ULLABENULLA

Susan's Wonderland Of Toys!!!

Last Friday a friend and I visited Susan's Store Room in San Anselmo. If you are in the Bay Area, and need a 'WHIMSY' fix, let me tell you, this is the shop for you!!! For 30 years, Susan, the lovely proprietor of Susan's Store Room has delighted and thrilled all who visit with not one but three huge rooms filled to the brim with toys, dolls, bears, miniatures, gifts and all things magical and whimsical! Not a space is left bare, and no corner empty, truly a wonderland of delights!

Susan is also known for a delightful series of books, "The Travel Journals of the Steiff Reggie, Pansy and Clarence Bears". Our visit just happened to coincide with the arrival of her newest book: "Clarence goes to The Chelsea Flower Show". This wonderful book (illustrated by the very talented Maryjo Koch) tells the tale of Clarence visiting England! Clarence, designed by Susan and created by STEIFF takes us all over the Queens Kingdom, journaling about his adventures as he goes. Here we see Susan and Clarence posing at Beatrix Potters home!
(Book and Bear available from Susan's Store Room)

You need to plan on spending a good amount of time when visiting Susan's Store Room, there is sooooooo much to see! look around and you will find Noahs Ark - filled with Steiff animals of every kind; Jolly Gnomes hiding behind a forest of trees; dressed Mice having tea-parties; King Tut holding a conversation with a giant ostrich and Elephants playing Safari! Doll Houses filled with delicious miniatures of every kind, tempt us to join in the fun. Every Holiday has its place all year round here, with Halloween and Christmas sharing space with Easter and Valentine's. Shelves are crowded to overflowing and Dolls and Bears peek out where ever you look! A visit to Susan's Store Room makes us walk back in time and be children again! Truly an adventure not to be missed!!!

Millinery Fiesta

Sunday afternoon, Lucille and I visited Phyllis Beals in her amazing home, where she was having a Trunk show, with her friends Deborah Starks and Joan Vilms. Some of you may remember my post from last year's visit filled with color and creativity! Well, this year was even better!!! Phyllis met us at the door, wearing an amazing corkscrew like felted hat (that I quickly purchased right off her head!) and offered us the most divine EggNogs we have ever tasted!

Lucille and I spent quite a bit of time trying on each and every hat we could find. Doesn't Lucille look like one of her dolls in this hat?

Along with numerous Felt hats, was a selection of fairytale like Straw hats and beautiful head bands all displayed with magic in mind!

Even Marie Antoinette made an appearance, sitting on Deborah's table, wearing beautiful jewels any Queen would adore! Surely if Marie's hair were red, she'd look like Deborah!

Like any true artist, Phyllis has a gift for collecting and display! Her twice yearly trips to Mexico inspire and fill her home with joyful color, playful light and amazing Latin energy! She is truly a Pixie Crowned Queen living a Fiesta life!!!
Please don't miss the fabulous jewelry of Joan Vilms as well! Somehow I neglected to get photos of her wonderful work, but her charming presence was heartfelt and true! ENJOY!!!

Antiquing With ArtsyMama!

We are finally home from our holiday trip to Minnesota! We had a beautiful WHITE Thanksgiving, (the snowflakes were as big as moths...) with all the trimmings! The highlight for me was my day with Kari of Artsy Mama! Her POST about our day, captures the true spirit of our whirlwind adventure! Kari picked me up at 10:00, with a bundle of maps on her lap, that took us to 'estate sales' and 'shops' all around Minneapolis and St. Paul. My Husband was so surprised at how much ground we covered in a day!

I felt like I hit a home-run even before we began shopping, with the lovely gifts that Kari presented me. Beautiful Handmade cones held a wonderful 'U' mug, divine soap, and a charming vintage pipecleaner angel! She also spoiled me with bits and pieces of old paper, postcards and ribbons.

Kari introduced me to Minneapolis' Estate sales, and I'll tell you, I wish I could join her each and every weekend! It was such a delight shopping with a like-minded friend and artist, finding treasures and antiques together! Here is Kari after our favorite Estate Sale, where we scored wonderful old books, ephemera and other goodies! Isn't she adorable? And thats me pointing to one of the yellow 'Birkeland' estate sale sign's, that kept us running all morning...

Next we went to Hunt & Gather Antiques, an amazing shop filled with cabinets, boxes and bins bursting with an artists trove of delictable finds!!! I think we could have stayed there all afternoon if our hunger had not intervened!

Rooms were color-coordinated... and we found many wonderful displays to enchant and inspire us! (just look at this tree held up with Vintage books)

Here we are catching our breath at the front counter! (Don't you just love the Christmas display with red water-bottles, and a fire-hat?) As you can see, Christmas was in the air, and I found a few new treasures to use in my classes!

A good day of shopping deserves a good meal, and this was no exception. We did manage to pull away (not till 3:00 though!) and spent our last hour eating and sharing stories...

THANK YOU KARI for a Fairytale like day - My wish is that there will be many more!!!

(illustration from a real treasure of a book that I'll share later)

DRUM ROLL PLEASE FOR THE WINNERS....

With just over 100 entries for my give-away, the bowl, as you can see, litterly 'runnith over'!!! I am so grateful for all of you, my faithful readers, and as far as I am concerned each and every one of you is a winner in my book! But, alas, I can only give away 3 prizes this time...

To keep this little contest honest, I let my daughter draw the names. First, the two winners for 'Fairytale Walnut Wagon Kits' are: La Source Aux Bois and Crust Station!!! I am truly delighted to be sending both of these off to European soils! And for the Grand Prize winner of a 'Madame Crow Fortune Teller Kit' the winner is: Dorian of Uncommon Ephemera!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS AND THANK YOU EVERYONE, for all your kind comments! YOU mean the world to me!!!

1000 Posts Celebration And Give-Away!

Late Monday I realized that my next post would be number 1000!!! It seems like only yesterday I was at 750. I remember thinking then, I bet it will be Spring before I hit 1000. Well here it is, and its only November!!! How does one celebrate 1000 posts? With other bloggers of course!!!

Yesterday, dearest Nicol came up for a day of fun and play. We spent the morning creating little fairytale walnut wagons pulled by birds. We used German paper-mache walnuts and dipped them in glistening mica, added vintage wheels, and a dainty moss seat. The birds, cut from antique prints, are ready to pull their precious fairy cargo, wherever ones heart desires...

A little after noon, we were greeted by fellow bloggers Lea and Trish! In Celebration of Good Friends, we decided to walk Lea's beautiful 'Santa Rosa Labyrinth', and light a candle of intention... I chose to light my candle for 'many, many more Celebrations!!!'

An amazing lunch downtown followed, filled with fabulous conversation, laughter, stories, and salads that looked like artwork and tasted like heaven! We ended our day with an hour of 'Antiquing' finding little old bits and pieces to bring home for future artworks and inspiration.

I only wish the day didn't have to end so quickly... Time with dear friends is ALWAYS too short!!! In honor of FRIENDSHIPS near and far, and 1000 posts, I've decided to have another give-away. On Sunday I will have a drawing for 3 WINNERS, First prize will be a MADAME CROW FORTUNE TELLER KIT, with fall colors of your choice, second and third prize will be KIT's to create your own little FAIRY CART, similar to the one's Nicol and I made yesterday. Leave a comment here or send me an email before Sunday if you wish to join the fun... THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING PART OF MY BLOGGING FAMILY AND BELIEVING IN ME!!!

MOONBEAM DELIGHT!

Tis time dear friends, when ghouls, ghosts and goblins show themselves to all... The moon is full, and time stands still...

Upon dear Luna's luminescence flow bubbles of delight... carrying an invitation one cannot refuse...

Smile, Dance, Laugh... Its time to go to the BLOGLANDIA BALL!!! Chose a costume, sure to amuse and charm... Delicious excess is my attire of choice...

Do you need an escort, to guide your way? I hear of one who follows songs only a 'night-owl' can hear...

Let him guide you in a 'ship' of wonder... tred lightly across the skies, under a celestial body so bright, to a place unknown...

Fear not dear ones, grab your wings and fly! Tonight is sure to be filled with joy, as we dance with friends under a heavenly body so blithe and full... Reach high, grab a MOONBEAM and soar... as my ghost, my spirit, my specter, will meet you on the other side!!!

FortySeven Is A Wonderful Number!

Its the first day of October and I am 47! Last year on my birthday, I invited all my favorite neighborhood friends to, Breakfast at a local tea-house! I wanted to continue the 'tradition' again this year, but was worried about finding a cafe that would fit us all, since our little 'group' has grown! My wonderful Husband, immediately offered his 'services' and said he wanted to host my party!!!
So, while my daughter and I were busy at HALLOWEEN AND VINE my Dear Husband, was at the Farmers Market buying flowers, and food for my celebration! He orchestrated every detail, setting the table with fine linen, our wedding china, old crystal and my Mother-in-laws treasured gold cutlery! He placed two lovely roses and a ripe persimmon at each place-setting...

He lined the walkway with lanterns filled with sweet smelling flowers to greet the guests...

He scrambled eggs, and fried potatoes, cut fresh fruit and sliced local bread and cheese...

And then, just before the guests arrived, he donned jacket and hat, (what is it about a man in uniform that sends women into such a frenzy???)

My friends arrived, including Lea, Lucille and Trish! I am so so lucky to have such a wonderful neighborhood full of amazing women!!!

Once seated we were treated to Champagne Orange Julius by my Daughter and Husband... to toast in yet another year!

The food was delicious, the company divine, and the service exceptional!!!

Birthday candles were blown with wishes for next year...

Stories and laughter was shared, and wonderful gifts were received to inspire future festivities and celebrations!!!

I am 47 and I am BLESSED!!!!

Come Dance Under The Stars!!!

At last, the Bloglandia Ball is here!!! Put on your dancing shoes and come join the fun! I created my dress with David and Paul in mind, and my daughter was inspired by Marilyn Monroe with a fringe dress! Be sure and visit HERE for more wonderful places to see all the festivities!!! THANK YOU ELIZABETH FOR HOSTING THIS WONDERFUL CELEBRATION!

Have You Made Your Dress Yet For The Bloglandia BALL???

Many of you may have heard of the upcoming 'BLOGLANDIA BALL', hosted by the ever effervescent Elizabeth Bunsen! (If not, do visit E.B.'s Blog and find out all the details!) Yesterday afternoon, my dear friend and neighbor LEA invited my daughter and I to a 'Ball Gown Design Party' on her back porch. Fellow neighbor Lynnette (she's the one peeking behind her 'gown in progress' above!) and her two daughters also came along for the fun! Using a joyful profusion of papers, ribbons, trims and glue - Glorious Dresses were created that would make any Couture Loving Girl envious!!! Gown unvailing will have to wait till the BALL opens it's doors on the September 26th Full Moon, but here is a peek at the fun we had yesterday!!!

CELEBRATING SHELLEY!

I know a woman who has more Courage, Bravery and Endurance than most of us can only dream of attaining.
I know a woman who lives fully with tremendous spirit in a body that no longer works for her.
I know a woman who loves to play house, and watch her garden grow.
I know a woman whose husband creates many 'houses' for her to decorate with.
I know a woman who has not one, but two lovely daughters to cherish and love.
I know a woman who inspires others to travel across the world with a 'flow-blue' pot on their lap.
I know a woman who collects many wonderous treasures and fills her home with warmth, passion and feeling.
I know a woman who has an entire town supporting her in a life well lived.
I know a woman who inspires me to live life fully and not take anything for granted!
I know SHELLEY and I am ever so grateful!!!
HUGS TO YOU, DEAR HEART, AND MAY THE WORLD COME TO YOUR DOORSTEP!

(Come celebrate Shelley with Corey, Annie, Lea, Nicol, and Annie and celebrate life!!!)

(Photos taken at Shelley's house while visiting her last week)

Halloween Celebration at American Harvest

Last Night Lucille and I headed over to American Harvest, for a special Halloween Celebration! It was wonderful to see so many talented artists, former students and wonderful friends in one spot - greeting Falls favorite Holiday with such gusto! Pictured here are Collen, Iva, Sharon, Ingrid and Lucille ready to greet the new season in full style!

Much to my surprise, dear friend and fellow Bloglander Nicol also came, after a full day of Birthday Partying! Her infectious energy and sweet smile make any party special!!! HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NICOL! Here are a few more glimpses into Sharon and Roger's wonderland called American Harvest!!!

Recipe for a Perfect Party or Blushing Brides Party - Continued!

The advantage of not having my camera for a few days, is that I have been able to see all the fabulous photos taken by Corey, Lea, Nicol, and Annie of our 'Blushing Brides Party', and re-live the day over and over again. What a treat!!!

For my post, I thought I'd share with you the 'Recipe' for a FABULOUS FETE, in hopes that it may inspire some of you to create your own wonderful party of friends...
Imagine the frenzy created, when the invitation arrived. "TO THE DARLING BRIDES THAT ARE" it said... my first question was "Who is getting married???" to which the response was "We are!". Nine women, full of life, experience, creativity and magic - dug deep in their wardrobes for appropriate attire - playing dress-up like beautiful dolls in need of playmates...

With Lace, Ribbons, Flowers, and a sprinkling of fairy dust, they arrived giggling, smiling and chasing shadows.

Rice flew high in the air, and laughter soared... neighbors wondered what all the festivity was... We each signed in at the guest book, and strolled up the 'wedding walk', decorated in tulle and flowers...

Inside, the lights were lit, the table was set and the wedding cake stood tall...

But, no wedding is complete without a ring... a ring with a sparkling diamond crown, diamonds are Forever you know - queens that we all are!

And true to form, what do queens do??? They PARTY, and laugh, and giggle and party some more!!!

They relax, feeling nurtured and relieved that all went well...

They spend time chatting, gossiping, gazing and SHARING... HUGS TO YOU SHELLEY!!!

Truly it was as if I were 5 again, and transported to my ultimate fantasy of what a party could and should be like!!! A day when friends gathered and dolls came to life, singing songs of joy and making memories for a lifetime! May we inspire you to do the same!!!!

THANK YOU MARY, ALMA, DENISE, RENEE AND COREY FOR A DAY I WILL NEVER FORGET and THANK YOU SHELLEY, LEA, ANNIE, and NICOL FOR SHARING IT WITH ME!!!!

Todays Inspiration!

Lea and I are off to another Blogland Fete hosted by none other than 'Queen of France' Corey and her Godmother Mary! I won't spoil the secret, but I will share my Inspiration for todays 'party favors'!

These dyed, stitched and embellished 'gloves' by Kate Fletcher pay tribute to her mother who in the 1950’s, brought up children, cooked, cleaned, sewed, darned, blued and wrung the washing, ochred the fireplace, chopped the firewood and fixed the electrics, always looking her best on any outing like so many women in her time. And from The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London come these wonderful photos of leather Gauntlet gloves and leather gloves trimmed with ribbons, from the 1600's. Last is a 'sneak peek' at what I created... More photos soon!!!

Kimberlee's Golden Goose!

Truly, I know no one better at finding fabulous antiques than Kimberlee Edgar!!! Just look at this Golden Goose!!! So imagine my surprise when I received a giant box filled with vintage paper goodies, all individually wrapped in black and white paper! Oh my, I am telling you, the Golden Goose lays 'Black and White' eggs, no lie, and they found their way to my doorstep in all their glory! THANK YOU KIMBERLEE!!!

It was MAGIC, Pure MAGIC!!!

Minutes before the magic hour, when the doors to Wonderland opened, the Queen of paper delights and her beautiful Princess set down the last of her polished silver, eager to greet her guests...

From a land far, far away, arrived the Queen of Photography with her delightful GODMOTHER, dripping in vintage lace and full of sparkle!

The Pixie Queen of Dolls graced us with her presence and kept us laughing...

While the Queen of American Harvests looked splendid in her glittering crown, here playfully posing with my own princess from afar!

Queen of Labyrinth's regaled us with Poetry and a few tears were spread...

And the Queen of Crown's brought glitter and sparkle and even more crowns to grace our festivities!!!

Everybody was a star!!!!

And MAGIC happened! Pure MAGIC!!!

BLOGGING PARTY GIRLS!

How could anyone resist such an invitation??? Lea and I are off to Lauren's House today for said 'Mad Tea Party'!!! Corey will be there, all the way from France, with her daughter Chelsea. 'Queen of Crowns' Donna with her friend Sharon of American Harvest have promised to come as well. New blogger friend Kristen will also be there, and last but not least, Nicol has promised us she will pause from her 'world travels' and take tea with us as well!!! Wow, I think I've lost count now, my daughter and Laurens daughter will be there as well, so this is sure to be a fun-filled party! Photos and story to follow!!!

Blessings Of A Ribboned Crown!

Today I have been truly blessed..! Just look at this amazing crown gifted to me, by the talented Donna O'Brien of THE RIBBONED CROWN!!! STUNNING doesn't even begin to describe it! Not only does it have my own personal initial on it, but it is encrusted with antique glass glitter, gold dresden, lovely streamers of ivory silk ribbon and vintage flowers. And if that isn't enough to top a girls day - just look at the box it came in!!! A magnificent confection of delightful fairytale images, and more glitter, dresden and vintage flowers... I am swooning like a Queen should when gifted with such beauty! Words can't even begin to describe how lucky I feel!!! THANK YOU DEAREST Donna, for making me feel so special and for being such a wonderful friend!!!

ROCHAMBEAU!!!

Taste, Talent, Whimsy and Wonder easily describe Constance Muller, who I have blogged about a few times in the past. Now she has started her own BLOG, delightfully named ROCHAMBEAU!!! This will surely be one to bookmark, as she lets us participate in her 'game' of style and creativity!!!

Here's What They Made!!!

So I know you are all itching to see what Lauren and Nicol created yesterday, after my last post! I just finished them and will pop them in the mail tomorrow morning. But, here is a sneak peek! Nicol chose a delightful photo of 3 little girls holding their dolls. She added a nest and the word 'remember' to the bottom and a wonderful Victorian sterling bird to the top! Lauren chose one of my favorite photos of a sweet little boy in checkered clothing and his pet bird. She placed a egg and "No. 3" in her bottom charm. The top piece is an unusual enamelled Victorian piece with a beautiful swallow and roses! I added decorative chains to their art (somewhat hidden in photos as this is my surprise gift to them...) and finished the soldering... Truly a Wonderful Day with Treasured Friends!!!

Friends...Gifts...Treasures...

Time stands still, when in the company of good friends. Friends become gifts and gifts are always treasures! Yesterday was such a day, when fellow bloggers and talented artists, Lauren and Nicol came visiting for a 'playdate'... a playdate that we have litterly been planning for over a year! Like a bouquet of fresh roses (these from Nicol's own garden) these two wonderful women swept into my home and perfumed the air with laughter, smiles and creativity!!! What a time we had! I was so busy playing 'hostess' and 'teacher' that I only managed to take a handful of photos... But fortunately they were in 'full blogger mode' and took lots for you to enjoy on their own blogs!!!

We spent the morning talking and talking and talking some more - and then finally did a little bit of creating. I showed them how I make my jewelry and let them design their own personal pieces. Since we quickly ran out of time, they didn't get finished, but I promise to post photos of their very 'Lauren-ish' and 'Nicol-ish' jewelry when I finish them up later today...

Like Christmas, I was also 'gifted' with lovely momento's that will help the day continue on forever. Nicol gave each of us a delightful little paper basket (Can you guess what they are made of? Think 'French Fries') filled with a magical fabric bird with antique paper wings... And Lauren gave me one of her wonderful waxed 'Baby Dresses' with antique tintype photos, and lovely 'Swan' festooned treasures perfect for my dollhouse. I tell you, days don't get much better then this... See more on Lauren's blog and on Nicol's blog!!! THANK YOU GIRLS FOR BEING SUCH WONDERFUL GIFTS IN MY LIFE!!! (fellow blogger Monique Duke kindly fixed the colors of my last photo!!! Thanks Moki!)