portion of the variety and creativity in the Castle's first 5 years!!! ENJOY!

Venetian Christmas At The Castle

While I was away in Minnesota over Thanksgiving, the Castle Queen and her elves put together a Venetian Christmas sure to make your heart drop! Two decadently dressed manniquins grace the windows with a feast of goodies that will make your mouth water! Petit-fours of paper and felt, a papermache boars head, faux candied fruit, swans baskets filled with clam-shell treats and my favorite, two glorious red crepe-paper lobsters!!!

John McRae created a giant golden chandelier completely out of large German pressed papermache dresden! Walking around the shop one finds many hidden little Christmas vignette's including, a miniature castle filled with mushroom gnomes, golden paper clothed fairies, magical white rabbits, favorite fairytale characters and glistening white trees filled with wonderous ornaments. If you happen to be in the Bay Area over the holidays, be sure and come VISIT!!!

Dresden Ormolu Treasures!

I just love sharing everything that happens at the CASTLE! John McRae is a favorite teacher and now also an employee, and never fails to amaze with his unique class offerings and creative displays! One of his more popular classes is his 'Dresden Fish Tank' photographed here. I was delighted to see my friend and NEW BLOGGER Donna O'Brien's version, truly transformed into a Victorian Ormolu Treasure! Take a look at the other lovely things Donna creates HERE, and please welcome her into Blogland!!!

John's Sand Castle!

John McRae has created an enchanting 'Sand Castle' for Castle In The Air!!! His attention to detail is stunning and everyone who see's this, wants to move right in!!! He also re-did one of my earlier window features into a 'Circus Pavillion' - Magic is always afoot at the CASTLE!!!

Little Red And Her 'Wolf-y'

MY LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD is finished at last! I started with one of last years 'Angels' that never sold. I re-did her clothing, in paper of course, painted her gold slippers black and added a lovely Red Cape! Don't you want a red cape? I sure do - in a nice Irish Wool - thank you...

And then for the ULTIMATE TOUCH, in an 'Inspired' moment, I asked LUCILLE to felt a 'Wolf' doll for her to hold. Isn't he wonderful?!?! Talk about perfect size! THANK YOU LUCILLE!!! Now I can't wait to get the entire story into the CASTLE window on Friday! Isn't she lovely???

Cottage Door Detail!

Just a quick post to show you the door-knocker I made for the cottage! I was inspired by THIS POST of Corey's, with those wonderful French hand-knockers, and decided to make my own. I found a small doll arm, and cut it in half with a pair of snippers - who would of guessed that it would work? but it did! A little 'apoxy sculpt' on the top part of the arm finished it off with a bow. Then I created a small tile for the back - out of leaf beads and added a 'red apple' bead in the palm! My second guessing said this could be seen as a bit MACABRE for a 'Little Red Riding Hood' story, but then one shouldn't second guess oneself - right???

Grandmothers Cottage...

I am just about finished with everything to go into the 'Little Red Riding Hood' Window at the Castle this Friday! Here is 'Grandmothers Cottage'. The base is made of foam core, which I sponged for a sandy 'stucco' feel. I cut out all three windows, added a foam-core casement, mica glass, and gold dresden shutters. For the wolf, I created a mini-theatre behind the house, to give the illusion that he/she is peeking out the window. I gave the wolf a lace 'cap', and found a 'grand-motherly wall paper for the wall.

Next came the trees which I cut out of foam-core, spray painted black and then sponged avocado greens on them. I did a few different sizes, so that one gets the illusion of being in a forest. I was really lucky to find a 'bushel full of fabric vegetables' yesterday while out antiquing - which I think will be the perfect prop for Little Miss Red to have at her feet! And speaking of Miss Red, she is almost finished - just a few more details, and she'll be ready to meet you!!!