ULLABENULLA

News and Such...

Oh how time flies!  I've just posted a few of my summer classes on the sidebar.  I'm especially excited about my Sea Dragon Fabric Bracelet, (Class On July 1st) pictured above and below.  Inspired by my 'Dragon Familiar that I posted about HERE, this one is a tiny dragon or serpent, easier to wear and oh so fun!  I need to get a photo of it on, they are quite wonderful.  I added a bit of elastic under their heads, so they perch on your hand as you wear them!

Spring was filled with wonderful classes including a Rabbit Theatre,  Dressed Figures, and Waxed Flowers...  My last class of this session will be 'Cake Toppers' (Class is full) to be held at the Castle!

More Soon!!!

Pirates and Lobsters for Valentines!

Here are a couple more 'Sweetheart Pincushions' that I made, and now at the Castle, these with a definite Pirate theme!  And on another watery note, I forgot to post my Christmas Ornament Exchange Ornament, so here it is... A bright pink 'Lobster Gnome' - complete with sea-gifts on top!  Not too many of these out there...

Enjoy!

'

Kitchen Santos

I'm afraid I have not been a very reliable blogger lately.  My apologies...  Life has been filled with a variety of  obligations, and blogging has had to take a backseat. Despite, or perhaps due to the full schedule, my creative juices have been flowing like crazy!  Recently I had the pleasure of taking John McRae's 'Santos' class, at the Castle.  Using wonderful composition German creche figures, cotton batting, and delicate wood pieces we constructed our own personal Santos figures.  I decided to make mine with a kitchen theme.  First I designed a center reliquary with tiny clay vegetables and cutlery.  Then I added my collection of mexican kitchenware onto her wooden brackets.   Bronze numbers, representing times of the day that we eat, are on her waistline.  She holds 2 delightful vintage 'cakes' made of wax, offering her bounty to all who enter our little kitchen.  I've wrapped her head in vintage velvet, but hope to someday find a small demitasse teacup to top her head.  She sits quietly on a ornate shelf, welcoming all who enter...

 

Fairy Chariot Birthday Party!

Saturday was a very special day for one of the resident Castle Princesses.  To mark the occassion I was asked to create a 'Chariot pulled by Butterflies with a Fairy inside' class for this 9 year olds Birthday party.  (A students finished chariot is shown above)  Its been a few years since I taught 9 year olds, and I had forgotten how attentive and focused they can be!  They were as quiet as mice for the first half hour - watching, following and creating.  

 

I hadn't expected them to finish their project so quickly!  Karima, Queen of the Castle, came to my rescue and suggested that the girls also create tea-party settings, with toadstool bowls and golden Dresden cutlery.  Suddenly their imaginations were set free...  The Chariots continued to be embellished, some with umbrellas to protect the fairies from rain.  Fairy's were given jewelry and belts.   Little tables appeared, created from crepe paper and corks - kids are so ingenious!   I was thrilled that they could expand on the theme and create magic!  

A table was set up with 'grass' and Fairy Houses, so that the Fairy's had a place to fly their Chariots to, and perhaps even rest on a hammock!

Topping off our party, was a 'Princess Cake' covered in candles, joyous singing and smiles all around!

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM BEAR HOUSE AND ULLA!

What was the noise Little Brother Bear heard yesterday?  Non other than Santa Bear arriving in style!  His green shoe sleigh is pulled by two white goats, decked in antique paisley finery.  Santa Bear wears a felted wool jacket and holds a huge bag of toys, enough for all the little bears who are now asleep in bed!

Wishing you a most Merry of Christmas' and Many Blessings for the rest of the year!!!

Just for fun, here is a photo of my Inspiration (top left corner), Santa Bear before being costumed, and the antique chocolate mold I used for my paperclay sleigh...

Winter Solstice at BEAR HOUSE and Other Adventures!

Oh my!  Look who has arrived at BEAR HOUSE today!  Non other than Krampus himself!!!  A few days early, he is here to warn and punish any Bears who may have forgotten their manners...

Krampus was my surprize 'Ornament Exchange Gift' at our annual Castle Christmas Party.  Karima, Queen of the Castle created him with all the love and attention she showers onto the Castle on a daily basis!  Here I am receiving my gift, just look at that grin!  Fortunately for me, my number was high - so no one could steal him away!

Our annual Christmas party is one we all look forward to the whole year.  The highlight is our 'Ornament Exchange' complete with stealing allowed.  The one rule is that each ornament must be handmade! This year I made a miniature winter parade scene, of a Raindeer with Rabbit and Squirrel Passangers - rushing to greet everyone at the party!  Raindeer wears an antique paisley blanket on his back, and Rabbit and Squirrel have 'flower hats' on.

John McRae Won mine early on, and it was stolen twice before it finally found its way home to John again...

And so the adventures continue...

Enchanted Christmas in Yountville!

Today I had the special treat of seeing my friend Dolph Gotelli's 'An Enchanted Christmas' exhibit now being shown at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville.  If you are anywhere near Napa this is a not to miss exhibit of amazing wonder and delight! (It runs through January 23rd, so there is still plenty of time!) Dolph has created 30 vignettes of his favorite christmas collectables.  Everything from 'Santa on a Midnight walk' above, to Grizelda's Christmas Tree - first image below.

My Mother and I spent nearly two hours looking at all the scenes, each one magical and nostalgic.  I especially fell in love with 'Dinner At Willow Hollow' seen first below - depicting a christmas feast attended by a variety of woodland animals.  Dolphs attention to details is supreme and his ability to make our hearts go back in time flawless.  A couple more of my favorites are also seen below.  More information on Dolph can be found HERE.  And photos of all the scenes are HERE!

ENJOY!

 

Marionette Magic At The Castle!

Eight wonderfully talented women joined me this weekend at the Castle to create Marionettes!  As a teacher I am always thrilled when my students exceed all my expectations - and this class was no exception!  Truly whimsical and delightful little puppets emerged over these two days, now they only require their own personal fairytale to complete the story.  

Here I present to you:  A Jolly little Tree-Frog; A Nouveau inspired Ballerina; The Mad Hatter Himself; A Wild Haired and Chilly Jack Frost here via Poland; A Jack Rabbit- abit down on his luck; A Delightful little Long Nosed Elf; A Lovely Gypsy Maiden; And a Humble Chinese Peasant.

Enjoy!

 

 

Merbaby in a Clamshell...

This little 'Merbaby in a clamshell' was so much fun to create.  The shell, coral, rock, algae, and underwater flowers were all made of a variety of fabrics and fibers.  The sweet little Merbaby was done using a Patricia Rose mold, and is only about 2 inches long...  She has a tiny opalescent shell cap and teeny tiny pearls for hair.  Summer has me inspired by the ocean and all its many treasures...

 

Marionettes Take The Stage!

The Marionette class over the weekend at the Castle, was a huge success!  As you can see from the unpainted heads above, there was a large cast of characters that took shape!  Not everyone was able to finish their puppets, but fun was had by all!  Among the completed marionettes was a wonderful Nun, in full habit, whose alter ego enjoys playing at 'Burning Man'!

 

We were also visited by a saucy young lady, with red eyes and a bit of a snarl, dressed in lace and nano felting.  Just look at those slippers!

 

A very 'Dolly' like Ballerina with glittery legs, took spins on our floor!  She is wearing a very chic ballon-like French Dress, complete with sexy undergarments!

 

The last marionette to be completed in class was 'Mossy Fine-Fernfeather of the Fine-Fernfeather Clan from Oak Grove North of Marshy Glen'!  A dashing young man with red hair and striped nickers!  I was just told this morning that "he's in good health, subsisting on dew drops, flower petals, fairy cakes & vanilla soy lattes."  Doesn't get much better than that!    

 

We wait patiently for updates on a lovely little fairy, created by the Castles resident 8 year old princess, seen here ironing her fairies costume. 

 

Also awaiting in the wings of this grand performance are a handsome winged Owl who is a pharmacist by profession, a mischievous calico kitty cat, a dainty little lady, and Papageno the Birdcatcher, from the Magic Flute!

Marionette Class Tomorrow!

I created this little 'SuperBug' Marionette as a sample for my class tomorrow.  She's all ready to be strung up and start dancing!  Ten students will join me this weekend at the CASTLE, to create their own Marionettes!  More photos soon!

link  

 

The Old Pretenders Have A BLOG!

Many of you know about my love for David and Paul and 'The Old Pretenders'. Well I am thrilled to announce that they have started a blog!  Filled with stunning photos of many of their newest creations, it serves as a beautiful showcase for their reproduction English Wooden Dolls.  Please go HERE and say hello to these 2 amazingly talented gentlemen!

 

Poetic Dolls From Russia

 

There is something very poetic in the expressions of the dolls by Russian artist  Yanovskaya Anastasia. Perhaps it is there full smooth cheeks that attract me, or their doe-like eyes and cupid smiles. The artist also has a gift of draping textiles to form costumes that look awash in a pool of wonder!

Glorious...  

   

Dreams In A Suitcase!

When I saw this over at A Little Hamster something went bang in my heart! When I am finished teaching and can't think of what else to do, I want to be 'the funny little old lady, wearing wild hats, who gives marionette shows out of a suitcase - along busy streets'!  Perhaps I can talk my husband into doing the music, and we can be 'the CrAzY couple who entertains'!!!  Now there's a dream!

The Many Faces Of Christmas!

Here it is the 25th already, and I have not made a Christmas Greeting post.  Being Scandinavian our festivities happened yesterday and today is a day of rest and reflection...  

How does one make 'grace' when times are lean?  The economy and my illness has made this years Christmas the leanest ever.  And yet...  My husband and I agreed that it has also been one of the best.  When money is scarce, creativity takes its place.  Added to that is a heavy dose of 'Gratefulness'.  Our resident teenager has shown more courage, strength and love than we ever expected, from times like these -- I absolutely love watching her grow into a young woman.  The smiles and laughter of my many nieces and nephews heals tender hearts!  Homemade food and delicious local wines keep hunger at bay.  Californian sunshine (its 65 degrees today!) is pushing up spring blooms, and wonderful green weeds, reminding me of a new season on its way!  

I am continually grateful and amazed at how wonderful my worldly readers and friends - YES you are all friends!  So many faces, so many smiles, so many lovely words...  I feel touched by grace - daily!

Todays photos are of the puppets in the Castles Christmas Windows, appropriate in their varied faces and whimsy.  They inspire me, with their lovingly carved freatures and remind me that no matter what we look like, we are all family!

Blessings to all of you!

Ulla 

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.   

    

 

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???

Welcoming the New Season, and Playing Catch Up!

Where does the time go???  I've been overwhelmed with classes, events and projects, and seem to have neglected my blog.  I'm so sorry!  I promise to catch you all up as soon as I get some more rest.  Yesterday and last night was the CASTLE'S Christmas Transformation .  I was the first to arrive at 9:30 am, but not the last to leave!  At 11:30 pm, 14 hours later for me, I had to head home, and leave the rest of the Castle Christmas Magic up to the remaining elves...  Do come and visit soon!!!

Illustration above by Theodor Kittelsen of Norway.

BELOW:  A peek at our 'Christmas' Window (using antique Chinese Theatre Puppets) created by the ever talented John McRae!

Mother Winter Class at the Castle!

Last weekend 5 lovely women joined me in creating their own personal versions of MOTHER WINTER at the CASTLE!  Not only was this my last class of the season for the Castle, but I think it was one of my absolute favorite classes!  Using glass domes as a 'skirt' and wonderful papers, fabrics. glitters and natural materials - true fantasy versions of Ms. Winter appeared!  Inspiration came from Pagan Myths, Marie Antoinette and even the Aura Borealis!  My personal favorite part of this project was creating the miniature 'Winter Wonderland' scenes that fits under the glass domes.  Teeny Tiny little trees and houses clinging to snow encrusted hillsides - one is truly transported!

Enjoy!!!  

49 Candles!

Every year of my life, on this morning I have been serenaded by song, and this morning was no exception! From near and far, phone calls, emails, letters and hugs have arrived - letting me know how truly Blessed I am!  My Mother told me (again) this morning how happy she was that day 49 years ago, at 2:12 am when I arrived, and I told her how happy I am too, that I am here!  Life is indeed good!

These amazing antique movable Silhouettes are a small part of a stunning gift given to me yesterday by The Queen of Ribboned Crowns who always makes me smile and laugh and helped me celebrate my day - a day early. Doesn't that look like me above, singing with Sadie? And surely tonight the golden candle will be lit when my dear husband opens the door!